Poughkeepsie Meeting has a long tradition of prison ministry, which Friends carry out by working with the support of the Nine Partners Prison Committee (NPPC).
This committee has responsibility for oversight of the prison worship groups at Green Haven (Dutchess Co.) and Otisville (Orange Co.) Correctional Facilities.
These groups meet weekly for worship, business, and fellowship with the participation of outside Quaker volunteers from several of the meetings in the Nine Partners Quarter.
Our prison meetings use the principles and practices of Friends, especially the belief that we must seek “that of God in each one.”
The NPPC meets monthly with at least one representative from meetings at New Paltz, Cornwall, Bulls Head-Oswego, and Poughkeepsie.
The committee includes active volunteers from the two prison meetings.
The NPPC is able to provide financial assistance to volunteers for travel expenses, as well as expenses of the prison worship groups, such as refreshments and religious study materials.
Other forms of ministry that the committee supports are individual prisoner visitation, individual mail correspondence with a prisoner, and advocacy for criminal justice issues, as well as support to individual prisoners who are applying for parole or clemency.
The committee was involved in a clemency appeal (which was successful), and in visiting a state assembly representative to advocate for two legislative bills before the NY State Legislature.
When prisoners from the worship groups are released on parole, the committee remains in support of their successful re-entry into their local community.
Those engaged in the prison ministry feel that they are helping to transform lives.
Through our worship groups and partnering with the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) we bring Quaker values and non-violent resolution of conflict into the lives of sincere, incarcerated seekers.
A number of incarcerated and released prisoners have become members in the Society of Friends.
People interested in becoming involved in prison ministry, whether Quaker or not, may request more information at pokfriendsmeeting@gmail.com.
Featured Image Photo Credit: Corey Devon Arthur is a published writer, an artist and a Quaker. He knows that the violence he’s experienced in the prison system has done nothing to heal him. He believes in bringing people together in community for person-to-person healing. He loves nothing more than connecting people through his art from behind prison walls and he invites us to gather in community to share reflections and stories inspired by these paintings. Text credit to: Judy Miekle of NYYM