R.I.F.T. Blog
Servants of Or Lord Jesus Christ: Prisoner Outreach & Ministries
"Concerning ourselves with the petty squabbles of conflicting ideas and concept approaches toward the diverse strategies of those currently ministering to prisoners and their families, is like trying to catch the wind with your bare hands. Simply follow the Lord's calling to YOU to become a part of the whole in prison ministry and outreach; leaving expectations of others-including prisoners, at the door. Outreach and ministering to prisoners and their families is not about YOU, Me, or the next organization and title, polished offices, flashy banquets or fancy literature. WE are only servants...led by the calling of our Lord Jesus Christ. Servants carrying lanterns through darkened paths and corridors... Jesus IS the SOURCE of the actual LIGHT we are carrying along the journey."
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
"Prayer is far reaching in its influence and worldwide in its effects. It affects all men, affects them everywhere, and affects them in all things. It touches mans interest in time and eternity. It lays hold upon God and moves HIM to interference in the affairs of the earth. It moves the angels to minister to men in this life. It restrains and defeats the devil in his schemes to ruin men; prayer goes everywhere and has its hand on everything." -EM Bonds-
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
"Prayer is far reaching in its influence and worldwide in its effects. It affects all men, affects them everywhere, and affects them in all things. It touches mans interest in time and eternity. It lays hold upon God and moves HIM to interference in the affairs of the earth. It moves the angels to minister to men in this life. It restrains and defeats the devil in his schemes to ruin men; prayer goes everywhere and has its hand on everything." -EM Bonds-
Trophies of Grace: Welcoming Home Rehabilitated Prisoners
In our national news coverages you hear the very detailed accounts of the instances and scenarios of the crimes committed by persons across our country. You hear and see the names and faces of the so called “menace to society”, the so called “social rejects”, the criminal(s) of and within our communities.
You hear the extensive follow up details of where these individuals are at today; their prison institution locations and the number of years they are sentenced to serve and a recap of the details of their crimes. But what our national coverages don’t really put out there are the countless [success] stories of those who have not only served their time, but who are leading very productive lives. Raising families, pursuing degrees in education, working within the communities as leaders and role models in many aspects relating to social and economical development and causes in the areas of humanity.
These individuals are Real Trophies of Grace. People from all walks of life who in their natures of imperfection have at some point of their lives [stumbled] broken a law, committed an offense; yet have paid their debt to society by way of completing a court imposed prison sentence.
These Real Trophies of Grace, are walking out of penitentiaries across our country only to be greeted by what at most is an unforgiving society. By the very Grace of God, these individuals are staying the course and pushing forward and upwards. At R.I.F.T. we are committed to walking alongside these individuals in the effort to assist in the restoration of those formerly incarcerated; because we truly believe that [everyone] deserves a Second Chance.
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
You hear the extensive follow up details of where these individuals are at today; their prison institution locations and the number of years they are sentenced to serve and a recap of the details of their crimes. But what our national coverages don’t really put out there are the countless [success] stories of those who have not only served their time, but who are leading very productive lives. Raising families, pursuing degrees in education, working within the communities as leaders and role models in many aspects relating to social and economical development and causes in the areas of humanity.
These individuals are Real Trophies of Grace. People from all walks of life who in their natures of imperfection have at some point of their lives [stumbled] broken a law, committed an offense; yet have paid their debt to society by way of completing a court imposed prison sentence.
These Real Trophies of Grace, are walking out of penitentiaries across our country only to be greeted by what at most is an unforgiving society. By the very Grace of God, these individuals are staying the course and pushing forward and upwards. At R.I.F.T. we are committed to walking alongside these individuals in the effort to assist in the restoration of those formerly incarcerated; because we truly believe that [everyone] deserves a Second Chance.
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
A REAL Second Chance
Our society in its mentality of indifference as it specifically relates to affording [real] employment opportunities to the formerly incarcerated person is a form of roadblocking these individuals from the avenues of leading successful lives.
Instead of perpetuating the economical handicaps that this already disadvantaged population encounters within their communities, we [must] engage in the empowerment of these individuals to become productive members of society and the
communities they will [all] eventually come home to.
There exists a raw reality that there is MUCH needed development of resource collaboration and education as they apply to this unique individual, the formerly incarcerated person. The bottom-line being the overall need of constructive, PROACTIVE assistance in securing gainful employment and housing upon release, therefore enabling persons returning from prison institutions towards a more fruitful and successful reintegration into society. A Real Second Chance.
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
Instead of perpetuating the economical handicaps that this already disadvantaged population encounters within their communities, we [must] engage in the empowerment of these individuals to become productive members of society and the
communities they will [all] eventually come home to.
There exists a raw reality that there is MUCH needed development of resource collaboration and education as they apply to this unique individual, the formerly incarcerated person. The bottom-line being the overall need of constructive, PROACTIVE assistance in securing gainful employment and housing upon release, therefore enabling persons returning from prison institutions towards a more fruitful and successful reintegration into society. A Real Second Chance.
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
We As Prisoner Re-entry Service Providers
In order to effectively impact current policies and the implementation and accessibility of working re-entry and transition programs, we need a more concentrated focus amongst service practitioners. Achieving such focus, collectively we all succeed in the movement of assisting the formerly incarcerated beyond the barriers.
I often ponder that the greatest achievement of organizations within the scope relating to ex-offender reentry, rests in the collaboration amongst agencies, organizations and churches; [minus]however, the squabbles of territoriality issues.
Today I was discussing with a local director the subject of “Community Mentalities” as I call them.
Those mentalities that lean more often toward the fixation that ex-offenders are irredeemable and or that these ex-offenders should only be allowed success up to a certain point. In other worlds, not a total success.
The unspoken message there is that they are unforgiven-ex-offenders, and are expected to live below a certain standard of excellence. In addition, one should not be amazed that these very mentalities are also just as present in churches as they are anywhere else. The local director and I discussed the reality that it is the mentalities of perpetual judgment, that stands in the way of coming together- the "Returning Citizen" population, agencies, organizations, community leaders and churches.
Coming together without the reservations of judgment and superiority. Coming together as a body of Christ… Brothers and Sisters, Elders & Shepherds. Coming together beneath the blanket of humanity.
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
I often ponder that the greatest achievement of organizations within the scope relating to ex-offender reentry, rests in the collaboration amongst agencies, organizations and churches; [minus]however, the squabbles of territoriality issues.
Today I was discussing with a local director the subject of “Community Mentalities” as I call them.
Those mentalities that lean more often toward the fixation that ex-offenders are irredeemable and or that these ex-offenders should only be allowed success up to a certain point. In other worlds, not a total success.
The unspoken message there is that they are unforgiven-ex-offenders, and are expected to live below a certain standard of excellence. In addition, one should not be amazed that these very mentalities are also just as present in churches as they are anywhere else. The local director and I discussed the reality that it is the mentalities of perpetual judgment, that stands in the way of coming together- the "Returning Citizen" population, agencies, organizations, community leaders and churches.
Coming together without the reservations of judgment and superiority. Coming together as a body of Christ… Brothers and Sisters, Elders & Shepherds. Coming together beneath the blanket of humanity.
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
The R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars Journey
There is actually quite a lengthy story as to the decision of forming R.I.F.T. Reentry Initiatives For Today's
Prison Complex: Preferring to keep the entire history saved for another day, and instead focusing on the
core of what R.I.F.T. truly stands for is in fact a better service to the population R.I.F.T. is committed to serving: "Returning Citizens"-also known as the FIP- the Formerly Incarcerated Person, those currently incarcerated, the families of those incarcerated, the wrongfully convicted, those condemned to death row across our nation, and the youth who are vulnerable and at a dangerous reach to the hands and practices of our juvenile justice system.
The process and journey of shaping R.I.F.T. began in 2001 as I began my studies to pursue a degree in
Criminal Justice with a second major in Psychology. That alongside my personal interest to explore and
further develop my passion for writing about things that really matter, those very things that across my
own personal life experiences, are the subjects people would more often would rather either sweep
under the rugs of conscience and keep hushed away from open and honest dialogue. The type of matters that would challenge a person to look at their own conscious realities and understandings of the world around them.
Upon completing my studies and achieving my degree, I basically purposed myself to push beyond the
limits of what many had rather said to me that: I "was reaching for the impossible!"
Well, in my own personal lifetime I came to understand that we are only as accomplished as we
purpose ourselves to be!
Thank goodness I learned the meaning of [dream busters], because I intentionally shrugged off those
statements about what was impossible for me and I pushed forward and applied my personal life history
into the very heart of my passion which is to be of [service] to those who are vulnerable, pushed aside,
discriminated against and literally held back- and or are forced against the walls of lowliness and despair.
Doing so with the [willingness] on my part to accept that it would literally require me to begin at the bottoms
of many challenging factors that come into play when one sets out to step up to bat for those who are
disadvantaged and the very working systems in place in our nation to keep these individuals down.
In 2008 I quietly mapped out a plan to apply my heart that is primarily driven for service to the very specific
area of Prisoner Re-entry efforts in our nation. Beginning in Texas I began to engage with others,
those that I refer to as [champions] of social conscience, professionals, legislators, organizational heads
and volunteers, and those who are directly impacted by the very barriers that are indeed set in place to
undermine a whole and successful transition into our communities- our nations [labeled] "ex-offenders" themselves and their families.
What we all share in common on this path is that collectively we are fundamentally driven by the heart of
compassion and regard of another human life and their hardship. Therefore, we all are set out upon the long and winding course of making a difference in the very lives of those who have ever been convicted of a crime against society in some form or another.
Weaving into these efforts the insights, wisdom and grace to somehow brainstorm together with open minds, open hearts and an open understanding toward the successful fruition of seeing the true success
of all humanity.
The R.I.F.T. journey has seen its highs and lows. In this line of work you literally come face to face with the
reality of discrimination, bigotry, greed and indifference. You literally come face to face with some of the
darker and most often hidden sides of human nature such as callousness, hatred, and judgment.
Across the R.I.F.T. journey we literally come face to face with some of the most notoriously noted
individuals who have played their roles in unspeakable crimes against society.
Across the R.I.F.T. journey, I have personally come face to face with the very mirror of my own human nature
and my own personal conscience. Across the R.I.F.T. journey, you also come face to face with the very real
shape and state of our organized churches. There is a real difference between Religious based and
Spiritually based entities. In this line of work you also come face to face with the [heart] and unfortunately
the absence of [heart] organizations. In this line of work I have become re-defined as to my personal purpose and existence in life; how I am called to play a role in my personal relationship with my fellowman or woman, regardless of where this fellowman or woman may be.
I have a personal belief that some of the greatest hardships and experiences in one's life may very well
be some of greatest, most monumental milestones.
In 2009 I officially launched R.I.F.T. Today, R.I.F.T. Reentry Initiatives For Today's Prison Complex- is
no longer a concentration centered on the State of Texas, but is now Reaching Behind Bars
nationwide and internationally. The Prison Complex is a universal reality.
Shedding light, love, hope, peace and the Lord's promises to those who are broken, lost, struggling to rebuild themselves spiritually and economically, no matter where a person has been or is in someway still affected by the dynamics of the criminal justice system, that is the R.I.F.T. emphasis!
One thing R.I.F.T. Reentry Initiatives For Today's Prison Complex is NOT about is to be in the business of making money off of the blood, sweat and tears or circumstances of those very individuals we are set out to [serve] . That is where R.I.F.T. stands apart!
I have met many who have inspired me to believe in the success of the R.I.F.T. concepts.
One quote stands out like a beacon of influence to me:
"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. -Martin Luther King, Jr.
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
Prison Complex: Preferring to keep the entire history saved for another day, and instead focusing on the
core of what R.I.F.T. truly stands for is in fact a better service to the population R.I.F.T. is committed to serving: "Returning Citizens"-also known as the FIP- the Formerly Incarcerated Person, those currently incarcerated, the families of those incarcerated, the wrongfully convicted, those condemned to death row across our nation, and the youth who are vulnerable and at a dangerous reach to the hands and practices of our juvenile justice system.
The process and journey of shaping R.I.F.T. began in 2001 as I began my studies to pursue a degree in
Criminal Justice with a second major in Psychology. That alongside my personal interest to explore and
further develop my passion for writing about things that really matter, those very things that across my
own personal life experiences, are the subjects people would more often would rather either sweep
under the rugs of conscience and keep hushed away from open and honest dialogue. The type of matters that would challenge a person to look at their own conscious realities and understandings of the world around them.
Upon completing my studies and achieving my degree, I basically purposed myself to push beyond the
limits of what many had rather said to me that: I "was reaching for the impossible!"
Well, in my own personal lifetime I came to understand that we are only as accomplished as we
purpose ourselves to be!
Thank goodness I learned the meaning of [dream busters], because I intentionally shrugged off those
statements about what was impossible for me and I pushed forward and applied my personal life history
into the very heart of my passion which is to be of [service] to those who are vulnerable, pushed aside,
discriminated against and literally held back- and or are forced against the walls of lowliness and despair.
Doing so with the [willingness] on my part to accept that it would literally require me to begin at the bottoms
of many challenging factors that come into play when one sets out to step up to bat for those who are
disadvantaged and the very working systems in place in our nation to keep these individuals down.
In 2008 I quietly mapped out a plan to apply my heart that is primarily driven for service to the very specific
area of Prisoner Re-entry efforts in our nation. Beginning in Texas I began to engage with others,
those that I refer to as [champions] of social conscience, professionals, legislators, organizational heads
and volunteers, and those who are directly impacted by the very barriers that are indeed set in place to
undermine a whole and successful transition into our communities- our nations [labeled] "ex-offenders" themselves and their families.
What we all share in common on this path is that collectively we are fundamentally driven by the heart of
compassion and regard of another human life and their hardship. Therefore, we all are set out upon the long and winding course of making a difference in the very lives of those who have ever been convicted of a crime against society in some form or another.
Weaving into these efforts the insights, wisdom and grace to somehow brainstorm together with open minds, open hearts and an open understanding toward the successful fruition of seeing the true success
of all humanity.
The R.I.F.T. journey has seen its highs and lows. In this line of work you literally come face to face with the
reality of discrimination, bigotry, greed and indifference. You literally come face to face with some of the
darker and most often hidden sides of human nature such as callousness, hatred, and judgment.
Across the R.I.F.T. journey we literally come face to face with some of the most notoriously noted
individuals who have played their roles in unspeakable crimes against society.
Across the R.I.F.T. journey, I have personally come face to face with the very mirror of my own human nature
and my own personal conscience. Across the R.I.F.T. journey, you also come face to face with the very real
shape and state of our organized churches. There is a real difference between Religious based and
Spiritually based entities. In this line of work you also come face to face with the [heart] and unfortunately
the absence of [heart] organizations. In this line of work I have become re-defined as to my personal purpose and existence in life; how I am called to play a role in my personal relationship with my fellowman or woman, regardless of where this fellowman or woman may be.
I have a personal belief that some of the greatest hardships and experiences in one's life may very well
be some of greatest, most monumental milestones.
In 2009 I officially launched R.I.F.T. Today, R.I.F.T. Reentry Initiatives For Today's Prison Complex- is
no longer a concentration centered on the State of Texas, but is now Reaching Behind Bars
nationwide and internationally. The Prison Complex is a universal reality.
Shedding light, love, hope, peace and the Lord's promises to those who are broken, lost, struggling to rebuild themselves spiritually and economically, no matter where a person has been or is in someway still affected by the dynamics of the criminal justice system, that is the R.I.F.T. emphasis!
One thing R.I.F.T. Reentry Initiatives For Today's Prison Complex is NOT about is to be in the business of making money off of the blood, sweat and tears or circumstances of those very individuals we are set out to [serve] . That is where R.I.F.T. stands apart!
I have met many who have inspired me to believe in the success of the R.I.F.T. concepts.
One quote stands out like a beacon of influence to me:
"All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence. An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity. -Martin Luther King, Jr.
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
No More Shame in Having Prison Connections: By Jean Butler
This following is a fantastic piece that really makes one think. I mean, what is it really that we are so afraid of in that opening our hearts and minds to the reality of these individuals seems so taboo? Acknowledging our fallen population is a grace not a shame.
–Leann M. Sowell
Executive Director- R.I.F.T.
Reaching Behind Bars
For those of you who forget that the incarcerated humans in this country are indeed just that – human.
I’d like you to think on this the next time you talk about “inmates, criminals, convicts, etc.”
These humans have families and those who love them, despite whatever they did. Look around you and wonder, because this is who we are:
We take care of your children and grandchildren in nursery school.
We give them shots in the doctor’s office.
We’re dental assistants, school teachers and Sunday school teachers.
We stand behind you in the grocery line.
We prepare your medicine in the drugstore.
We work in banks, approve your loans and service your insurance claims.
We work for newspapers and television and radio stations.
We read your electric meters and water meters.
We are your landlords and your neighbors.
We take care of your elderly parents in nursing homes.
We’re nurses, lab technicians and wry technicians.
We own beauty shops, flower shops and printing shops.
We’re welders, plumbers and tree trimmers.
We work for the Internal Revenue Service, the State Department, the courthouse, schools, churches, drugstores and toy stores.
We’re lawyers, legal secretaries, school board members and school-bus drivers.
We prepare meals for your children in school.
We’re city council members and bank tellers.
We process your checking account and savings account.
We work at your Social Security office and your insurance company.
We take care of your IRA, stocks and bonds.
We sell your children bikes, school supplies, clothes, shoes, and eyeglasses.
We repair your cars.
We’re real-estate agents, car dealers, college professors, safety engineers and ranchers.
We work at Wal-Mart and Kmart and sell Avon products.
We’re not all “on welfare,” no matter what the government would like you to think.
There are 2 million people in prison in America, and twice that many are on parole and probation.
Add in mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents and friends, and you’re touching about 16 million people affected by the prison system in the United States. We’re tired of letting ourselves feel humiliated or embarrassed because our loved one is in prison. We did nothing wrong. We’re tired of fearing the loss of our jobs or evictions from our housing should anyone find out we have a loved one in prison. We’re tired of being made to feel inferior or unwelcome in churches, clubs, organizations or society in general simply because we refuse to abandon our loved ones.
We’re ready to unite, to come out of hiding and openly support each other and our loved ones.
We’re ready to speak out against the “they deserve what they get” attitude we hear you talk about in stores, lines and restaurants. We number in the millions. We’re everywhere, in every state, county, city and town. We may even live next door to you. Sixteen million (or more) Prison Connection.
**No More Shame in Having Prison Connections: By Jean Butler
Realistically Breaking the Cycle of Recidivism
Formerly Incarcerated Persons:
Who are they really? These are individuals who at some point in their lives have made some form of a mistake that is classified as a criminal act according to our laws.
In doing so these individuals thereby become enmeshed into our criminal justice system. They are [branded] metaphorically speaking, with either a felony or misdemeanor convictions on their records.
Most cases the offenses committed date back a decade or more. These individuals are sentenced to a period of time within an institutional setting: prison or jail. Once their [time] is served they are then released back into our society, their debt paid for the crimes they have committed. Upon reentering society these people face many challenges. Adjustment: after the time spent inside the setting of an environment that most could not possibly comprehend let alone fathom, they are to adjust to a normal way of life once again within their communities on the outside.
Progression: Moving forward in their lives with a renewed sense of moral character that is of benefit to themselves, their families and the communities that they are indeed a member of…despite the pasts they cannot simply erase.
As productive members of society these individuals are expected to move forward and pursue achievements that are beneficial to the communities in which they dwell. These individuals are either a family member, your neighbor, a friend of a friend, or simply put: some passerby in the grocery store or gas station or Blockbuster Video store you do not even know. In order for our nation to achieve a break in the cycle of recidivism we must make possible a realistic avenue for these individuals to become the productive members of society that they are already punished for for having fallen below the bar and grace of due their past mistakes with the laws as we know them to be.
Real employment opportunities for this disadvantaged population is monumental. Every human being has an innate instinct called survival. If we bar these individuals from the means of supporting themselves and the families that they are a part of then what exactly are we to expect these individuals to do? Are we not paving the path toward recidivism? And if so…Why?
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars
Who are they really? These are individuals who at some point in their lives have made some form of a mistake that is classified as a criminal act according to our laws.
In doing so these individuals thereby become enmeshed into our criminal justice system. They are [branded] metaphorically speaking, with either a felony or misdemeanor convictions on their records.
Most cases the offenses committed date back a decade or more. These individuals are sentenced to a period of time within an institutional setting: prison or jail. Once their [time] is served they are then released back into our society, their debt paid for the crimes they have committed. Upon reentering society these people face many challenges. Adjustment: after the time spent inside the setting of an environment that most could not possibly comprehend let alone fathom, they are to adjust to a normal way of life once again within their communities on the outside.
Progression: Moving forward in their lives with a renewed sense of moral character that is of benefit to themselves, their families and the communities that they are indeed a member of…despite the pasts they cannot simply erase.
As productive members of society these individuals are expected to move forward and pursue achievements that are beneficial to the communities in which they dwell. These individuals are either a family member, your neighbor, a friend of a friend, or simply put: some passerby in the grocery store or gas station or Blockbuster Video store you do not even know. In order for our nation to achieve a break in the cycle of recidivism we must make possible a realistic avenue for these individuals to become the productive members of society that they are already punished for for having fallen below the bar and grace of due their past mistakes with the laws as we know them to be.
Real employment opportunities for this disadvantaged population is monumental. Every human being has an innate instinct called survival. If we bar these individuals from the means of supporting themselves and the families that they are a part of then what exactly are we to expect these individuals to do? Are we not paving the path toward recidivism? And if so…Why?
(c) 2012 -Leann M. Sowell-
Executive Director- R.I.F.T. Reaching Behind Bars