May 2014
Welcome! It is always a privilege to share with you each month. In the United States of America, a week is set aside each year to focus on those victimized by crime. Although it is all about the victims and their families, some share their hearts with groups of inmates in prison, especially in California. This is not only a healing balm for the victims, but for the inmates who get in touch with their feelings, gain compassion and learn to empathize.
VICTIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK…
This week was a three day event in April for those housed at Mule Creek State Prison (MCSP), especially for those involved in the Victims Awareness Offenders Program (VAOP). Each day, Staff members escorted family members of victims into the chapel to speak to a group of inmates, but none were victims of inmates at MCSP.
Some question the ability to trust an inmate in such a setting. But be assured, the three VAOP learning phases equip the men with four core values: respect, care, trust and humility. We have learned to listen intently and to ask appropriate questions when called upon. Our motto is: “NO MORE VICTIMS!”
The men were mesmerized by the sharing of members from four organizations: