WISCONSIN GROUPS SEEK TREATMENT INSTEAD OF PRISON

WISDOM’s new 11x15 Campaign was announced yesterday at a Press Conference in Milwaukee.  SOPHIA was well-represented at the event. 

11x15 is a WISDOM–wide campaign to decrease, by half, the number of incarcerated people in Wisconsin by 2015 and promote alternatives to incarceration in order to make our communities safer and healthier.

Other kick-off events were held around the state: MICAH (Milwaukee), RIC (Racine) and CUSH (Kenosha) .

 For more information see:  www.prayforjusticeinwi.org for details of the campaign, press coverage, photos, etc.

JOYFUL SOULS PIZZA NIGHT

Kay & Pat add the toppings

Make Pizza Like a Pro
was the topic for Friday, February 10th.

Using a crust recipe that Linda got from her sister, who got it from her best friend, who got it from her father, who owned a pizzaria in Milwauke 40 years ago, we made the best pizza ever!

Bea, Ann, & Joy cutting onions

We learned how to properly proof yeast, knead the dough, and roll it out. No one tried tossing it in the air, however. Too risky - we might have had to start over!

We had a delicious dinner of pizza, salad, popcorn, & soda.
Everyone took their pizza creation home to bake.

Rosemary shows off her creation

A gift from Karolyn. Everyone got these beautiful handmade mittens.

GOODREADS REVIEW - Philippines

Abby's review

Jan 24, 12

        

        

bookshelves: christian, inspirational

Read in January, 2012                 

Before reading this book, I don’t really feel any compassion to those who are in jails. I keep thinking that they deserve it…but after this..it made me see a whole new side of these people, whether they are criminals or offenders, they’re still like us,--humans…

I never would have imagined listening to these women’s tales..but I find myself laughing and crying with every bump in their way. The book was well written, that it made you shiver just like they’re in front of you talking. Ms. Pischke made the words come alive. It’s not just about the dreadful things they’ve done once, but the little good things they always do.

This book made me realize, feel and sympathize with the horror, sadness, loss, unforgettable and tragic experiences of the women. And at the same time, it made me see their own tales of endurance, strength, faith and forgiveness.

It made me feel blessed of the little things I have and where I am now. It made me see how we can all be so judgmental when in fact, we don’t have the right to be..

Linda Pischke did a good job in presenting readers a story that would forever stay in their minds, and would persuade them to be of help and made a difference in every life they encounter.

Thank you Ms. Pischke! Thanks for answering God’s call, this book truly touched me….and everyone who’ll put a hand in this..:) and more than anything, no one could have write this better than you.

Women of Block 12, is a compelling story of women who suffered and continually hope for good. A mind-opening reality will seep in to anyone who had read this book.

An inspiring story! Highly recommended!

Mental Illness - Barriers to Care

According to the National Institute of Mental Health:

• 3.6 million American adults with severe mental illness are untreated. Of those:
•  200,000 are homeless
• 319,000 are in jails or prisons
• 20 times more people with mental illness are incarcerated than in a medical facilities.

For more information read "Imminent Danger" a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel special report by by Meg Kissinger.  http://www.jsonline.com/news/law-creates-barriers-to-getting-care-for-mentally-ill-135387808.html

BOOK REVIEW ON GOODREADS

12/16 Rhoda Jenkins gave 5 stars to: The Women of Block 12 (Voices From a Jail Ministry) by Linda Pischke
bookshelves: first-reads
status: Read in December, 2011

Firstly I would like to thank the author Linda Pischke. As I won this as part of First Reads, I have very much enjoyed the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book is divided into 2 sections: the first the author shares her experiences with working with the women in prison, how she coped, what it was like etc. The second section consists of the women's stories.

The book was fascinating!! What I particularly liked about the writing was that the author did not come across as the "expert" in what to do and how to do it. She painted a very human picture of himself, including her own reservations, flaws and judgments. I greatly admired her honest and down to earth descriptions of what she saw as her own shortcomings throughout these experiences. It's very reassuring to know that people in her position also have flaws like the rest of us and don't always have all the answers either :-)

The women's stories were quite tragic.....it's difficult to imagine living a life like some of these women have experienced. Although most of the women believed that they were going to be able to embrace a different future for themselves with the help of God, you have to wonder how many actually will. Certainly by their own accounts, old habits are very hard to break. Let's hope for their sake that they can!

Lastly, whilst this book is religious based, for those that shy away from structured religion (or any religion for that matter), do not let that put you off reading this book. I believe it is sensitive to all beliefs and is definitely not "preachy". I thoroughly enjoyed it!

SHALOM MINISTRIES - MILWAUKEE

This week I was contacted by Dawn Schmidt from Shalom Ministries. She expressed an interest in "The Women Of Block 12." Of course, I'm always excited to hear from readers and potential readers! Dawn shared her brochure with me and gave me permission to post the information on this blog.

CAUGHT UP IN LIFE'S STORMS?  Poverty knows no age, gender, race, religion, politics, social status or region. It is un-biased and eagerly awaits us all. . .
Did you know:

• The average age of a homeless individual in America is 9?
• The average age of a homeless individual in Wisconsin is 7?
• 1 out of 4 children in Milwaukee live in poverty (25.6%)?
• Tonight, 4 out of 10 children in Wisconsin are considered to be suffering from malnutrition?
• 1 out of 5 single mothers in Milwaukee admit having to give their babies "something else" to eat besides needed baby formula or milk?
• 22.8% of the homeless in Milwaukee have a full-time job, but still can't afford to rent or own a home?
• Of those who are impoverished and homeless, suicidal thoughts and tendencies start as early as age 10, depression at age 9?

Check out Shalom Ministries on Facebook and consider volunteering or making a financial contribution. This wonderful organization has served our community since 1995 by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting the needs of area families.

Thank you, Dawn, and Shalom Ministries for making such an important contribution!
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Dinner at La Estacion Restaurant

La Estacion
319 Williams Street
Waukesha, WI 53186

November 18, 2011. Joyful Souls Aftercare group met for an amazing dinner at Waukesha's finest Mexican restaurant, La Estacion. This wonderful evening was a gift from 2 secret Santas.

Thank you for the blessing of great food and fellowship! You are truly amazing!!!!!
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Check out December's calendar to the right of this posting for information on upcoming events.
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