Although most people acknowledged Father’s Day in June, the men at the Kent County Correctional Facility (KCCF) celebrated in September at Dads Not Forgotten, a partnership hope event with 70×7 Life Recovery, Prison Fellowship, Reach the Forgotten, and Kent County Jail staff.
Dads Not Forgotten was inspired in part after a highly successful and first ever “Moms Not Forgotten” event last May, an event for the mothers in jail who have limited opportunity to connect with their children.
Connections for incarcerated fathers with their children can be even more challenging; this event was designed to bless and encourage participants with a musical performance, inspirational speaker, and treats. The men who attended each received a book tailored for their children in which they could write a note for them and a sound recording devise on which they could read the book aloud or send a message of love to their kids. Books and recorders were then delivered to their children. In addition to organizing the event, staff members chatted with participants while sharing cookies & lemonade and other program information about 70×7.
One month prior in August, 70×7 participated in another event with KCCF, REACH for Backpacks & Family Resources. Advertised specifically to the families of those in Kent Co. Jail but open to all, 70×7, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office and other area agencies and churches distributed collected donations of backpacks and school supplies at this back-to-school event.
Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office Canine & Mounted units had dogs and horses out for the kids to meet. Families joined in games and activities, ate free food, and enjoyed musical entertainment. 70×7’s Relationship Manger, Jason Johnson, even performed one of his hip-hop pieces. 70×7 had a card table set up where kids could write an encouraging note to their incarcerated loved one.
It was a great opportunity to share information about our programing in the community.
Submitted by Cheryl Wyma, 70×7 Life Recovery
Diaconal Ministry Report
