The Ability to Wash Oneself

Due to your generosity, over $900 worth of toiletries for indigent inmates was delivered to the Toiletries Closet at Denver Women’s Correctional Facility. The toiletries included toothpaste, bar soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, and feminine hygiene. Most people don’t know that incarcerated individuals must purchase all their toiletries from the Canteen. The only thing provided is liquid soap dispensers in the bathrooms. Can you imagine having only this soap for washing your body, cleaning your teeth, and washing your hair? Women who have employment in the facility and outside assistance from family can buy hygiene from Canteen. Without adequate employment or family assistance, others are left without.

Some women we work with in the facility developed the idea of a toiletries closet to meet the need, and they received permission to institute the program. They call themselves VOICES, and they work to ensure no one goes without hygiene. We received a handwritten letter signed by the women who facilitate the toiletries closet. Here are their comments:

“The ability to wash oneself is many things: dignity, love, confidence. Your donation gives so much to many. Thank you. Namaste.” 

“VOICES would like to thank you for your hygiene donation. It means so much. You are a blessing to us all! May God bless you as well!” 

“Thank you. Your donation is already at work blessing the women who so deeply need it.” 

“Thank you so much for the donation. We really appreciate your generosity. It will go a long way.” 

“Your donation makes a big difference.” 

“You are appreciated. You provide simple dignity for the women in here.” 


Proposition 128

Proposition 128

If you are registered to vote in Colorado, you now have your ballot.  There is a lot on the ballot, and no one can have all the information on everything, so we trust reliable sources to help us understand.  Restoring Connections, from its 25 years experience working with incarcerated individuals, is encouraging a NO vote on Proposition 128. 

Healing our violence one relationship at a time

Healing our violence one relationship at a time

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is of particular concern to all of us due to its pervasiveness. Nearly one in four women and one in nine men are victims of domestic violence according to the National Institutes of Health. Domestic violence is about control over another family member and can involve physical, sexual, emotional, economic and psychological abuse.

Healing after Suicide Loss

Healing after Suicide Loss

During these early days of the fall season, we are reviewing with all our mentors and soul care providers vital information about suicide prevention and the needs of survivors of suicide loss.  All of us can make a difference.  Relationships are important.

If you are concerned about a friend or family member who may be at risk of suicide, call or text 988.  It’s a direct connection to professional support.

Caring for Our Relationships

Caring for Our Relationships

September is national suicide awareness month.  This is a good time to remember loved ones who have been lost through suicide and to educate ourselves proactively about risks, warning factors and how to help.  It’s also an opportunity to reflect on our own quality of self-care, how connected we are to a sense of meaning and purpose in our own lives and the importance of nurturing personal relationships.

With Gratitude..

With Gratitude..

August 17 is National Nonprofit Day.  This is an important opportunity to learn more about nonprofits and to celebrate their important contributions.   Nonprofits play a vital role in community development.  They provide essential services that would otherwise be unavailable.  They provide direct services like food and shelter and supportive services like skills training and mentoring.  They foster the culture of the community.  They inspire and bring people together to heal, to challenge, to advocate for change and to ensure the common good.  Communities with strong nonprofits score higher on societal health, positive lifestyles, community stability and social cohesion.

25 Years of Volunteer Service

25 Years of Volunteer Service

I’m personally celebrating 25 years as a volunteer working with people during incarceration and re-entry.  It was August 1999, when Restoring Connections began volunteer programs in Denver Women’s Correctional Facility.  Since that time, we have companioned over 1,350 individuals during incarceration and re-entry.  Ninety-four percent of the individuals who have been released remain successfully in the community and are employed, completed some kind of training or schooling and some are homeowners. 

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