Ramsey County Corrections

This weeks Organization of the week is the Ramsey Couty Community Corrections department or VIC - Volunteers in Corrections.

It is very easy to forget about those adults in prison and the juveniles in detention centers. But it is very hard for those imprisoned individuals to forget someone who lovingly gives of their time to simply be with them. If you are looking for a very personal and meaningful and long lasting opportunity I would highly reccomend this type of program. (This is the Ramsey County program - the one that I am familiar with - however most counties have similar type programs for you to get involved with)

Due to the nature of the correctional system, there is a little bit of leg work needed in order to get involved. Please don't let that deter you. There is an application process as well as a referrence check. There is also a mandatory 'training' that consists of four weekly meetings, each about 3 hours. Even if you're not comletely sold on Correctional volunteering - I would HIGHLY recommend going through the 12 hour training session. It is a real eye opener.

Dana Race is the volunteer coordinator and she is great to work with. She has a real dedication to this work and will definitely help you identify the best role within the volunteer system.

While there is a Prison Ministry opportunity - the real need that comes up again and again is simply having individuals as friends and mentors to the inmates.

Follow this link: http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/cc/volunteering.htm to learn more about the program.

"...I was in prison and you came to visit me."