The second volunteer awareness event sponsored by the Conference Prison Justice Group was held in St. Johnsbury on May 8.  Three members of the Prison Justice Group hosted this evening, and it was attended, as presenters, by two volunteers from Jackie's House (see related article) and by Chris Barton, the Volunteer Coordinator of the St. Johnsbury and Newport Correctional Facilities.  Among those who attended were Ted Merchant who has had experience with the Thresholds program and would like to see it implemented in St. J again, and a man who conducts an AA group in the St. J prison.  Will Hunter, of the Prison Justice Group, talked about Dismas House and showed a short video about Rutland's Dismas House.   As well, five other members from various area churches attended and seemed quite interested in the possibility of volunteering in the near future.  As of this writing, at least one person has submitted their application to do so.
 
The women of First Church in St. Johnsbury served a delicious supper, after which Chris Barton took the group on a tour of the St. J Correctional Facility.
 
One of those attending said, as the evening ended, "This was very helpful - getting a better idea of available opportunities and having a chance to have questions answered."
 
The Prison Justice Group feels these events have indeed been helpful in raising awareness and finding volunteers, and hopes to replicate the effort in other parts of the state.

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Jackie Burton, a woman who had not had an easy life and who had known much rejection, found acceptance and "family" at New Beginnings Church in St. J.  Perhaps because she had felt "thrown away," Jackie had saved any and everything that came to her, making her 1859 home very full!  When she died, Jackie left this home to her chosen family.  At first, the church members felt there was no way they could take on this project, but given their love for Jackie, and after much discussion and prayer, they decided to renovate the house and make it a loving home for women who find themselves in a crisis situation. 
 
The story, as reported to those who attended the Prison Volunteer Awareness Event in St. J, is amazing.  In the view of Judy Kennedy and Armand Furland who told the group about it, it was a succession of miracles!  Help has come from many people and companies; there were times that had them shaking their heads in wonder, such as the day they went on record as saying that they needed siding, only to receive a call the next day offering siding for the place at no cost! 
 
The church hopes that Jackie's House will open in a few months.  They have put hard work, as well, into developing Bible-related curriculum to help those who will live there to develop needed life skills and a sense of worth.  Their goal is "to provide a Christ-centered loving home of healing, hope, discipleship and restoration for women in desperate situations."  Their accomplishment is testimony to the wonderful things that can happen, when we open ourselves to God's guidance and act on it!

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