Volunteered in prison related ministries or outreach programs participated in a web-based Incarcerated individuals and 70 non-incarcerated individuals who either worked for or Had not been quantitatively examined in recidivism research. Recognized as integral to post-incarceration success. Understanding the perceptions of returning citizens who work in helping roles provides insight into addressing the psychological challenges for this population and implications for reentry.Įach year millions of Americans leave prison or jail and two thirds return within three As staff and volunteers undergo self-change, the ex-offender label is shed, and a wounded-healer emerges. Participants felt the culture of these agencies offered a humanizing experience, empathy, and sense of belonging enabling them to create a new narrative as good and different people, and shedding labels. Through their agency community and work, participants found meaningful work and meaning in life. In this constant comparative study, 20 formerly incarcerated staff and volunteers at faith-based or community re-entry agencies shared their lived experience of how they were able to reframe their traumatic experience by transforming into helpers and wounded-healers assisting other returning citizens. Work plays a crucial role in our sense of self, identity, and the role we play in society. Once released, they will return to society and struggle to find work, a sense of worth, pro-social identity, and a place in their community. Many inmates learn to mask their emotions and internalize their symptoms to navigate prison. While research about the prevalence of post-traumatic stress in this population is emerging, many returning citizens will exit the institution undiagnosed and untreated. We conclude with implications for faith-based treatment programs, local pastors and religious congregants involved in social outreach ministry, sociology of religion scholars, and policy makers.Įach year more than 700,000 people leave prison having undergone a traumatic experience. The residents outline a narrative of change in which they distinguish between the -old self The narratives also specify the role of religiosity in facilitating change, the creation of a faith-based identity, and the strategies used for maintaining change. To address this issue we analyze semi-structured interviews with 40 residents of a faith-based transitional center for women in the Southern United States. We contribute to this literature by exploring how women undergoing difficult life circumstances-such as incarceration, drug and alcohol addiction, domestic violence, unemployment, and homelessness-use faith to cope with and change these circumstances. An impressive research literature has emerged that identifies linkages between religion and a wide range of attitudes, behaviors, and life events.
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