INTERFAITH PARTNERSHIP OF METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SOCIAL ISSUES COMMITTEE

The purpose of the Social Issues Committee is to study, research, and make recommendations on social issues of interest to the faith community in St. Louis. In 2007, we are studying recidivism rates and how our faith communities can have a positive impact on individuals recently released from prison. By assisting this vulnerable population, we can simultaneously impact their lives while making our communities safer.
Did you know:*
On average, 2 out of 3 people released from state prison are re-arrested within three years

Recidivism rates have remained virtually unchanged over the past 30 years

50% of re-entering ex-offenders are functionally illiterate

1 in 32 adults in the U.S. was in jail or prison, or on parole or probation in 2002

80% of mothers in prison have minor children

81% of school-suspended youth have a “court-involved” parent

*Facts received from the National Crime Prevention Council, www.ncpc.org

Community re-entry programs have proven to reduce recidivism rates by supporting ex-offenders while they re-integrate into society. We are currently looking for volunteers to serve as mentors for community prisoner re-entry programs! Contact Lauren to receive more information.

For more information on community prisoner re-entry programs:
Center for Women in Transition
Father Support Center
Project COPE

Join us to discuss these issues and how our communities can make a change!
Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of every month
Please contact Lauren Hamvas at 314-531-4787 or LHamvas@faithbeyondwalls.org for further information