Welcome to “University of Sing Sing” EDUCATION IS THE KEY THAT OPENS PRISON DOORS
BY HANS B. HALLUNDBAEK
The tall, broad-shouldered man strides to the podium to receive his master’s in theology diploma, a smile stretched across his dark face. A portrait of accomplishment and self-respect, he turns to the audience gathered in the large room and slowly scans the rows of people until he focuses on a woman sitting close to the front. “Ladies and gentlemen, I want to express...” he begins, his deep voice quickly trailing off into a poignant silence. Struggling to compose himself, he finally manages, “Mother, I owe this all to you! You are the one who kept blowing wind under my wings.” By now there is hardly a dry eye in the room, for while this scene would be touching under the most conventional circumstances, this graduation ceremony is taking place behind the barbed-wire-topped concrete walls of a maximum security prison.
At Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, N.Y., a prison for long-term felons, graduations such as this are an annual and joyous event. Since 1982, New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) has graduated an average of 15 men a year from its master of professional studies program at Sing Sing. As contradictory as it may sound, the seminary program has fostered an impressive crop of theologians and ministers, many of whom have left prison and proceeded to ordination and respectable positions in social institutions; some have gone on to earn their doctorate degree.
Death births new program
Ironically, it was the brutal Attica massacre, which led to the death of 43 people in 1971, that provided the impetus for the seminary program at Sing Sing. Dr. George W. Webber, president emeritus of NYTS, recalls how in the early 1980s,
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Preceding page and left: Graduates celebrate their commencement with educators, family, and friends. (Photos by Hans Hallundbaek and Richard Moller) academic training with less fortunate brothers in prison. Webber was again called in to spearhead the innovative new program, which would depend exclusively on volunteer staff (often retired professors or clergy) assisted by the master’s program grads. He enlisted the help of an Ursuline Sister, Dr. Marian Bohen, a longtime professor in the master’s program at NYTS. With Bohen’s help, a one-year, 33-credit certificate in ministry and human services program was quickly established. Based upon a curriculum similar to the master’s program, it was geared to prisoners with a high school diploma or equivalent. The certificate program quickly spread higher learning in the education-starved prison system, creating a true win-win situation for all. Graduates from the master’s program acting as teaching assistants were able to share their insights with fellow inmates; students earned credits towards a future college degree; and the prison system benefited from having the inmates productively engaged and out of trouble. Bohen (who, dressed in her civilian clothes, was often referred to as “the nun in disguise” by prison guards) tirelessly coordinated the beehive of activity and excitement. The certificate in ministry and human services program is now incorporated as a nonprofit organization called Rising Hope Inc. (risinghopeinc.org), and Boricua College of New York City is the recording institution for student credits. Over the last 10 years the program has spread from Sing Sing to six other prisons in New York State, where well over 600 students have graduated from the program.
in its efforts to improve the prison system, the New York State Department of Corrections requested that the seminary start a program of higher education at the prison. Having left the ivory tower world of Union Theological Seminary in favor of living in an apartment in impoverished East Harlem while simultaneously engineering a spectacular turnaround for ailing NYTS,Webber was ready for the challenge. “Living in Harlem, one could not ignore the reality that a high proportion of the men from the community were in prison,” recalls Webber. “It seemed obvious to me that for a concerned seminary it was not optional but essential that we provide a quality rehabilitative education to men in prison.” With unprecedented support by the prison system, a fullfledged master’s program was established at Sing Sing, with a demanding curriculum and five-day-a-week class schedule. Inmates holding a bachelor’s degree were selected to transfer to Sing Sing from prisons throughout New York State for the one-year study program. Twenty-four years later, in a speech on behalf of fellow graduates at the 2006 graduation at Sing Sing, Nigel Lawrence received a standing ovation when he concluded, “Above all, our studies have led to discovery of the noble cause of serving others and the realization that freedom without responsibility is still imprisonment.” The dedication of program graduates to serve others was tested in 1995 when public support for college education in prison was discontinued after elimination of public funding. Quick to imagine the devastating effects implied by the loss of educational opportunities for their fellow prisoners, seminary graduates pushed for the development of a college-level program in which they could share some of their acquired
Transformation begins within
Recent graduate Jerry P. says, “The program is more than an educational service. It is a spiritual phenomenon that inspires hope as it gives new life and purpose through the awakening of the potential that was dormant inside myself and others like me.” Gregory F., who used the certificate program as a stepping stone to enter the master’s program, said, “While I was already familiar with the many advantages education offers, I was not aware of the kind of investment in character development that was a focal point of the certificate program. It was one of the most formative and significant periods of my life.” Students of all faith traditions are invited to these academic programs, and Mark G., a student of the Islamic tradition, comments, “As a Muslim, this Christian-based program has shown me that there is hope for the religions of the world to work together.” Sylvester D. demonstrates that he has gained more than academic insight when he comments, “My thinking has changed. Violence is not the answer to solving problems. Violence only brings more violence. I have learned that
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powerful experience,” says Mr. Steed. “It enables the entire congregation to experience the good that can come out of prison, if only we encourage it.” According to the National Institute of Corrections, 96 percent of all incarcerated people are eventually released. This, however, presents its own set of problems. Due to the incarceration boom of the 1970s and ’80s, this country is currently facing a reentry tidal wave of unprecedented proportions. Between 600,000 and 700,000 men and women will be released from prison each year for the next five years, a 500 percent increase over the reentry rates in 1980. This flood of exiting prisoners will be pouring back into predominantly poor communities that are already plagued by social ills and completely unprepared to accommodate people who have been isolated in hostile environments for years on end. Jeremy Travis, president of John Jay Criminal Justice College in New York and author of But They All Come Back: Facing the Challenges of Prisoner Reentry (Urban Institute Press, 2005), gave the commencement address to this year’s graduating class of Mercy College’s Sing Sing program. In it he challenged the graduates by saying, “The country needs you to assist in reentry, just like it needs all people of good will, as well as social institutions and churches, to get involved.” He continued by expressing optimism for the reentry issue, referring to the so-called “Second Chance Act” initiative by the Bush administration that has resulted in special reentry projects across the country. A leading participant in this initiative is Exodus Transitional Communities (etcny.org), a hands-on reentry facility in Harlem, N.Y., that offers social, economic, educa-
forgiving is the right thing to do.” Darryl B. takes a philosophical approach when he says, “I personally believe that there is no greater investment a person can make than to invest in another human being’s life. These programs invest in the lives of human beings that have been written off.” Those determined to improve themselves inside Sing Sing can also participate in Rehabilitation Through the Arts, a program of Prison Communities International (p-c-i.org) that has, for the last 10 years, used acting, play production, and drama therapy to instill confidence and an awareness of self-worth in inmates. The program’s focus on writing, acting, poetry, and even visual art helps the men discover their true selves, which often then encourages them to pursue an academic route. Mercy College of New York has also joined the slowly growing ranks of institutions that see the value of providing education behind bars. Through a coordinating organization called Hudson Link, Mercy has for the past several years given inmates the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree, which then opens the door for them to enter the seminary’s master’s program. An increasing number of men from the certificate and the arts programs are following that route. The unique combination of academics and the arts is a godsend for the men at Sing Sing, for whom long years of incarceration otherwise leads to despair of ever elevating themselves above their checkered pasts.
Partnering with the Body of Christ
When managed wisely, prisons can offer ample opportunities for Christ-centered organizations to fulfill their scriptural obligations of extending love to their neighbors behind prison walls. In a powerful example, students and graduates from the seminary’s Sing Sing program have for over 12 years been blessed by a unique relationship with the congregation of Rye Presbyterian Church (ryepc.com), located in an affluent community close to New York City. A core group from the church regularly visits with the students, assisting them after their release with clothing, transportation, and networking contacts. Robert Steed, an elder at the church says, “We have seen them begin exciting professional careers, most often in human services.” Each year this church dedicates a Sunday service to justice issues and invites formerly incarcerated graduates from the master’s program to perform all the elements of the worship service, from the call to worship to the benediction. “It is a A scene from “Stratford’s Decision,” a 2002 Rehabilitation Through the Arts performance at Sing Sing. (Photo by Brent Buell)
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tional, and spiritual support to individuals in transition from incarceration (as well as from drug addiction and homelessness). In 1999, with the help of clergy, volunteers, and other formerly incarcerated individuals, Julio Medina, executive director of ETC and himself a former inmate, founded the organization with the clear goal of helping people returning from prison to land on their feet, secure a job, and integrate into society. Since then over 5,000 men and women returning from prison have entered the ETC program, and an estimated 80 percent have succeeded in reintegrating with family, securing a job, and staying out of crime/prison. While “saving” 5,000 people over a six-year period is impressive, it cannot compare to the almost 30,000 men and women currently returning to the New York City area each year as part of the reentry tsunami. Medina agrees that as a society we have a long way to go before we learn to respond
appropriately to the reentry challenge, but that only strengthens his resolve. “Assisting others’ return is my calling and a promise I made while still inside prison, and I am keeping it,” says Medina. “Last week I had a call from a client we placed in a job four years ago. He is now a supervisor and asked for five more people. That is how our hope is rekindled.” Medina embodies his belief in educational efforts for inmates by teaching in the master’s program at Sing Sing while simultaneously working towards his doctoral degree at NYTS. Back at the joyful commencement ceremony at Sing Sing, the last of this year’s 13 graduates have received their diplomas. Spirits are high as Superintendent Brian Fisher, head of the correctional facility, charges the class, “I congratulate you and have no doubt you will not return. I expect you not just
A Balm Behind Bars
counseling program to address the problems of addiction and antisocial/criminal behavior. With 141 churches committed to the project and 1,000 members of their clergy and laity trained in its methods, REST Philly is currently providing pre- and post-release counseling to inmates at all five of Philadelphia’s prisons. This counseling utilizes the REST (Rational Emotive Spiritual Therapy) method, which combines cognitive therapy and spiritual intervention to transform negative thoughts and behaviors into positive ones. The heart of the REST program is group “edu-therapy,” conducted in weekly 90-minute sessions over 13 weeks. On a national level, REST is currently placing special emphasis on the needs of incarcerated African American females, who, according to Bureau of Justice figures for 2004, enter the prison system at four times the rate of white females. The disproportionate numbers are attributed largely to the mandatory sentencing policies of the nation’s “War on Drugs” and also to low-income women’s inability to obtain viable legal representation. Without competent and caring legal counsel, they are often given heavy sentences in cases of nonviolent drug or property-related offenses. REST’s national campaign, “Healing Hurting Sistas and Their Children,” is providing updated training to their counselors so that 1,000 incarcerated African American females and 2,000 of their children can be helped both before and after the women’s release from prison during 2006-07. At REST Philly, Rev. Jordan is also caught up in the “Healing Hurting Sistas” campaign, overseeing the training of 200 counselors to mentor 200 incarcerated women in Philadelphia’s Riverside Correctional Facility.
B Y K I M B E R LY G E G N E R
“Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?” (Jer. 8:22) Christians attuned to the ills of the world know that this ancient cry of hopelessness and despair is still heard in countless corners of the world, but how many realize that it is being called out every day by an ever-growing body of women inside America’s prisons? Women now make up 7 percent of inmates in state and federal prisons. That statistic may not seem earth-shattering, but the rate at which women are entering prison is staggering. From 1980 to 2004, the numbers of incarcerated women increased from 12,300 to 105,000, an increase of 854 percent. According to Bureau of Justice statistics, women were incarcerated in 2004 at more than double the rate of men. And the numbers are still rising. Is there a balm for this epidemic that is wreaking havoc on American families? Despite the seeming hopelessness of the situation, Rev. Carolyn Jordan, executive director of the REST Philly Project in Philadelphia, says unequivocally, “Yes, healing is available!” REST Philly (restphilly.com) is a faith-based initiative that trains members of the faith community in a systematic
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Dr. G.W.Webber (far left), president of New York Theological Seminary, presents a diploma to 2006 graduate Douglas Jones. (Photo by Richard Moller) to stay out, but also to help others.You have become the men your family and society need.” May these enlightened words from a high-level corrections professional, saluting the triumph of rehabilitation over punishment, reverberate throughout a country that holds the dubious distinction of being the world leader in incarcerating its own people. ■ Project director of Prison Communities International, Dr. Hans B. Hallundbaek is a businessman-turned-writer/theologian. After 15 years in the corporate world and another 15 in his own management and marketing consultancy, he turned to social issues. After graduating from seminary Hallundbaek has been teaching extensively in the New York State prison system and currently is pastoring a Presbyterian church in Croton Falls, N.Y. He can be reached at hans@kvmarketing.com.
Jordan knows firsthand the benefits of REST. Widowed at an early age and left to raise her children on her own, she sought counseling to overcome her grief and latent anger. It was only when she came to the REST program and participated in its group therapy process that she was able to finally confront her anger and learn how to handle depression and feelings of emptiness. A 20-year veteran of the Philadelphia School District and a later graduate of Eastern Baptist (now called Palmer) Theological Seminary, Jordan fully embraces the principles of REST as a fount of help for anyone suffering under the bondage of destructive thinking that leads to harmful behaviors. Her own emotional and spiritual restoration and her observations of others in the program have taught her that people are more alike than they are different. From the pew to the prison cell, she believes, people are hurting and are in need of healing. After her own healing experience in the program, Jordan volunteered with REST Philly, working both with churches and in prisons. Her dedication and passion for the program led Dr. Rick McKinney, the program’s founder, to appoint her executive director of the Philadelphia office in 2004. In March 2002, REST Philly was named to the Philadelphia Consensus Group on Reentry & Reintegration of Adjudicated Offenders, which convened to address issues hindering the successful reentry of those leaving the Philadelphia prison system. As a direct result of the group’s efforts, seven consensus group members—including REST Philly—were named to share in a $1.04-million, three-year Department of Labor grant to help ex-offenders find jobs,
housing, and other reentry assistance. REST Philly has also reached an agreement with the Philadelphia Defenders’ Association to allow REST to serve as an early release program for the incarcerated. The subject of three major research projects, including one conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, REST Philly is known as one of the five most effective faith-based reentry programs in the United States. Pilot programs are also being operated in California, New Jersey, Virginia, and Ohio. Long ago, God responded with healing balm to the cry of his people who were in bondage through their own bad choices. And thankfully, God has not changed. He is still setting his people free, regardless of how they became bound. Through the redemptive work of his Son, there is indeed a balm in Gilead. Because of ministries like REST Philly, there is hope for ex-offenders reentering society, and most especially there is hope for the incarcerated women whom society has so often forgotten. For the benefit of our nation, our cities, our communities, and our families, this is good news indeed. Kimberly Gegner has an MS in urban economic development from Eastern University and is earning her MTS in Christian faith and public policy at Palmer Theological Seminary. She is also ESA’s Sister Fund scholar, researching the state of biblical feminism in the African American church, and heads the planning committee for ESA’s “Woman, Be Free!” conference, which will address the rise of female incarceration and what the Body of Christ can do about it. Learn more about the conference at esa-online.org.
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