Humans are by nature flawed. Some people manage to address those flaws and live a life based on morals and values. Others struggle with their imperfections and make choices that have drastic, life-altering consequences. Sometimes these choices result in incarceration and criminals wind up stuck in the age-old debate of punishment versus rehabilitation. As a society, are we comfortable locking offenders up and throwing away the key, or is there more that can be done?
The Clay County Jail Ministry (CCJM) program believes that nobody is a lost cause, regardless of their past. They operate within a well-defined and steadfast mission: “Win the lost to Christ; discipline them in the ways of God; and assist them with a successful transition into society.” CCJM was formed by a group of concerned citizens interested in making a difference. This effort is currently being guided by a group of nine board members, one of which is Marie Swanson.
The Jail Ministry program is a fairly new organization, with roots dating back to October of 2014. It was inspired by Cass County’s Jail Chaplains program, which was created in 1979. After attending a luncheon in the Cass County jail a few years ago, Swanson became interested in duplicating Cass County’s program in Moorhead. “I had an opportunity to learn about the programs offered in the jail and hear personal accounts from inmates and former inmates,” she explained. “The impact the ministry had on changing their lives was compelling.”w
Despite her interest, it wasn’t until Swanson retired in 2014 that Clay County’s Jail Ministry program was born. Like any new organization, there have been some bumps in the road. “One of the challenges we face in Clay County now is the limited space and staff available to accommodate significantly more faith-based programming in jail,” Swanson said. “We are so genuinely grateful for the support we currently have from Sheriff Bergquist and the staff in the jail, but we look forward with anticipation to the construction of a new jail that will impact the additional opportunities for faith-based programming.”
Another challenge for the Jail Ministry program involves finances, a common issue for non-profit groups all over the Valley. The organization is currently in the process of developing a plan to sustain the ministry financially. “We are confident in God’s provision as we proceed,” Swanson said.
There will always be detractors that believe incarceration should be penal in nature as opposed to rehabilitative. That type of attitude is usually based on ignorance. When people see the success of a program like CCJM, their outlooks often change. “I suspect any misconceptions may come in large part from not knowing what takes place in the ministry and the incredible changes that individuals have made in their lives,” Swanson explained. “Individuals who may have been considered ‘hopeless individuals’ are now faith-filled men and women living productive lives and contributing to the community in positive ways.”
The belief that everyone deserves a second, third, or even fourth chance keeps people like Swanson coming back. The miracle of change can happen in an instant or it can take place gradually over many days, months, or even years. Hope is never lost, however. “I am so encouraged by the hope offered and received by inmates as they hear the Gospel and respond to God’s love for them,” Swanson explained. “I am humbled by the experiences I have had in my direct contact with the inmates and the blessing they give to me as we interact.”
More information about the Clay County Jail Ministry program can be obtained at www.claycountyjailministry.org.
Moorhead Police Department Volunteer Program:
In addition to CCJM, Moorhead is also fortunate to have a police department that goes out of its way to create lasting and mutually beneficial partnerships within the community. Administrative Lieutenant Tory Jacobson had been with the police department for twenty-five years. He was involved in the first citizen interviews in 1999 and is currently one of two administrators that oversee the department’s volunteer program.
Jacobson is especially proud of the department’s Citizen’s Police Academy, which recently graduated its 20th class. The academy is a ten-week program that gives citizens the opportunity to meet the Moorhead’s police officers and get a look at what goes on behind the scenes. The program results in mutual appreciation and understanding. “Having someone willing to give their time and learn how and what we do is important,” Jacobson explained. “I really value being a part of it.”
The Moorhead Police Department has relied on community volunteers for many years. “It is a connection we make directly with the citizens that has proven over time to help us address community needs and supply a higher level of service to the community,” Jacobson said. “Without their hours and numerous contributions, things would have to be left undone because we don’t have the resources to do them.” According to Jacobson, the volunteer program has recorded 52,659 hours of volunteer time since 1999. In addition, volunteers have written 1.8 million parking tickets during that same period.
The police department is always in need of additional volunteers. “Volunteers have been a longstanding success for the department,” Jacobson explained. “We have staple projects like parking enforcement, parades, and child print, but we also have random things we don’t have the resources for, like looking a surveillance videos or combing through a lot of information.” The department currently has between 20 and 25 volunteers, but would love to see that number rise. “We need enough to fill the needs that exist,” said Jacobson.
If you would like more information on Moorhead Police Department’s volunteer program, you can call 218-299-5143 or visit http://www.ci.moorhead.mn.us/departments/police/support/police-volunteers.
