HOPE Uncovered Webcast
Vespers Program Tonight - December 11, 2020 at 6:30 pm
Incarceration has multiple negative impacts on the lives of inmates as well as their families, loved ones and community. Among the challenges, though, are many stories of hope and restoration. HOPE Uncovered is a new forum hosted by our ministry. Our webcast will explore issues surrounding incarceration and reentry, and seek out the hope hidden within. Join us for vespers on December 11, 2020 at 6:30 pm and meet Felitia Haynes, who will share her story of incarceration and what she's done with the hope she found in Jesus. You can view this webcast on the following platforms:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/451461915851834
Youtube https://www.youtube.com/washconf
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recognition of service
Willard Loewen
Willard Loewen began serving as the Prison Ministries Coordinator in the Oregon Conference soon after retiring from ministry in 1999. In this capacity he combined the Good News of Jesus, the Holy Spirit's power, and Willards own unconditional love to inspire scores of inmates to turn their lives around. Many became life-long friends, and remain faithful to God upon release. Some younger inmates even called him Dad.
Willard ministered with his wife, Kathy, by his side and together they discovered a whole new mission field where they ministered to inmates on Death Row, the penitentiary, several mens' prisons, two womens' prisons, as well as youth prisons.
As Prison Ministry Coordinator, Willard trained & oversaw Adventist volunteers who served in correctional institutions throughout Oregon. In addition, his gentle friendly manner made friends of countless correction officers & chaplains. What brought the most meaning to Willard, though, was teaching inmates & answering their Bible questions.
Willard was saddened to finally retire from approximately 16 years of prison ministries due to his severe scoliosis & Parkinson's Disease. Washington Conference was blessed to have Willard and Kathy as members these past few years when they moved to Washington to be near family. He sadly passed away in August 2020. A memorial service will be planned in his honor in 2021.
Willard was excited to hear about the soon-to-open HOPE House of Tacoma, where inmates will become acclimated to life-after-prison in a Christian setting.
If you'd like to send a note of encouragement to Kathy, please email it to acswashington@wc.npuc.org and we will pass it along to her.
Tribute to Willard
As a tribute to his legacy, the family invites friends to send contributions To HOPE House of Tacoma in Willard's honor, in lieu of flowers. Click on the button below to donate.
What is Hope House of Tacoma
A New Path Begins Here
HOPE House of Tacoma is a 6-bedroom residential program developed by the Washington Conference of 7th~day Adventist, in partnership with the community, to meet the needs of Pierce County and Tacoma residents who are returning home from incarceration. In what was once a Dental Clinic, HOPE House of Tacoma offers men the opportunity to develop new life strategies to prepare them for community reintegration.
Re-integration Programs
To assist with reentry, clients will be offered a range of services in conjunction with other established transition house groups in Tacoma including case management, education, job skills development, cognitive therapies, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, employment and housing assistance, parenting skills enhancement, and family support services. A daily regimen of structured activities helps clients develop a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency; facilitates their ability to pay rent, restitution, and taxes; and provides opportunities to establish critical ties to family and community. While in residency, clients can receive visitors at the facility.
Cognitive Skills
Cognitive Skills class addresses the major thinking errors that lead to criminal behavior and ways to correct these errors. The class focuses on helping clients develop responsible and productive thinking patterns that lead to a more successful and productive life.
Education
Clients in need of educational assistance have access to community programs and are encouraged to advance.
Employment
All clients receive employment readiness training and are screened for job skills and interests. These services are provided by the local Workforce Development Employment as well as by community supporters. Based on job skills and interests, other career training opportunities may also be available.
Why should you care?
As Christians we believe that Jesus—Himself brought to trial, executed, buried, and brought to life again—offers hope, healing, and a new purpose for each life. Even the most broken people and situations can be made whole again. Through an amazing awakening to new hope and life purpose, those who once broke the law are transformed and mobilized to serve their neighbors, and the cycle of crime is replaced by a cycle of renewal.
Whether you help through monetary donations, volunteering your time, or spreading our mission through word-of-mouth, thank you. We couldn't accomplish our goals without the help of supporters like you.