What is Heart and Soul?
Heart and Soul is a ministry of restoration for young incarcerated women designed by Rev. Louann Roberts – CIC Ministries Chaplain. Heart and Soul is a ten week series of classes for young women age 15 to 24 years old, who are incarcerated in Santa Clara County Elmwood Correctional Center for Women (Department of Correction).
Class topics include:
- Grounding (Detaching from emotional pain)
- Family of origin exploration and discussion – “Your story”
- Identifying experiences of loss and grief in unmet expectations
- Identity and body image
- Guilt and shame – the masks we wear
- Choosing healthy friendships
- Evaluating romantic relationships
- Parenting
- Communication
- Your goals, strengths and future
- Why should there be a class like this in jail?
Criminologists have determined that the fastest growing rate of incarceration is among young women who are 15 to 24 years old. This group is at very high risk for violence, substance abuse, prostitution and gang involvement. Programming for incarcerated youth has generally been based on adult male models. There is a great need for age and gender specific (gender-responsive) programming for young women. Incarcerated young women have specific needs that can be addressed through education, group discussion, focused artistic projects, individual counseling and exit planning.
What are the needs of these incarcerated young women?
Young women particularly need role models and opportunities to explore issues that are particularly important to their age group and gender. We identify particular at risk young women and offer specialized services through groups and individual counseling to address the issues of identity, spiritual empowerment and healthy relationships with family, children, community and God.
How will Heart and Soul address these needs?
The goal is to provide opportunities to gain and utilize a new perspective of hope, self-awareness and positive lifestyles. We hope to develop services within Heart and Soul to assist the women in their transition back into the community and church life.