Madison-area Urban Ministry (MUM), a non-profit interfaith social justice organization has, for over 35 years served as a prophetic voice for justice. In 2008 MUM assisted over 200 individuals in their re-entry into the community after prison, and an additional 650 individuals in their continued efforts to rebuild their lives after incarceration. This assistance came through our Journey Home, Circles of Support and Voices Beyond Bars programs. In addition to individualized support in the areas of housing, employment, referral to treatment and support, MUM offers an emergency food pantry and a micro-loan program to returnees to assist them with their return to the community while avoiding predatory lending practices.

Our Mentoring Connections program matches children of incarcerated parents with adult mentors to help stabilize the children and offer additional emotional support. The program is in its fifth year and is the only program serving Dane and Columbia Counties that specifically addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by children of incarcerated parents.

MUM’s Returning Prisoner and Reentry Simulations continue to serve as community education opportunities, the chance to experience a little of what it’s like to try to make it after release from prison. The Reentry Simulations operate inside the prisons and offer inmates a practice run at their first month out of prison. In 2008 we conducted Returning Prisoner Simulations as part of the YWCA’s Racial Justice Summit, for the NASW Annual Conference and in Washington DC as part of the United Methodist Churches Annual Conference focusing on Restorative Justice.

In addition to our direct service programs, MUM continues its advocacy in the areas of poverty, racism, education, healthcare reform, affordable housing, fair housing and ending homelessness. In 2008 MUM actively engaged in advocating for increased outreach services to homeless individuals and families at both the City and County levels. Collaborating with other agencies we co-sponsored several community forums focusing on homelessness.