Second Chance Gives Prisoners Gift of Rehabilitative TV Programming
TBN’s faith-based programming is a favorite with American audiences and millions of viewers across six continents. Now, the family of networks wants to reach a largely forgotten population – the more than two million men and women who are behind bars in the United States – and offer them a Second Chance.
The nation’s prisons aren’t just full; they’re overflowing. In California alone – where more than 170,000 prisoners occupy facilities designed for 83,000 – dangerous overcrowding has caused the federal government to consider stepping in.
“This untenable situation has severely crippled the effectiveness of rehabilitation, and fostered early release,” says Amy Fihn, TBN’s Second Chance program coordinator. “Sadly, thousands of criminals end up back in their communities before they’re ready, often leading to tragic consequences for citizens and ex-inmates alike.”
The Second Chance initiative is one way TBN’s worldwide family of networks is trying to help. The new program allows wardens and chaplains of eligible prisons, correctional facilities, and re-entry centers to choose up to four of TBN’s unique faith-based networks for inmates to view completely free of charge. TBN will also cover the cost of all necessary satellite reception equipment and installation customized for each facility with technical assistance provided by Glorystar Satellite Systems.
Catalyzed by a desire to effect positive change in America, TBN developed the Second Chance program as a companion to already established rehabilitation programs, and to meet the growing need for multi- denominational, cross-cultural television programming opportunities for inmates of all ages.
“We receive countless letters from prisoners thanking TBN for TV that has changed their lives,” Fihn said, and according to some of those who work with prisoners on a daily basis, that change is noticeable. “Clearly, TBN is a positive influence within the prison environment,” says Chaplain Lois Woodard of the California Institution for Women in Corona. “It is a tool in taking them to the next level emotionally, intellectually and spiritually, and ultimately preparing them for a successful re-entry into society.”
Richard Moran, noted criminologist and sociology professor at Holyoke College in Massachusetts, emphasizes the existence of numerous studies illustrating the relationship between viewing TV violence and aggressive behavior. Conversely, inspiring programming has a positive effect, he says.
Moran, who has testified in more than two-dozen death penalty cases, further observes, “Offenders need a fundamental shift in how they perceive the world, transitioning from a vengeful mindset to one of grace, forgiveness, and self control.”
TBN’s Second Chance is completely free and comes with no strings attached for those who choose to participate. In providing the services, TBN recognizes its offer as purely optional for inmates who desire and/or have requested faith-based programming.
“We are proud to offer Second Chance to the nation’s incarcerated,” says TBN’s Chief of Staff, Paul Crouch Jr. “In some small way, I hope the love, hope, and encouragement provided through the program will offer prisoners the hand up they need to turn their lives around.”
For more information, or to apply for TBN Second Chance in your facility, go to www.tbnsecondchance.org.
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(Source: Christian Newswire)
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