Since 2013, volunteers from Eastbrook have been ministering to women at the Milwaukee Women’s Correctional Center, a 109-bed minimum security center. Initially, the ministry was invited to facilitate a two-hour Bible study on the first and third Wednesdays of every month, but as the relationship with the center deepened, the team was invited to increase its presence to every week.  In 2022, the center invited the ministry to also host a one-hour church service on the second Saturday of every month.

Every week, our Wednesday team has the joy of building deep relationships with the women through worship, video-based Bible studies, and prayer. Most women are in the process of healing from significant trauma, including sexual exploitation, drug and alcohol addictions, and toxic relationships.  Many are clear-thinking and physically healthy for the first time in years. They know they are in need of a Savior, and are moved to learn that God’s grace and forgiveness is available to them. Many have commented that, prior to attending this study, they did not understand that a relationship with Jesus was possible. The team seeks to point women to Jesus by listening, studying, sharing, and laughing.

Once a month, our Saturday team presents a message of hope, joy, and peace through live worship music and a short message. Resembling a traditional church service, volunteers and women have limited interaction. This is a safe space for women who are seeking to learn more about Jesus but are hesitant to commit to a two-hour, weekly study. A guitarist and vocalist lead a time of worship and a speaker shares a message from the Bible. Women and the corrections officers always love hearing the cafeteria filled with beautiful music and singing!

All volunteers are required to undergo a background check and attend an annual training hosted virtually by the Department of Corrections.  Women interested in volunteering for the Wednesday study must be able to attend weekly from 6-8 p.m. for a minimum of a year. Men and women interested in volunteering for the Saturday service must be able to attend on the second Saturday of the month from 6-7 p.m, 3-4 times per year. Both ministries would benefit from having volunteers who can play the guitar.

If you are interested in getting involved or would like more information, please contact Katina Austin at [email protected].