Featured Volunteers: The CSLSR Jail Ministry

(The CSLSR Jail Ministry Team, from left to right: Susan Bennett, Krista McAtee, Tamarya Hulme, Rosalie Sulgit-Shay, Pat Bryne, Kathleen Kearney)

The CSLSR Jail Ministry Team visits people in the Sonoma County jail, usually making 50 visits each month, and often holds weekly online classes with 6-8 people.

Inmates commonly spend twenty-three hours a day in their room, and some have been waiting their trial for up to four years. The Jail Ministry team shares spiritual tools, such as prayer, forgiveness, and what it means to live a heart-centered life. Listening is a big part of their work since oftentimes, the inmates simply need someone they can talk to who they trust.

This Ministry makes a hugely positive impact in the day to day lives of those who they serve. Here is some of the feedback they've received from inmates:

"There is a lot of anger, worry, pain and suffering here in the jail. When you guys stop what you are doing in your life and visit, you bring something positive inside. I appreciate it."

"Your visits feel like you are mentors, they feel like family. You all have touched every aspect of who I am and where I’m going. You have given me a stronger sense of self, of who I am. I would not be ok today if you all hadn’t been coming to see me."

"I appreciate the amazing women who supported me while I was detained at the Sonoma County Main Adult Facility. Their work was life-changing for me. I can't say enough about how these women truly entered in love. It is palpable. Blessings."

"Please thank Rev. Edward Viljoen - and I even know how to pronounce his name - for The Bhagavad Gita book he wrote and simplified. It is great!"

"Tell the Practitioner who visited me last week ‘Thanks.’ Her visit and prayer dramatically changed what I was going through."

"You guys enlighten us. You give us strength and calmness. When I am down, I can always read the books or magazines or class information you gave me. You encourage us to meditate. You show us a different path."

"It is amazing how God works through people- even the guards here. You guys are angels. You listen and share and give classes. There are times when I cry feeling God’s love."

"The positive energy I’ve received from your visits has impacted me in such a great way. I know that I have grown, and the Center visits have been a major role in my growth. The positive words and uplifting energy have been medicine for me. While facing my trials and tribulations, I am blessed to have met the ladies from the Center."

To the CSLSR Jail Ministry, from the Center -- Thank you so much for the amazing work you do in the world!

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Volunteer Community at the Center for Spiritual Living, Santa Rosa

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