Senator Cramer meets with inmates participating in Prison Fellowship Academy

(Bismarck, ND) -- U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer toured the North Dakota State Penitentiary Thursday, and met with inmates participating in the Prison Fellowship Academy.The program takes a biblical and restorative approach to those affected by crime and incarceration. The academy also helps prepare inmates and their families for life after prison.

“As a nation founded by people of faith, it is heartening to see people of faith addressing matters of justice by addressing the issues that lead to crime today. Prison Fellowship Academy is committed to reducing recidivism in our criminal justice system by addressing the issues of the heart and providing hope where little exists. By treating individuals with dignity, they demonstrate each person has value. By providing skills training, they add value to their clients and the community. The program demonstrates the redemptive ministry of Christ in a criminal justice culture too often focused on punishment,” said Senator Cramer.

Senator Cramer also visited the Restoring Promises Unit and Rough Rider Industries. The Restoring Promises Unit, launched earlier this year, is a program designed to improve living and working conditions by repurposing housing units and instituting mentorship by fellow prisoners. Rough Rider Industries provides adult individuals job skills training necessary for successful reentry into society while providing quality goods and services in a self-sustaining manner.