We can make a difference together

CPMM-A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

SUMMER 2022

FROM THE HEART

by Richard Blake

As we're now in the “dogs’ days of summer”, I hope you're having a great summer! We are blessed

to have new partners in our ministry, as well as faithful partners who increased their giving this

year! (A big thank you!) It's amazing that Ernesto has now celebrated one year in our ministry.

And he has taken to this ministry like a “duck to water”! Speaking of anniversaries, I begin my year tenth as the Executive Director & Mark begins his seventh year with us.

Please be sure to read the article from Chaplain Sickler & the inmates sharing how our parenting classes have touched them! Also, note that I include a photo of our latest parenting class at Holdenville, Ok(a private prison).

People ask me what am most proud of. Well, it’s very gratifying to see ex-inmates that I accidentally run into on the streets & they thank me for helping them turn their lives around! That is awesome! But, besides that, I’m glad that in the last eight years we’ve baptized almost 600 inmates into Christ & we have 2,500 prayer partners! As a pastor once told me, “How can not succeed when you have that many people praying for you”! Amen!

My name is Rev. Cynthia Sickler and I am a Chaplain serving at Jim E. Hamilton Correctional Center for the Department of Corrections for the state of Oklahoma. I have been serving in this capacity for 3 years.

Mr. Richard Blake has been providing the Course, Inside Out Dad, here in my facility before I became the Chaplain. He serves this community with a service that isn’t provided otherwise for the gentlemen who desire to become better fathers. The gentlemen respond very well to Mr. Blake and they, for the most part, are on a waiting list to attend the class. It provides the gentlemen an opportunity to begin to make changes in their relationships with each other and with their children. Mr. Blake's teaching ability with the gentlemen engages them with the work and they are very attentive and responsive in his class. They enjoy the class greatly.

Thank you.

Rev. Cynthia Sickler, Chaplain II

A Deeper Look

by Mark Wilkinson

Ninety-seven percent of all incarcerated individuals in our nation will be released someday back into the streets and our society. One of the best programs for rehabilitation is the Inside Out Dad class. Richard teaches it throughout the state of Oklahoma, and Ernesto and I teach it in Missouri.

Satan has worked hard over the last 50 years to destroy the family.

So, the need to fortify it is important now more than ever before. The offenders we serve need to learn how to restore relationships with their children and the mothers of their children.

I asked the Programs Coordinator at Farmington Correctional, Shelia Pigmon, CCMII, to give her thoughts on the Inside Out Dad Program. Here is what she shared,

“Inside Out Dad is an integral component of offender programming at Farmington Correctional Center. Offenders may request the program or be referred by staff. It provides education regarding male roles, managing feelings, effective communication, child development, men’s health and co-parenting. Offenders have commented that the class helped them identify what kind of father they are and strategies to become the father they want to be. It also helps identify strengths and weaknesses with regard to parenting and other areas of their life. An offender who recently completed the class reported that he learned ‘how to navigate the relationship with his child’s mother more effectively.’ We appreciate the continued dedication of Mark Wilkinson as he facilitates Inside Out Dad with our classification staff. It is a popular class with a waiting list for enrollment.”

Inside Out Dads

by an Inmate

Before I tell you what I have learned from Inside Out Dads, I want to tell you how I came to take this class. When I got arrested I wanted to get right with God, myself, and my children. Now I have an awesome relationship with God and I believe. I am who He (Jesus) says I am and nothing less. So, I have been looking for this class for the past 3-4 years and when I got here to JEHCC. I was here about 2 months when I saw this class and talked to a few guys and the Chaplain about it. I also have been praying for God to reconcile me with my children and praising Him for showing me how to be a better father. I was going to wait until the next class or maybe not take it at all when as I was leaving the chapel, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to sign up for it as this is something I have been praying for. As I went through the class I began learning that I had no real father figure growing up—they either abused me or taught me how not to be a father. I have learned that my kids do need food and clothes and a home, and to hear you love them. What they want more is for me to show it, by being available to listen, talk, teach and help them grow, and protect them. My daughters will have a good example of what type of father their kids need and my sons will know how to be good fathers to their children. Even though I don’t have contact with them now, I do look forward to the day when I will be able to share with them all that God has shown and taught me and I will be the father they need and want.

P.O. Box 1111 Jefferson City, MO 65102 (573-301-5883) CPMM-A.ORG

// CONNECT WITH US //

Visit our Website

Give now