HomeMy WebLinkAbout20181310.tiffDear Weld County Commissioners,
I'm Jessica White and I recently read an article on on the Greeley Tribune which reported that last
month you discussed the question of whether Bible studies should be allowed to happen in the
halfway house, "Weld's Intervention Community Corrections Services". (I'm going to use "halfway
house" in this letter for brevity's sake).
I've been going into the Weld County Jail for the past 3 years to lead group Bible studies with
some of the women. Currently, our team of seven is assigned to three pods, two women's and
one men's. Based on my experience, I believe that allowing Bible studies in the halfway house
would be an extremely beneficial service. So often when our men and women get out of the jail
they are at a very crucial crossroads — will they stay sober, or will they go back to drugs? Many of
them have a desire to stay sober, but not a lot of knowledge on how to actually resist temptation.
It is my earnest desire that they would be able to go from a Bible study group in jail, to a Bible
study group in the halfway house, and then ultimately get connected with a strong body of
believers in a church.
In the few times my teammates have been able to go into the halfway house to meet with former
inmates that we know, there always seem to be many hoops to jump through to meet and study
the Bible together. And if others are interested in joining, they are not allowed (because it is done
as a personal visit). It took one of my teammates over 3 weeks for her visitors application to be
approved just so she could meet with one of our ladies. I think it'd be so much better for the men
and women to have access to a Bible study within a few days, not a few weeks. Also, in talking
with our women, it seems like many times it is difficult for them to get to a church service even if
they want to — one woman mentioned that it takes a few weeks before they are given permission
to leave the halfway house premises in order to go to a church service. That also doesn't solve
the problem of finding a ride to a church.
Granted, it could be that our ladies are interpreting the rules incorrectly (it has happened before),
but from their perspective, going to church is difficult, both at the level of getting permission and of
getting there if they are allowed.
As you further think through this possibility for Bible studies, please remember that these men and
women are at such a pivotal point. There are some individuals that are feeling the regret of their
lifestyle choices as well as an eagerness for their lives to change. But that desire can quickly get
swallowed out as they begin to transition back into "normal life". I think that if Bible studies are
allowed in the halfway house, it will provide more support for these men and women to learn how
to say no to temptation and grow into healthy, law-abiding citizens.
Jess White
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RECEIVED
APR 2 3 2018
WELD COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS
April 24, 2018
CLERK TO THE BOARD
PHONE: (970) 400-4225
FAX: (970) 336-7233
1150 O STREET
P. O. BOX 758
GREELEY, COLORADO 80632
ATTN: JESS WHITE
655 SOUTHWOOD LANE
WINDSOR, CO 80550
RE: BIBLE STUDY PRESENCE IN WELD COUNTY JAIL AND THROUGH JUSTICE
SERVICES
To Whom It May Concern:
Thank you for contacting the Weld County Clerk to the Board's Office in service of the Weld
County Board of Commissioners. We have received your letter and have forwarded it to the
County Commissioners, Sheriff Steve Reams, and Doug Erler, Director of Justice Services. Your
letter will also be listed on the Weld County Board of Commissioner's agenda as an item of
communications.
If you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me at
(970) 400-4213.
Very truly yours,
eaf2042. RAArtit.t_.L
Chloe A. Rempel
Deputy Clerk to the Board
crempel@weldgov.com
cc: Sheriff Steve Reams
Doug Erler, Justice Services
BOCC
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