WS Chronicle

More than 120 supporters of Rev. Rodney Stillwell gathered on May 21 to celebrate his lasting impact on the community. After more than 35 years of faithful ministry to the incarcerated men and women of Forsyth County, Rev. Stillwell has retired. As senior chaplain with the Forsyth Jail & Prison Ministries (FJPM), Rev. Stillwell and his team have helped thousands transform their lives and break the cycle of crime and punishment. He has served as a community reconciler, bringing together offenders and volunteers of all races and backgrounds to carry out life-changing programs.

Among those in attendance were volunteers, friends, community partners, donors and board members, as well as those who Rev. Stillwell has directly impacted – people who were formerly incarcerated – and their families. Guests enjoyed a barbeque lunch from Honky Tonk Catering, treats from Dewey’s ice cream truck and cake squares donated by the choir at Friedberg Moravian Church. They shared stories and listened as a group of ex-offenders, men who credit Rev. Stillwell with changing their lives, performed a musical tribute.

Forsyth Jail & Prison Ministries has much to celebrate. Despite pandemic restrictions, most of their ministries, including the celebrated Transition to Work program, have continued to thrive over the last two years. Transition to Work prepares inmates for release into the community via a 12-month course that teaches life, decision-making and employment skills. During the critical 90- to 120-day period following release, program graduates receive support with housing, transportation, employment, behavioral health, and mentoring needs. The recidivism rate for Transition to Work graduates is almost negligible compared to the national average.

Earlier this month, the N.C. Department of Public Safety lightened pandemic restrictions and began allowing approved community volunteers to lead programs and services coordinated by Forsyth Jail & Prison Ministries at the Cherry Street Prison. Under the leadership of Senior Chaplain Tejado Hanchell and FJPM Executive Director Mark Hogsed, programs are resuming more normal operations.

For more information on volunteering and giving opportunities, visit www.forsythjpm.org.