Letter: Interviews offer key insights on reforming criminal justice
Here are a few observations about the criminal justice system after reading 'Inside look' (Reading Eagle, May 25).
The people interviewed did us a favor by sharing insights on how they lost their way in life. One said he received little to no moral guidance from his 'checked out' parents and then realized he lacked the moral authority to guide his own offspring. He then decided to change and receive help in getting that to happen. Congratulations to him for mentoring youth in the fundamentals of life and showing them a better way.
Thanks to Real Church, Connections Work, Treatment Court and employers willing to risk hiring those on the edge, opportunities do exist. I have found over the decades that most who work in the system do care and offer their best, though sadly there are a few exceptions. Until the person fears consequences and prison enough to want internal change, many good opportunities will fall short.
Due to COVID-19 prisons cut back on programming like Yokefellowship Prison Ministry, in which volunteers entered weekly to model and teach good living. They have not been invited to reenter and resume their successful outreach.
All good efforts locally and statewide deserve an open door to serve all of us for a better, safer, godly future.
This report reminds us how our influence, good and bad, impacts all of us, like a stone sending ripples on the surface of a quiet lake. Psalm 1 gives good advice for today.
John Rush
Cumru Township
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