Freedom in Unusual Places

ARMS has been providing Her Journey, our victim recovery program, to women in prisons for over two decades. Those serving have loved working with these women. Yvonne became a leader for ARMS, then began leading in prison groups fourteen years ago and shares:

“Going into a prison can be nerve-wracking and sometimes even scary if you have never been there before. Prisons have their own culture, with rules and policies for everything. Women in prison lose their sense of identity. They are told when and what they can eat, shower, or go to the doctor.

There is really no privacy or alone time to think about anything—everything is scheduled and monitored.

It took some getting used to, but God in His grace helped me help them.

It was heartbreaking to read about the pain and suffering most of the women went through as children and now adults. I’ve made it a point to tell them every class that they are valuable.

We’ve had many participants who have attended the classes over the years. When they complete, they receive a certificate of participation. This is something that is not done in HJ groups outside of prisons, yet it is so important inside because some women have never received a certificate for anything. Seeing their faces light up with the joy of accomplishment is worth the effort it takes to get in the prison and serve them.”

You just have to listen to what the women have to say to really appreciate what God is doing in the women’s prisons:

“This class has been amazing. It spoke so much truth about my identity in Christ; it gave me so much hope.”

“I’m a valuable woman and every day is a choice between life and death. How I choose to live this one day influences the people around me.”

“ARMS has helped me realize I have been taking the blame for the abuse, but it was never my fault.”

“Abuse started when I was a child, so being in abusive relationships just seemed normal. However, after taking this class I now know I am worthy of love.”

Yvonne is one of about a dozen volunteer leaders who have led Her Journey groups in prisons in different states since ARMS began.

The need for more trained facilitators is great. The women are so hungry for hope and healing.

There are a couple ways you can help.

1. Consider training to lead in a women’s prison in your area. 2. Give generously. This can be a one-time gift or a monthly pledge. Your support is how we are able to offer this program FREE all over the nation and beyond.

Leaders like Yvonne and others are already doing incredible work in prisons, and their impact shows how much more could be done. You can make a difference! Call today!