Innovative Programs
Institutional Ministries (IM) provides direction, comfort and hope by sharing God and His love with individuals (and their families) who are behind prison walls. IM’s in-person ministry operate in prisons and jails primarily in Wisconsin and parts of Illinois and Indiana. Its email ministry called “GraceLinks” sends devotions to inmates throughout the U.S., wherever correctional facilities use the CorrLinks system. Launched in 2020, over 760 inmates now receive emailed GraceLinks six days a week. That number continues to grow through outreach efforts by inmates. In addition, these GraceLinks devotions are printed into booklets to share with inmates in county jails without access to email. There are 29 county jails in Wisconsin that receive the booklets.
Primary Focus Area: Prison Ministry
Lutheran Affiliation: WELS
Location: 1833 Executive Drive, Suite 101B, Oconomowoc, WI 53066
Website Address: www.im.life
Funding will support: "Your gift will support spiritual care for inmates, families and communities by providing comfort, direction and referrals to resources, forming a circle of support. This includes in-person care through individual visits, Bible studies, worship services and even baptism and communion. It also includes emailed GraceLinks devotions to state and federal prisoners. Inmates are able to email Pastors with questions like, “How can inmates live as Christians?” and “Does God really forgive?” To date, more than 374,000 Gospel messages have been shared on GraceLinks! In addition, over 7,000 devotional booklets have been distributed to county jail inmates and prison libraries. These communications encourage spiritual support, connection, and role modeling. IM’s unique connection with inmates can further rebuild families and communities and reduce recidivism by linking inmates prior to release with organizations providing housing, food, clothes, jobs and more." (Submitted by Institutional Ministries)