By Maureen Smith
FLOWOOD – More than two dozen people attended the Getting Ahead Workshop at Flowood St. Paul Parish on Saturday, May 19. The Getting Ahead program is meant to help people leaving prison reintegrate into society and start a new way of life.
“It turned out to be a great experience with 28 participants including prison chaplains of various denominations, prison volunteers, two local pastors, parents of formerly incarcerated, members of the Diocesan Faith in Action Team, representatives from Department of Corrections and social service providers,” said Sister Madeline Kavanagh, DC, one of the organizers.

FLOWOOD – Marvin Edwards, standing, coordinator for prison minstry, speaks with Deacon Rick Caldwell and other participants in the Getting Ahead workshop. (Photo courtesy of Sister Madeline Kavanagh)

Twenty one attendees volunteered to work directly with prisoners and parolees as facilitators while others have committed to provide supportive service to returning citizens. Some of the training focused on the difference between being a facilitator and a teacher. Facilitators will let the prisoner take charge of his or her life and make decisions. They will listen and not assume they know the answers the parolee is looking for. Each person will have a workbook so they will do their own work instead of having a teacher show them what to do at each step. In the words of the handout, “Facilitating offers you the opportunity to help empower others by establishing, then nurturing, an environment where people find and use their own voice.”
After release, Getting Ahead community supporters will help with the challenges of everyday life, perhaps helping to find housing or recruiting companies willing to hire those recently released.
Sister Madeline and Marvin Edwards, coordinator for prison ministry for the diocese, introduced the program earlier this year and hope to have it up and running by fall of 2019. Those interested in the program can call Marvin Edwards at (601)594-8254 or Sister Madeline Kavanagh at (213)215-6103.