CHARLOTTE — Some 70 members of St. Peter Catholic Church and the larger community came together Aug. 27 to put themselves in the shoes of people who have been incarcerated.
They participated in “30 Days Out: The Re-entry Simulation,” a program sponsored by Re-entry Partners of Mecklenburg County that replicates the struggles faced by more than 20,000 people returning home from prison in North Carolina each year.
The project was one way the parish is contributing to the Diocese of Charlotte’s “50 Acts of Charity,” a yearlong initiative by the diocese’s parishes, schools and ministries to give back to the community while celebrating the diocese’s 50th anniversary in 2022. Acts of Charity have included corporal and spiritual works of mercy – everything from food and diaper drives to prayer and taking action in solidarity with the poor and others in need.
“As a Jesuit parish, one of our apostolic preferences is walking with the excluded,” said Joanna Patcha, a member of St. Peter’s Social Justice Ministry who helped organize the event. “The reentry simulation provided just a glimpse into the struggles suffered by those formerly incarcerated, some of the most stigmatized in our society. We hope people walk away with more understanding, compassion and awareness of the need for change.”
Each participant was given an identity – complete with name, criminal background, family situation and life scenario. Some began with resources and family support. Others did not. All had to navigate one month post-release, broken up into four 15-minute segments. Tasks included getting identification from the DMV, finding a job, securing housing, managing childcare, buying food, going to the bank, meeting with a probation officer, seeking public assistance and other tasks that people just released from prison have to tackle.
Every station required a bus ticket before any service was provided, as many returning from prison do not have transportation. Some participants were given crying babies to carry. Others were provided with peer support specialists to guide them. Vague and confusing directions, limited time to complete tasks, and the warm temperature of the building (the air conditioning system broke, unplanned) made for a taste of the harsh reality many people experience as they start to rebuild their lives.
“What I felt today was emotional. I was uncomfortable, frustrated and even a little desperate,” said Major David Robinson of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, who joined Charlotte City Council Member Reneé Johnson at the simulation. “I haven’t experienced that kind of struggle in my own life because of where I was born … The most important tool I carry every day is not anything on this belt, not my bulletproof vest, not my radio and certainly not my gun. It’s empathy.”
The two-hour event ended with a group debrief and a testimonial by Ebony Thomas, who served 10 years in prison and shared her experience of the struggle to return home. “There’s way more to it than breaking the law. A felony follows you – 20 years later they still want to know and you have to check that box.”
Thomas, who now owns V.M. Transportation Service and another company that hire those who have been in prison, said she never wants others to experience the rejection and depression she felt returning to society.
“I was denied a job and housing and was in a really depressed state. I never want anyone to experience what I did.”
Participants left with resources to learn more and take action in helping those returning to society.
Pictured are members of St. Peter Church who organized the event in collaboration with Re-entry Partners of Mecklenburg County: (from left) Carmen San Juan, Joanna Patcha, Kate Dennstaedt, Stephanie Fielder, Mary Stokes and Jenny Cox.
Also pictured are Carmelia Stephens and Colin Patcha, a member of St. Peter and sophomore at Charlotte Catholic High School; and Ebony Thomas, who spent 10 years in prison, sharing her personal story of struggle in returning home. She now owns two businesses that hire ex-felons and gives second chances.
— Jenny Cox, special to the Catholic News Herald
