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BISMARCK – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) toured the North Dakota State Penitentiary and met with Prison Fellowship Academy participants. The Prison Fellowship Academy takes a biblical and restorative approach to those affected by crime and incarceration and 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. “The Restoring Promises Unit and Rough Rider Industries initiatives also advance second chances and aid in the transition back into society. It was a privilege to see this work firsthand and hear stories directly from participants in these impactful programs.”
In addition, Senator Cramer visited the Restoring Promises Unit and Rough Rider Industries. Launched in North Dakota in 2022, the Restoring Promises Unit is a program designed to improve living and working conditions by repurposing housing units and instituting mentorship by fellow prisoners. This program is a space for young adults 18-25 to realize their potential and empower them to create a supportive community. Rough Rider Industries, a division within the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, provides adult individuals job skills training necessary for successful reentry into society while providing quality goods and services in a self-sustaining manner. Products created in this program range from furniture fabrication to dumpster manufacturing.
