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Albright United Methodist Church: Supporting Hope in Re-entry to Ponca City Inmates
from The Contact 11-13-24
by okumc
BY VICKI WASSON
Albright United Methodist Church, Ponca City, has long been a cornerstone of the community, dedicated to outreach, service, and faith. One example of its mission in action is its ministry to Bridgeway, a contract work release and halfway house facility operated for the Oklahoma Department of Corrections (DOC). This ministry exemplifies the church’s commitment to offering hope, support, and a second chance to those reintegrating into society after incarceration.
Bridging the Gap
Bridgeway is a transitional facility for up to 120 men nearing the end of their sentences. Its primary goal is to help residents reintegrate into the community, find stable employment, and rebuild their lives. The facility offers various programs and support services to equip residents with the skills and confidence needed to succeed outside the prison walls.
Reintegration is a difficult process as inmates face stigma, isolation, and the difficult task of rebuilding their lives from scratch. This is where Albright UMC steps in, providing support and creating a bridge between the facility and the wider community.
A Multifaceted Ministry
The ministry of Albright UMC to Bridgeway is multifaceted, encompassing practical support and community-building activities. Several Christmas dinners were held for the Bridgeway men early in the ministry.
One Christmas dinner was held for the families and children of these men. Recently a dinner was held for all the men and Bridgeway employees. Because it isn’t always known how many will come, any leftovers are shared with the facility. The church also collects T-shirts, underwear, and toiletries for the men. Every Christmas, church members provide gifts, reinforcing the message that the residents are cared for and valued. Church members have also donated clothing and coats to ensure the men have suitable attire for all seasons.
In 2016, several members became DOC volunteers when the DOC required that the men be escorted to and from church. Some volunteers have passed out the church’s welcome message (see albrightumc.org) and personally invited inmates to church. Over time, the ministry has grown significantly, continuing to foster a sense of belonging and purpose among Bridgeway residents.
Practical Support
In 2020, Albright UMC received a Woodworth grant for a poverty program and began looking for a project. This led to two members becoming certified facilitators for “Getting Ahead in a Just-Gettin’By-World” (GAGW) and later “Getting Ahead While Getting Out” (GAGO), designed for incarcerated persons. The GAGW and GAGO workshops are part of the Bridges Out of Poverty initiative and GAGO began at Bridgeway in 2021. These workshops cover 12 sessions and help the men understand that poverty is a result of a lack of 11 resources, not just finances. Participants write future goals, evaluate their personal resources, assess the communities they will return to, and develop 72-hour plans and re-entry plans. For their participation, the men earn credits for time off their sentences. This practical support is crucial in helping residents prepare for life after incarceration. At each session, participants are given a white card on which they write prayer requests. There have been many answers to these prayers. Although GAGO is not a faith-based program, there are many opportunities to share faith and scripture and to welcome participants to church.
Church members volunteer their time to sit in and support the sessions and provide snacks and drinks. One of the inmates expressed how important these snacks are to them, not to feed their bodies, but to feed their spirits. The inmates know the church cares for them. At the conclusion of the GAGO workshop, a graduation dinner is held to celebrate the success of the participants. Participants receive a framed certificate of completion and a gift of God’s Promises for Your Every Need.
Community-Building Activities
A sense of community is crucial for the residents of Bridgeway. Albright UMC hosts social events that allow residents to connect with members of the congregation. These events range from potluck dinners to outdoor picnics. Such interactions foster a sense of normalcy, belonging, and acceptance, which are important for individuals who have spent time isolated from society.
There has even been one “Bridgeway” wedding, showcasing the deep and lasting impact of the church’s involvement in the lives of the men and their families. Some men have been helped with finding housing and furnishings upon their release. The support from Albright UMC extends beyond the walls of the facility, ensuring that the residents have a stable and supportive environment as they transition back into society.
Looking Ahead
In a world where the challenges of reintegration can seem impossible, Albright UMC offers hope, demonstrating the impact that faith, compassion, and community can have on the lives of those seeking a second chance. Through its dedicated ministry to Bridgeway, the church changes lives and inspires others to join in the mission of love and transformation.
For more information about the Bridges programs in Ponca City, visit the website. Questions can be addressed to vicwass@gmail.com.
