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Articles:
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
By
SYLVESTER BROWN JR.
Tuesday, 9/20/2005
Most of us probably consider ourselves decent, compassionate, giving people.
We'd dash into traffic to save a puppy or take a bullet for a child or
run marathons to combat horrendous diseases.
But would you sacrifice your time, give your money or walk a mile to help a murderer, robber or drug pusher?
I shared a table with Bobby Moseley, 58, and his wife, Loretta, at Project
COPE's 20th anniversary dinner Saturday night. Both are ex-offenders.
Linda Schroeder, the group's executive director, invited me to speak that
evening to ex-convicts, volunteers and those who support the organization's
efforts to help ex-offenders re-enter society.
The congregation-based partnership offers transitional housing, clothing,
food and counseling for select individuals after their release from prison.
It costs taxpayers about $14,000 a year to house a prisoner. By lessening
the likelihood of ex-prisoners going back to jail, Project COPE members
believe their work benefits families, children and the entire community.
Moseley, a former drug addict and petty thief, took deep, labored breaths
as he waited for his name to be called. He was going to receive an award
that night. Moseley suffers from chronic pulmonary disorder, from years
of smoking, he told me. Clear, plastic tubes looped around his ears from
his portable oxygen tank, noisily rushing fresh air to his nostrils. When
his name was called, I asked if he needed help.
"Nah, not tonight. Tonight, I'm feeling good," Moseley answered.
He wasn't the only one.
The banquet room of St. Francis Xavier Church at Grand and Lindell boulevards
was filled with downright giddy people. They came to the stage, one by
one, sharing stories of their volunteer work with Project COPE. Yes, they
helped ex-offenders, but, along the way, they helped themselves.
Ex-cons with successful businesses told me how they work with and hire
other younger offenders. Priests, nuns, ministers and businesspeople spoke
of the blessings derived from helping so many turn their lives around.
Gary Kempker, another awardee and former director of the Missouri Department
of Corrections, told the story of a newly released, longtime female convict
who dreaded her first visit to Walgreens.
"This woman feared the first time she'd have to make a decision on
her own," Kempker said.
Kempker seemed humbled as he spoke of the numerous innovative programs
he'd developed. It was as if those who had not returned to jail had done
him a favor.
I chatted with St. Louis Circuit Judge Philip D. Heagney, also a recipient
of a Project COPE award. Sentencing is necessary, but sometimes, heavy
work, he told me. "Enlightened sentencing" gives him balance.
Instead of penitentiary time, Heagney often sentences deserving offenders
to probation. Many have grabbed the "second chance" with gusto,
he said, and have lived productive lives.
I bumped into the Rev. Robyn Murphy and Magretta Yokota, the marketing
director and executive director of Lutheran Ministries Association, at
the event. The association primarily focuses on the needs of inmates and
their families while they're incarcerated. Maintaining healthy family
bonds leads to healthy outcomes, Murphy told me last week. Among other
services, the association donates toys, clothes and school supplies to
children of inmates and arranges family bus trips to state prisons.
This Saturday, I'll participate in the Lutheran Ministries Association's
third annual "Walk in the Park" at Queeny Park that will raise
money for its efforts. I'm as out of shape as all get out. But after hanging
out with the folks I met Saturday night, I have a feeling my heart's going
to be feeling pretty good when I'm done.
To sign up or for more information about the Walk in the Park call 314-754-2823.
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