News

Teamwork benefits women and children

When Julie Mix wanted a new community outreach project for inmates at the Redgranite Correctional Institution, she knew exactly where to turn.

Mix, an activities director at the prison, called on the Mission Ladies Group at her parish, St. Joseph, Wautoma. A parish women's group and inmates may seem like an unlikely team, but this collaboration is helping people in the local and surrounding communities, and throughout the world.

"Julie first asked me if the inmates could recycle greeting cars," said Donna Tompkins, coordinator of the Mission Ladies Group. "We didn't have any for them at the time and I wanted to save that job for the Mission Ladies. It's a good job for the senior ladies because it doesn't require hand strength or working with small parts."

Tompkins suggested another task for the inmates. Father Carr's Place 2B, Holy Family Villa in Oshkosh is preparing to open its doors to women and children in need. The Mission Ladies Group supplied yarn for the inmates to make animals, stocking caps, scarves and dish cloths for distribution at the shelter.

"The men are very talented and are very good at crochet," said Mix. "We do offer some classes, but, for the most part, they teach each other."

"It means a lot to them," she added. "They love doing this. It gives them satisfaction knowing they are helping others."

Their creativity impressed Tompkins.

"When I suggested that they make animals for the kids, I was expecting bears," she said. "They made cats, snakes and insects."

"I really enjoy working with Julie," she added. "She makes all this possible, and the warden, Jeffrey Endicott, deserves a lot of credit. He wants the inmates to have opportunities to give to the community."

The Mission Ladies Group provided supplies for the men to make 1,700 rosaries for distribution. They also help the hungry through a joint effort. The inmates grow vegetables, which the women donate to the Waushara Food Pantry in downtown Wautoma.

Collaborating with the inmates is an extension of the outreach efforts of the Mission Ladies Group. The women, who meet every Monday morning, also make rosaries, roll bandages, tie quilts and make gift items. Many items are sold, and proceeds are used for rosary supplies and donations to Br. Regis Fust, SDS, at the Salvatorian Mission Warehouse in New Holstein. The Mission Ladies send $150 a month to Br. Fust to help send food, medicine and supplies to countries in need.

"We do a Christmas outreach to all the parish shut-ins with a nice gift basket, and join in many other parish projects," said Tompkins. "At Christmas, we also sponsor a visit to the Waushara County Jail for parishioners, bringing food and music and greeting cards, so the inmates can send a greeting card. We also visit retirement homes. We keep busy."

Outreach efforts by the Redgranite inmates, in addition to projects with the Mission Ladies, include donating works to the Inmate Art Auction in Milwaukee, producing banners and signs for organizations and making ribbons for special occasions including Sept. 11.

"They were very proud of the rosaries they made that were sent to the troops," said Mix. "That connection was very important to them."

"The men deserve some recognition," said Tompkins. "It's rewarding to be able to help them help other people."

Items were presented to Fr. Marty Carr at a recent potluck dinner in Wautoma. Donations are also collected at St. Joseph to support the Place 2B. Additional items needed at Father Carr's Place 2B, Holy Family Villa include sleeping bags, rocking chairs, play pens, cribs, puzzles, arts and crafts supplies, adult and children's books and bookcases. To donate, call (920)231-2378 or drop off items anytime at 1965 Oshkosh Avenue, Oshkosh, WI (off Hwy 41 and Hwy 21).