Philanthropy Friday: Divine Mercy Ministry

Four years ago, Mark Fleming was attending an Epiphany weekend inside Franklin Pre-release prison and had something of an epiphany himself. During this religious weekend many of the young ladies ranging in age from 18-21 were crying. They were afraid to go home from prison because they did not have good homes to return to and feared they would fall back into their old lifestyle habits.

Seeing this, Mark was inspired to help and created Divine Mercy Ministry, a non-profit organization that seeks to help women released from prison transform their lives. Being an ecumenical prison re-entry program for women 18 years of age and older, Devine Mercy Ministry offers a safe living environment by providing housing, job training, spiritual and financial counseling, recovery programs and family restoration creating Women of Excellence.

Fighting the Statistics

This young ministry is in its growing stages, but it is already making a difference in fighting the statistics. Statistics show that over 40% of these women will go back to prison without help, and 75% of these women have children. Statistics also show that a very high percentage of their children will follow the same path as their mothers and end up in prison as well.

To fight the statistics Divine Mercy Ministry holds bible studies inside Franklin Pre-Release prison and the Ohio Reformatory for Women. This is one of the first steps in which to enter the ministry-housing program.

Divine Mercy Sunday

There are many things that need to be accomplished to help these women and funds are needed to complete them. April 11, 2010 is Divine Mercy Sunday, a one-day fundraiser to aid their mission of transforming the lives of women released from prison. On this day, Divine Mercy Ministry will be passing out newsletters and collecting donations at assigned stoplight intersections throughout Columbus between 8:00am – 2:00 pm.

They are currently looking for volunteers to work 2-8 hours for this fundraiser. The deadline for volunteers is February 26th. RSVP to markfleming@divinemercyministry.org with names of volunteers willing to help as well as times available to serve. You may also call Mark at 614-554-2693 for more information. If you don’t see the collection drive on-line donations can be made by clicking here.

Becoming a Volunteer

Give the gift of time, or talent. There are a number of different volunteer opportunities available for people in Central Ohio, such as resident guardians, counselors, mentors, or coordinators. To talk to a representative about volunteering options, fill out the on-line contact form.

For more information on Divine Mercy Ministry visit DivineMercyMinistry.org.

To see Divine Mercy Ministry’s wish list for in-kind donations visit The In-Kind Connection at InKindConnection.com.

Philanthropy Friday is a feature article by Michele Savoldi that will highlight a Columbus area non-profit organization every other week.