Christmas in jail.
Have you ever wondered what it might be like to spend Christmas in jail? It’s probably not at the front of your radar and that’s okay. I don’t have first hand experience, however, I do know there is an opportunity for all of us to help bring a little cheer to a few youth who will be spending Christmas in jail.
We are hosting multiple Christmas parties this year. One at JWTP (Jackie Winters Transition Program) for eleven young ladies. And another party at Linn/Benton County Juvenile Detention. These youth won’t be able to spend the holiday with their families so we get the privilege of being their family this year. By providing some food, a game, crafts, gifts, and a message about the gift of HOPE.
Each youth gets to fill out a wish list of items and we get to do the shopping. Items like, pajamas, socks, slippers, shampoo, body wash, puzzle books, sweatshirt, toothbrush/tooth paste or small stuffed animal (they only get to choose a couple of items).
As you can imagine, the cost of providing all of the above can add up quickly. This is where you can help us. Would you consider giving a financial gift to help cover the costs of these fun events? We expect the total expense to be approximately $1500.
OR…you can consider a year end gift. Either way it’s tax deductible and a great opportunity for you to think of us and help bring joy to these youth during a difficult season of the year. If you have already given a gift this year, THANK YOU!
Merry Christmas!
Jennifer Berg
Executive Director
Bringing Hope to the Hopeless
Mid-Valley Youth for Christ
Juvenile Justice Ministry
503-559-1005
Jennifer@mvyfc.org
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THANKFUL
“Thank you for coming today…
I can’t remember the last time I smiled or laughed.” (15-year-old male)
During one of my recent trips to detention, I was disappointed to learn that only three youth requested to attend my group when I knew there were a total of 12 in the facility. The staff escorting us to the classroom was also surprised and asked a colleague, “Did you tell them it was Jen, and that she has licorice?!” Armed with this new information, the second staff member went back to the youth and soon, more than half of the 12 were settling into their seats, ready for the treat that earned me the nickname “The Licorice Lady” over a decade ago.
You might remember that when I do group at detention, I’m frequently meeting with a revolving door of youth because this is a temporary holding facility. So, while I can’t easily do Bible studies or engage in on-going mentoring relationships like I can with youth in long-term facilities, the good news is that in this more introductory context, I can use good materials on frequent repeat. And one of my favorite selections is to grab anything that Christian comedian Tim Hawkins produces because of how humor (in combination with licorice!) breaks down walls. On this night, the video’s main point set up a great conversation with questions from the youth such as, “Will God still love me despite some things I’ve done?” What I love about this (frequently asked) question is just how surprised the youth become when I say that God loves them no matter who they are, or what they have done (Romans 8: 38-39).
That night after the video, I was able to meet one-on-one with a 15-year-old young man who thanked me for coming because he hadn’t felt joy for longer than he could remember. Being able to bring a smile to the heart of a young person who has forgotten what it is like to feel happiness is both a burden and an amazing privilege. Thank you for participating with me in delivering the Good News to incarcerated youth in our community.
I’m grateful for your commitment to this ministry, and I wish you and your family a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday.
Bringing HOPE to the hopeless.
