Wednesday, June 9 1999
Wednesday, June 9 1999 |
'Festival of Hope' kicks off interfaith rehabilitation program for parolees Fayette County clergy and other interested parties are invited to attend a kickoff ceremony for a new initiative/partnership formed between the Georgia Board of Pardons and Paroles and the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta which will encourage churches to assist offenders as they re-enter the community. The event, called a Festival of Hope, is scheduled for Friday, June 11 from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. WXIA-TV's Brenda Wood will serve as host. Father George Clement, developer of the interfaith concept, “One Church One Inmate,” will be the keynote speaker. Fr. Clements also is the developer of the nationally recognized “One Church One Child” program which is credited with the adoption of 90,000 children with special needs. Prior to the festival, a workshop will be held to assist church representatives and other attendees with developing outreach programs to prisons and parole officers in their communities. “For offenders who really want to change, we believe in making opportunities for that to happen,” said Walter Ray, chairman of the State Board of Pardons and Paroles. “This process begins with preparing them with such practical issues as life skills training and other measures designed to strengthen them after release from prison. Spiritual support and the encouragement of the faith community and others who will stand with them as they make needed changes are just as important.” Charles J. Topetzes, executive director of the Board of Pardons and Paroles adds, “Programs such as One Church One Inmate can play a key role in helping offenders who are ready to make these changes.” Tickets for the luncheon are $25 per person for clergy, church groups, ministries, nonprofit organizations, senior citizens and students. General admission is $35 per person. The 10 a.m. workshops are free for those attending the luncheon and cost $15 per person for those not attending the luncheon. For more information, call 404-885-7238.
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