Prison Visitation Groups
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Cephas members hold mentoring support groups in state prisons throughout western New York and the Monroe County Jail where as many as 20 inmates meet with Cephas leaders and volunteers. In small discussion groups, inmates learn how to cope with the incarceration experience and grow from it. Individuals in such groups build a sense of self and community and are therefore less likely to return to prison. Part of Cephas' focus is to convince each inmate that he or she is not a victim; that they have not managed their lives in an acceptable way; and that they can change. The realization of the part we play in how our lives turn out can cause a dramatic change in a person's outlook. Most of us spend our lives blaming others -- either God or people -- for our circumstances, and many of our decisions are based on pride, fear or ego. As a result, we find ourselves engaged in self-destructive behavior, but by allowing God to guide us, and by being responsible for our actions -- or inactions -- whatever the consequences may be, we are able to change our lives. Cephas helps inmates and parolees to grasp these truths. Once these facts are acknowledged, the Cephas group helps inmates understand the problem, and lovingly but firmly, holds them accountable for change. Over the time it takes to restructure their thinking, Cephas offers continuous support. Through in-prison visitation and group interaction, Cephas leaders and volunteers develop relationships with inmates to help them cope with their sentences and plan for life outside prison walls. Through sharing and interaction, Cephas people help inmates discover the attitudes, beliefs and behaviors that are responsible for their situation. Often these critical factors are denied for years, or lie undiscovered, until they are brought to light in a Cephas group session. Cephas conducts nine group counseling sessions each week at maximum and medium security prisons for men and women in Western New York. In total, Cephas visits as many as 200 inmates weekly. In its history Cephas volunteers have contributed over 130,000 hours to make over 91,000 inmate visits in 7616 different Cephas groups. Participating correctional facilities are: Albion, Attica, Collins, Gowanda, Groveland, Orleans, Wyoming, and the Monroe County Jail. Click here for a map of New York that shows prison locations.
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