Date: Fri 28-Jul-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: CAROLK

Quick Words:

a12-Garner-Justice-Mercy-award

Full Text:

GARNER HONORS JUSTICE AND MERCY WITH AN AWARD

Frank Crose, Warden of Garner Correctional Institution, is pleased to announce

that "Justice and Mercy," a Newtown interfaith prison support group, has been

chosen Garner's 1995 Volunteer of the Year.

Justice and Mercy was founded in 1993. Central to the creation was Mary

Taylor, Nancy Gossling, and Reverend Steve Gordon. They realized that the

staff of the Garner needed support from the community and that many positive

things were taking place at the institution. Mary Taylor had taught in the

federal prison system and had initiated a series of articles on social

justice. She was the liaison with Reverend James Cook, director of religious

services, Department of Correction, and with the Connecticut Prison

Association.

Nancy Gossling as part of her ministerial studies, wanted to use her "ministry

to help others develop their ministries."

Reverend Steve Gordon of the Newtown Congregational Church had volunteered in

the prisons 20 years before. With notices to the churches and the newspapers,

a meeting was held with the community and prison officials present. Since

then, Justice and Mercy has met monthly, except in the summer months.

Members of Justice and Mercy have been involved at Garner for staff and inmate

activities. Reverend Steve Gordon held a "Healing Workshop" for the Religious

Services Department. Mary Taylor taught a course called "Philosophy of

Non-Violence" and is presently teaching an ethics class with mental health

staff.

Wallace Wood is teaching a writing series organized in six week cycles

covering creative writing, journal writing, play writing, poetry, and letter

writing.

Michael Taylor is a faithful participant in Catholic Sharing Hour on Tuesday

evening and has recruited volunteers for this activity.

Member Chris Salerno teamed with Mental Health staff to conduct a "Successful

Family Reentry."

Justice and Mercy placed notes with the Thanksgiving and Christmas paychecks

to staff saying, "Thanks for making our community safe." To honor staff during

correction Officer's Week, Justice and Mercy worked with youth from the

Newtown Congregational Church, the Newtown Methodist Church, Den 4 of Pack 170

Cub Scout Troop, and a high school art class to make posters and thank you

cards expressing thanks to the staff.

For two years Garner C.I. and Justice and Mercy have sponsored a Community

Christmas Concert at Garner. Three Choral groups from the Newtown churches and

Garner's inmate choirs performed at the concert last December. Another concert

is anticipated for December 1995.