PEARL – Thirty-nine women at the Mississippi Correctional Institute for Women have graduated from various phases of an inmate-led rehabilitation program known as The Haven, according to the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
The program began nine months ago and focuses on personal growth, recovery and faith-based support within the prison.
Sixteen women completed the full nine-month program and were expected to move on to vocational training, GED classes or seminary courses through New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. Others were preparing to serve as facilitators in The Haven.
Participants completed classes on topics including codependency, forgiveness, trauma, parenting, anger management, emotional intelligence, grief, 12-step recovery and leadership.
MDOC said participants and facilitators earned more than 620 certificates combined.
The graduation ceremony was held Sept. 29 and brought together family members, community leaders, church volunteers, MDOC staff and other supporters.
Officials said some families had not seen one another in years and used the event as an opportunity to reconnect.
Dr. Ryan Wade served as the keynote speaker, focusing on the role of grace in people’s lives. Graduates also performed a praise dance centered on redemption.
DOC said The Haven is designed to give women a safe environment to work toward recovery from drugs and unhealthy habits while building life skills and strengthening their faith.
