We partner with the Broome County Council of Churches (BC3), Justice and Unity for the Southern Tier (JUST), and the Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow (PLOT, a branch of Citizen Action of New York) to support their jail ministries, which serve men and women in jail, those released, and their families.
So often, people make poor choices which can lead them down roads that fracture their lives as well as the lives of those around them. In many cases, these decisions can result in loss of freedom, health, family, and dignity. The cost is staggering in far more ways than simply in terms of money. The potential and worth of human beings can often be clouded, although they are still in fact people created in the image of God. This image may be tarnished or fractured, but the pieces may still be able to be put back together and polished.
It is the hope of the BC3 Jail Ministry that opportunities and help can be provided to restore people back into a right relationship with God, themselves, their loved ones and their community. BC3’s Jail Ministry team is comprised of two full-time staff persons and nearly 100 volunteers who minister to both the needs of those who are incarcerated or recently released, and their families. The Coordinating Chaplain oversees weekly worship services and classes for the entire jail population as well as pastoral care for both the inmates and staff. A skilled team of volunteers carries out a great deal of the daily programs, religious services and visitation. Reentry services are provided at the BC3 office.
There are a variety of ways you can contribute to this ministry. Donations can be dropped at the BC3 office: 3 Otseningo Street, Binghamton, NY 13903 (phone: 607-724-9130). For further information, contact Chaplain Cris Mogenson at bcjchaplain@gmail.com.