MB3 In The News
Mission Behind Bars and Beyond, Inc., Executive Director,
Rev. Dr. Anthony Everett, receives Pastoral Study Project Grant
Grant from Louisville Institute to study Black resistance through Prophetic Activism
On December 1, 2021, the Louisville Institute announced Dr. Anthony Everett of Alpha Management LLC and executive director of Mission Behind Bars and Beyond Inc. as a recipient of the 2022 Pastoral Study Project Grant Program for the project titled “Prophetic Activism Matters: A Legacy of Black Resistance.” Dr. Everett is an elder of the United Methodist Church.
The Louisville Institute’s Pastoral Study Project (PSP) offers pastoral leaders the gift of time and the resources to engage in focused inquiry related to the Christian life of faith, North American religious practices and institutions, or major challenges confronting contemporary society and the wider world. Through grants of up to $15,000, this program enables pastoral leaders to bracket daily work routines in order to pursue a pressing and significant question for the life of faith.
Rev. Dr. Aimee C. Moiso, the Institute’s associate director, looks forward to welcoming this year's cohort of PSP grantees. “We are excited and humbled by the immense passion and creativity of our grantees. It is a joy to be able to support their projects and their ministries in this way. We are privileged to partner with these leaders and to see their projects flourish.”
Louisville Institute is funded by the Religion Division of Lilly Endowment Inc. and based at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Louisville, Kentucky). The Louisville Institute’s mission is to bridge Church and academy through awarding grants and fellowships to those who study North American religious institutions, practices, and movements, and thereby promoting scholarship that strengthens Church, academy, society, and contributes to the flourishing of the Church.
For more information about the project, go to https://bit.ly/3EBPhnG. To receive further information about the Louisville Institute’s fellowships and grant programs, please consult https://louisville-institute.org/ or contact the Institute at info@louisvilleinstitute.org.
About Alpha Management LLC.: For activists, organizers, faith leaders, and social entrepreneurs who struggle to implement social justice initiatives in their organizations and in their individual lives, Alpha Management works with our clients to develop transformative action plans and tools rooted in prophetic activism. For more information, go to https://www.dranthonyeverett.com/alpha-management-llc.
The Louisville Institute’s Pastoral Study Project (PSP) offers pastoral leaders the gift of time and the resources to engage in focused inquiry related to the Christian life of faith, North American religious practices and institutions, or major challenges confronting contemporary society and the wider world. Through grants of up to $15,000, this program enables pastoral leaders to bracket daily work routines in order to pursue a pressing and significant question for the life of faith.
Rev. Dr. Aimee C. Moiso, the Institute’s associate director, looks forward to welcoming this year's cohort of PSP grantees. “We are excited and humbled by the immense passion and creativity of our grantees. It is a joy to be able to support their projects and their ministries in this way. We are privileged to partner with these leaders and to see their projects flourish.”
Louisville Institute is funded by the Religion Division of Lilly Endowment Inc. and based at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Louisville, Kentucky). The Louisville Institute’s mission is to bridge Church and academy through awarding grants and fellowships to those who study North American religious institutions, practices, and movements, and thereby promoting scholarship that strengthens Church, academy, society, and contributes to the flourishing of the Church.
For more information about the project, go to https://bit.ly/3EBPhnG. To receive further information about the Louisville Institute’s fellowships and grant programs, please consult https://louisville-institute.org/ or contact the Institute at info@louisvilleinstitute.org.
About Alpha Management LLC.: For activists, organizers, faith leaders, and social entrepreneurs who struggle to implement social justice initiatives in their organizations and in their individual lives, Alpha Management works with our clients to develop transformative action plans and tools rooted in prophetic activism. For more information, go to https://www.dranthonyeverett.com/alpha-management-llc.
January 30, 2021 - Courier-Journal publishes this letter from the
Executive Director of MB3
Incarcerated lives are not expendable
As executive director of Mission Behind Bars and Beyond Inc., I am appalled at the lack of concern for the lives of incarcerated persons under the care of the Kentucky Department of Corrections during this COVID-19 pandemic. Kentucky has the third-highest rate of prison mortality nationwide due to the virus. The frightening numbers showing that 90% of the inmates at Luther Luckett Correctional Complex are infected with the virus and a total of 42 inmates have died in state prisons are unacceptable and morally incomprehensible.
Inmates are among the most vulnerable Kentuckians due to their proximity with others in overcrowded facilities. Women, poor and marginalized African Americans and Latino persons are disproportionately impacted bringing to light the grave disparity of health care for people who serve time in Kentucky and their respective communities.
The only ethical thing to do is for inmates and prison workers to receive the vaccine as part of the group that includes seniors in care facilities and for them to be immediately released from prison to abide by CDC guidelines for social distancing. Incarceration must not be a death sentence. Inmate’s lives are essential, not expendable.
Reverend Dr. D. Anthony Everett
Louisville, 40202
As executive director of Mission Behind Bars and Beyond Inc., I am appalled at the lack of concern for the lives of incarcerated persons under the care of the Kentucky Department of Corrections during this COVID-19 pandemic. Kentucky has the third-highest rate of prison mortality nationwide due to the virus. The frightening numbers showing that 90% of the inmates at Luther Luckett Correctional Complex are infected with the virus and a total of 42 inmates have died in state prisons are unacceptable and morally incomprehensible.
Inmates are among the most vulnerable Kentuckians due to their proximity with others in overcrowded facilities. Women, poor and marginalized African Americans and Latino persons are disproportionately impacted bringing to light the grave disparity of health care for people who serve time in Kentucky and their respective communities.
The only ethical thing to do is for inmates and prison workers to receive the vaccine as part of the group that includes seniors in care facilities and for them to be immediately released from prison to abide by CDC guidelines for social distancing. Incarceration must not be a death sentence. Inmate’s lives are essential, not expendable.
Reverend Dr. D. Anthony Everett
Louisville, 40202
Update on Felony Disenfranchisement in the Commonwealth of Kentucky
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On January 26, at the preview event for the updated
Report on Felony Disenfranchisement created by the League of Women Voters of Kentucky, MB3's Executive Director, Reverend Dr. D. Anthony Everett, made the statement below. Immediately following the MB3 statement, the ACLU, The Sentencing Project, and the League, the ACLU is leading an action of texting Kentucky legislators to support HB 232 – the bill that requests immediate voter enfranchisement for all felons. |
“The Time is Now” to Restore the Right to Vote in Kentucky
The Hebrew Bible/Old Testament, Isaiah 61:1 (NRSV) states:
“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me;
[God] has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners …”
“The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me;
[God] has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners …”
This prophetic message of love is the life mission of Jesus the Christ which He repeats in Luke 4:18. Public philosopher and theologian Cornell West, reminds us that “Justice is what love looks like in public.” For prisoners, justice is pardoning, freeing, and ultimately liberating to never be imprisoned again.
The civil right to vote is a civic expression of freedom in our democracy afforded to all United States citizens. This includes prisoners, also known as returning citizens. The inherent dignity of every citizen and the well being of every community in our Commonwealth is connected to the vote. Participation in the right to vote must include our poor, oppressed, and marginalized returning citizens who have served their time.
Sadly, Kentucky is at the top of the list of states that do not immediately restore voting rights. Kentucky has not progressed in this basic human right. At best, we have remained stagnant or failed in many ways. When any one of our citizens is deprived the right to vote, when they have been locked out because of a criminal record, our Commonwealth fails to make true the promise of democracy to protect the right to vote for every citizen. Nowhere is this more evident than the impact of voter disenfranchisement on the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities of Kentucky, specifically African American citizens who are victims of mass incarceration.
At Mission Behind Bars and Beyond, Inc., we believe that Black Lives Matter and everyone deserves a second chance to create a new path in life. We are committed to the holistic restoration of incarcerated citizens and the transformation of our punitive systems of criminal justice. We believe it is the Christian thing to do! Not only is it Christian. It is a faithful response to injustice. All faiths believe in and stand for justice! The right to vote is fundamental justice for all citizens, even when they are released from incarceration. Every citizen of the Commonwealth of Kentucky deserves the right to vote! The inherent dignity of our citizens and the well being of our communities, from the “Hood to the Holler,” are connected through this basic human right.
In this important January 2021 update, the League of Women Voters reminds us of the recent history of voter disenfranchisement in Kentucky, measures of success, stagnation and failure, and the clarion call that “The Time Is Now” for transformative societal change to draconian policies, laws, and practices that impede all Kentuckians from participating in the full civic life of the Commonwealth. “The Time is Now” to Restore the Right to Vote in Kentucky!
Every citizen deserves a second chance to create a new path in life. The restoration of incarcerated citizens works hand in glove with the progressive transformation of Kentucky’s system of criminal justice. Upon reading this report, if you are a person of faith, you will be moved to act.
Mission Behind Bars and Beyond restores lives and transforms communities. Join us in our Christian, faith-filled response to injustice and help us restore love in public for incarcerated citizens. Call, text, and email your state legislators! Tell them to support Kentucky House Bill 232 without amendments. Let them know that everyone deserves the right to vote! It’s the Christian thing to do! “The Time is Now!”
The civil right to vote is a civic expression of freedom in our democracy afforded to all United States citizens. This includes prisoners, also known as returning citizens. The inherent dignity of every citizen and the well being of every community in our Commonwealth is connected to the vote. Participation in the right to vote must include our poor, oppressed, and marginalized returning citizens who have served their time.
Sadly, Kentucky is at the top of the list of states that do not immediately restore voting rights. Kentucky has not progressed in this basic human right. At best, we have remained stagnant or failed in many ways. When any one of our citizens is deprived the right to vote, when they have been locked out because of a criminal record, our Commonwealth fails to make true the promise of democracy to protect the right to vote for every citizen. Nowhere is this more evident than the impact of voter disenfranchisement on the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities of Kentucky, specifically African American citizens who are victims of mass incarceration.
At Mission Behind Bars and Beyond, Inc., we believe that Black Lives Matter and everyone deserves a second chance to create a new path in life. We are committed to the holistic restoration of incarcerated citizens and the transformation of our punitive systems of criminal justice. We believe it is the Christian thing to do! Not only is it Christian. It is a faithful response to injustice. All faiths believe in and stand for justice! The right to vote is fundamental justice for all citizens, even when they are released from incarceration. Every citizen of the Commonwealth of Kentucky deserves the right to vote! The inherent dignity of our citizens and the well being of our communities, from the “Hood to the Holler,” are connected through this basic human right.
In this important January 2021 update, the League of Women Voters reminds us of the recent history of voter disenfranchisement in Kentucky, measures of success, stagnation and failure, and the clarion call that “The Time Is Now” for transformative societal change to draconian policies, laws, and practices that impede all Kentuckians from participating in the full civic life of the Commonwealth. “The Time is Now” to Restore the Right to Vote in Kentucky!
Every citizen deserves a second chance to create a new path in life. The restoration of incarcerated citizens works hand in glove with the progressive transformation of Kentucky’s system of criminal justice. Upon reading this report, if you are a person of faith, you will be moved to act.
Mission Behind Bars and Beyond restores lives and transforms communities. Join us in our Christian, faith-filled response to injustice and help us restore love in public for incarcerated citizens. Call, text, and email your state legislators! Tell them to support Kentucky House Bill 232 without amendments. Let them know that everyone deserves the right to vote! It’s the Christian thing to do! “The Time is Now!”
The Record (Louisville Archdiocese Newspaper) February 20, 2020 featured a front page article on the upcoming "Reaching Individuals: Behind and Beyond the Bars” conference. The event — sponsored by Catholic Charities of Louisville, Mission Behind Bars and Beyond and the National Benevolent Association — will take place again this year from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 6 at Hotel Louisville, 120 W. Broadway.
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Reaching Behind Bars and Beyond Conference
Conference to buoy ministry
behind bars By Ruby Thomas For the past seven years individuals concerned about the well being of men and women affected by incarceration have gathered at the “Reaching Individuals:… Read More |
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Louisville's website describes its support of MB3 through a grant.
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First Christian Church Continues Support of MB3
In Louisville, KY, Mission Behind Bars and Beyond (MB3) provides spiritual support, life skills training and mentoring for those inside prison and for those who return to their communities. MB3 is an ecumenical, faith-based ministry that originated in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and which provides a holistic approach to working with those who are incarcerated and those who are returning citizens. MB3 is affiliated with the congregation of New Life in Christ Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), located inside Dismas Charities-Diersen House. Read more...
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A recent article in the UL Kent Connection newsletter highlights the new practicum partnership with MB3
L-R: Rev. Caitlin Simpson (MB3 Pastor/Mentor Coordinator),
Maria Trevizo (Practicum participant), Dr. Stephanie Prost (MB3 Supporter), Rev. Dean Bucalos (MB3 Executive Director), Dr. Judith Heitzman (MB3 Supporter) |
New Practicum Partnership: Mission Behind Bars and Beyond (MB3)
Talk about a perfect fit. A new Kent practicum site has turned into a win for all. Judith Heitzman, a part-time faculty member, started things out by volunteering with and then making the Kent connection with Mission Behind Bars and Beyond (MB3), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people trying to re-adapt to life after incarceration. Read more.
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Dean Bucalos, former Executive Director and Founder of MB3 was asked by The Sentencing Project to write this op-ed piece which was published in the Lexington Herald-Leader.
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Kentucky should become a leader on criminal justice and re-entry after incarceration
Successful reintegration for people returning home after incarceration often depends on their community extending them a second chance.
President Donald Trump appears to agree because in April he committed “to providing support and resources that former inmates need to meet their responsibilities, rediscover their self‑worth, and benefit from the gift of a second chance.” As a minister and advocate for returning citizens, I hope Kentuckians, including our leaders in Congress, will also embrace people with criminal records by supporting legislation to end federal bans on food stamps and financial assistance for people with felony drug convictions. In my work at Mission Behind Bars and Beyond we help people find the resources they need to survive those first months out of prison and mentor them. Read more... |
In 2018, with assistance from a First Christian Church of Louisville Wholeness Ministry Grant, MB3 was able to hire a part time student associate minister.
Lisa Griffith-Tierney, part-time student associate minister with Mission Behind Bars and Beyond.
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FCC Helps Mission Behind Bars and
Beyond Hire Student Minister Dismas Charities gives men and women released from state and federal incarceration the skills and motivation to re-enter society as contributing members. The work of Dismas is to end the cycle of victimization and to heal the human spirit.
In Louisville, KY, Mission Behind Bars and Beyond (MB3) is a faith-based reentry program for returning citizens affiliated with the congregation of New Life in Christ Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), located inside Dismas Charities-Diersen House. Read more... |