“What does the LORD require of us, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God?”     Micah 6:8

JM NEWS:

Two reports are available from our work for the PA General Assembly under the Joint State Government Commission:

•  Report of the Advisory Committee on Wrongful Convictions:  How can we prevent innocent people from going to prison?  Go to www.innocenceproject.org/docs/2011/PA_WC_Report.pdf to see the full report.  View more about the study under the tab, “Reform Matters!”.

• The Effects of Parental Incarceration on Children:  Needs and Responsive Services:  How can we help children cope with the trauma of having a parent go to prison?  What are the best choices for children?  Go to see the report at http://jsg.legis.state.pa.us.    Go under our tab, “Reform Matters!” to learn more.

Justice and Mercy is in the process of changing/improving our website. We appreciate your interest in our ministry and ask for you help as we start our second decade of reforming the justice system.

Over the years, J&M developed a multi-prong strategy to effect change:

• FACT-BASED decisions – Too much emotion has led law makers and public officials to make decisions that actually cause more problems than they fix. J&M began compiling research information through numerous reputable sources and study reports to make recommendations based on the facts, NOT on emotions. Politicians and decision makers are provided with fact-based arguments that contradict previous thought.
• WATCHDOG – J&M has met with public officials on criminal justice concerns and called for public hearings on subjects such as correctional methods using verified rehabilitation. Prison officials frequently ask J&M to sit at the table to address problems.
• HEART CHANGE – Reform begins when citizens and their elected officials realize how bad the system really is. J&M has conducted forums throughout the state to educate the public on criminal justice issues. For instance the Commonwealth Forum on Criminal Justice Reform lead to the implementation of the Commission to Study Wrongful Convictions in Pennsylvania.
• LAW CHANGES – By providing documented research to legislators on how reforms will lower costs and crime, J&M has been instrumental in passing key legislation to make certain that innocent people are not incarcerated. Further, inmates are given incentives to receive treatment and demonstrate good behavior – all so that they are less likely to reoffend upon release.
• UNITING THE MOVEMENT – J&M has made unity within the justice reform movement a key goal. There are many organization that are addressing various specific problems. Promoting and getting all of the organizations to work along side each other, (instead of competing!) has increased our corporate strength and outreach. 

TESTIMONIALS:

“I would like to thank Justice & Mercy for all they have done to help me get through one of the most difficult times in my life. Not only was it great to have them with me throughout my court appearances, they also put [me] in touch with a great church and spiritual mentor to help me stay on a great path.” TR

“I was arrested of a second DUI [Driving Under the Influence] in 10 years and was looking at 90 days in prison for this offense……I deserved to be punished by the law and had accepted that fact but I didn’t want to another statistic and wanted to turn my lack of judgment into a testimony for other people and Justice & Mercy helped me do that. They went to work …writing letters and making a recommendation that the judge was confident to follow. I did get punished for my lack of good judgment but I have been able to turn this terrible error into a good testimony because of the help that Jean (Bickmire), Tom [Zeager] and the rest of the good people at Justice and Mercy provided. I will never to be able to repay the debt that I owe this organization but if I can tell a few people about this organization and the good work they are doing, I think that will help. Thank you to Justice and Mercy for helping my family and me restore our lives…!” TS

“I was fortunate to be introduced to Justice & Mercy organization. The organization came to me in the most difficult & agonizing part of my life. The staff all included went the extra mile to offer me a hand to hold…a reassuring smile…sharing an encouraging word. Their gestures of kindness and professionalism showed me that there is someone [who] still cares in this world; made [me] feel special & affirmed my belief that we live in the best place on earth. I will never forget my experience & I want to let everyone at Justice & Mercy & especially Ms. Jean Bickmire know that I appreciate what they did.” AA

“Justice and Mercy has been on the forefront in Lancaster County in dealing with the needs of prisoners and our need for prison reform. Justice and Mercy has reached out to community organizations, elected officials, advocated for prisoners and supported their families. Justice and Mercy has clearly shown their commitment to our justice system working to correct behavior but restore individuals to being productive members of our society.” Mentor JR

“I was released from prison two years ago after serving a 10-year sentence. I met my mentor…soon after my release. I was reluctant….at first and thought it would be a waste of time. When I heard the word “mentor”, I pictured someone giving me unsolicited advice and lectures, somebody who couldn’t relate to my experience. However, the urging of…Justice & Mercy, I decided to meet with R. What has begun as a free meal has turned into a lasting friendship. For the past two years, R has been an important part of my life and has been one of the only people there during this time of transition. For a person in my situation being released after serving a long prison term and having to do it without a supportive family, R’s offer of unconditional friendship and awesome conversation has been invaluable. I am grateful to Justice & Mercy and their willingness to show compassion towards those in the prison system and a large portion of society regarded as irredeemable. “ Mentee CH

“I responded with no hesitation when the opportunity for becoming a Justice & Mercy-supported mentor for “T” was presented…. Over the 20 or so months I’ve know “T”, much has changed in his life. He’s gradually become acclimated to life “on the outside”, with its countless challenges and opportunities. At first those challenges seemed overwhelming to him, but aided by discernible –and practical- care by a few of us related to Justice & Mercy, “T” has moved forward. He’s had a steady job for a year and a half, and those life skills so sorely lacking when he left prison are in various stages of development. We meet for lunch every week. Early on, our relationship became…comfortable…and through it we have discussed everything from the relative merits of the White Sox and Yankees to the evidence for the God we Christians seek to glorify…..

….my proffered wisdom and guidance could never have real merit unless “T” understood it as an expression of my genuine caring and respect for him as a unique child of God. “T” and I differ greatly in age, background and countless others ways. Trust if the foundation for all good relationships..I look forward to an ongoing mentoring relationship with “T”, built upon trust [and] friendship.”  Mentor RS