Next up in our Spotlight On series is Tracy. We asked her some questions about what she does in her role at ID Prison Ministry.
What is your job?
I’m a Free Church Prison Chaplain, and Charity Director of ID Prison Ministry.
How long have you had this role?
I have been a Chaplain for 9 years and Director for 4 years.
What does your day to day schedule usually include?
Usually going into a prison and facilitating courses with women in prison, possibly either looking at Loss, Forgiveness, Victim Awareness, Parenting or FLOURISH; a self-empowerment and confidence building course. In addition I usually visit women and offer pastoral support and prayer.
What has driven you to stay in this line of work for so long?
I love my job; I love meeting different women at their points of need, showing them value, respect and support, and offering them an opportunity to face the issues of their past that they may never have had the opportunity to deal with previously.
What is the hardest part about your job?
I would say the hardest part of my job is definitely hearing the many horrific stories of tragedy and trauma that so many women have suffered and endured.
What do you feel is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is when I see a woman during a course have what I call 'a penny drop moment' - a realisation of the truth versus the lie that she may have believed for so long. Or, when they realise that they actually do have value and learn to live knowing their true identity and worth. Seeing a woman just before release (especially when I have seen her on her day of admission to prison) totally transformed, going out with new skills, new self-belief, and hope for her future truly thrills my soul.
Why do you think it is important that organisations like yours operate within prisons?
All people in prison deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and acceptance, and given the opportunity to deal with the issues that may have contributed to their crime. By offering them opportunities to engage with courses such as those that Essence and ID deliver they are helped to learn new skills, have new education opportunities and are encouraged to change for the better. This builds their confidence, and self-esteem, and gives them a hope and a better chance to resettle into the community upon release as well as helping to reduce the risk of re-offending.
Have a look at ID Prison Ministry’s website to find out more about their vision and work: