Empowered for Growth and Hope
Mission Behind Bars and Beyond has been blessed to have received a grant from the NBA Incubate Initiative to work with a development coach.
Posts by Rev. Dean
Black Lives Matter
What does it mean to bring a beautiful African-American boy into the world today?
Immigration Detention: “Have We Not Learned the Lessons?”
Mental Health and Incarceration
Many people who end up incarcerated suffer from co-occurring disorders, “the coexistence of both a mental health and a substance use disorder.” Many are woefully ill-equipped to manage a healthy, productive lifestyle once they are released from places of incarceration. Who steps forward to provide assistance and guidance?
On the Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act
On March 29, faith leaders, students, and advocates gathered in Lexington to urge Kentucky lawmakers to bring an important criminal justice reform bill to the Senate floor for a vote. Rev. Dean Bucalos shared these remarks.
Welcoming Wisely
In many ways, those who have committed sex offenses are the lepers of our time. Living, but not living fully, in society. While many crimes are heinous, most all of those labeled as sex offenders return to our communities. The question is, “Where do they go?”
Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline
We have named it “the school-to-prison pipeline.” It’s emerged over the years. What we have discovered is that the pathway to prison is paved early on in one’s life, and that a disproportionate number of young people of color are subtly directed along this route.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
This past year has brought attention to many important social justice issues, particularly as they relate to prison and jail ministry. As we begin the new year, I thought I would highlight some of our accomplishments in 2015 to remind us of the important work we are about.
Penpal Ministry: Sending the Light of Hope
For people who are incarcerated, receiving mail is a cherished gift. Letters become connecting points to the outside world. A reminder that they haven’t been forgotten. A penpal ministry can be a low-budget, high-impact way to share faith and hope with those who are incarcerated.
A Call to End Solitary Confinement
The effects of solitary confinement are being exposed as detrimental and damaging to the mental health of those so confined.
