Our Call to Action

ECW logo Episcopal Church Women

Diocese of Virginia

Our Call to Action

EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN – DIOCESE OF VIRIGINIA

Faith, Home and Future

Prison Ministry

The partnership formed by Rev. Lynne Washington, Assistant to the Bishop for Mission and Outreach and Rev. Paul Parker, 1999 founder of DOZ,(Daughters of Zelophehad), brought our past president, Pat Piland to the table for discussion and in 2004 the Executive Board of Episcopal Church Women voted unanimously to support an ecumenical project to provide housing and appropriate care for women after incarceration.

By offering transitional housing and spiritual support along with job and life skills training, DOZ helps to empower homeless women to move from poverty to economic self-sufficiency, from psychological and financial dependency to strength, independence and responsibility.

A new partnership is formed as we broaden our focus to women coming out of prison. We agree with DOZ that a women’s future success is best build on a strong spiritual foundation, therefore, creating a “Faith Based Initiative”.

Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Virginia are presented with a challenge to help support a home that will now become a transitional residential community for women coming out of prison.

We have partnered with Daughter’s of Zelophehad and support the expertise needed by Mary Atterholt who is experienced in directing and programming the needs of these women.

OUR PARTNERSHIP PLAN:

· Housing for up to two years

· Job training and education

· Life skills training

· Counseling and support groups

· Spiritual formation

· Diet and fitness programs

· Child advocacy

· Employment/education counseling

· Financial, medical and legal services

How can (you) the Episcopal Church Women Help?

· We have been asked to make a commitment of $5,000 each year for years (2005-2007).

Time – Hands on Work

· To foster an on-going relationship between each women and a faith community.

· Mentors/preparing women for independent living.

· Advisors/workshop leaders/living skills

· Help to make them functional again

· Building confidence

· Teaching spiritual forgiveness

This project is a perfect example of our “Call To Action” and a wonderful opportunity to reach women and their children in crisis. The project is line item #10 on our Mission and Objective Remittance form.

Please pray with us that we continue to find a way to provide, FAITH, HOME and FUTURE for our sisters.

For More Information Contact

Pat Piland (804) 633-5713 (piland@infionline.net)

Anna Lou Flynn (540) 967 0786 (annaflynn@verizon.net)

For More information on Our Call to Action Click Here

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