Shaping Families

When Mom's Incarcerated

Camilla is a mother and grandmother, with a daughter serving time because of drugs. Camilla has ended up raising some of her daughter’s children and she wanted to share their story out of a sincere desire to help other families in similar situations. While Camilla is a committed Christian today, she had a rough life herself in her younger years.

Listen - Transcript - Study Guide

Centerpiece

Harvey Yoder

Camilla’s work in prisons reminds me of how I became interested in working with inmates years ago when I and some fellow college students began visiting a nearby jail on a regular basis. I especially remember the time I got permission to spend over 24 hours there behind bars one weekend, wearing the same drab prison garb and eating the same bland prison fare as the other 12 people sharing my cell.

Alcoholics Anonymous

VIDEO
Long Road Back: Ex-Offenders Struggle for Acceptance.  A Third Way Media documentary on re-entry after prison. See video trailer. 

PBS Frontline Special: “The Released”. A documentary on recidivism and mental illness.

WEBSITES
Long Road Back. This website highlights the stories told in the TV documentary and provides information and links to the myriad of difficult issues ex-offenders face upon re-entry. Tell your story or respond to others on this site.

Women’s Prison Association. The nation's oldest service and advocacy organization committed to helping women with criminal justice histories see new possibilities for themselves and their families.

National Fatherhood Initiative. NFI was established in 1994 to ensure that every child has what they need to succeed: the love and support of an involved, responsible and committed father.

U.S. Department of Justice Reentry Information. U.S. Government official site on re-entry from prison, including information and resources.

Reentry Policy Council. An organization to chart the safe and successful return of prisoners to the community.

Correspondence Courses.  Bible studies and other courses by mail especially for those incarcerated.

News story on “Female Drug Offenders: Punishment or Treatment?” 

The Land of the Free from Behind Bars

Burton Buller

Composer/singer Ken Medema returns to Shaping Families with new parts of an exclusive interview for our program reflecting on what it was like to raise a family while pursuing a performing career. You’ll get an intimate glimpse of Ken’s family life while hearing tips for dealing with your own family dilemmas and conflicts. Plus, some of his inimitable music—especially for our listeners.

Green Beans Wrapped in Bacon

When garden green beans are in season, this recipe offers a delicious alternative to steamed green beans, as good as they are. Great when hosting dinner at your table. (Contributed by host Burton Buller.)

• Shaping Families Update - May 12
• Shaping Families Update - May 5
• Shaping Families Update - April 28
• Shaping Families Update - April 21

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