Human Contact Deprivation

Experienced by Persons Incarcerated

And Their Family Members,

Victims of Crime

And Their Family Members

Many of us are not aware of the continuing diminishment of human contact allowed in our jails and prisons. Often persons incarcerated can only view their loved ones by closed circuit television or through thick glass. Those at supermax prisons cannot even touch their mail. It is also shown to them via television.

This impacts both those incarcerated and their family members. Even their children cannot receive a hug from them. Victims of crime sometimes experience a diminishment of human contact, as well, depending on the nature of the crime and the community in which they live.

People from all of these groups are members of our parishes, neighborhoods, community, students in our classrooms. This event will be informative and helpful in understanding and assisting those around us experiencing this reality.

The program will take place from 11:00am until 4:00pm at Sacred Heart Parish, 337 S. Ottawa St., Joliet, IL 60436 on Saturday, March 1, 2008. Registration begins at 10:30am.

Keynote Speaker, Cynthia Kobel, is a director of the John Howard Association. Two former Tamms Supermax prisoners, mothers of incarcerated sons, a victim’s family member, and a priest minister at Stateville will share their stories. Karen Hutt, Director of Aunt Mary’s Storybook, a Catholic Campaign for Human Development funded project that allows children of incarcerated parents to hear their Mom or Dad reading them a story, will also speak. A donation is requested to cover lunch costs. RSVP Jen Ruhaak at (815) 834-4028 or by e-mail: jenruh@dioceseofjoliet.org

(JustFaith 2008 participants will begin their “Journey to Justice Retreat” Day at 8am at the same location).

This event is worth 4 CPDU credits for school teachers. Credit will also be given to religious educators from the REO.

download flyer