AMOS, Inc. Advocating, Mobilizing, Organizing in Solidarity

What is AMOS? AMOS is a an interfaith coalition working for justice in Wisconsin's Seven Rivers Region. It consists of over one dozen La Crosse- area member congregations and local community members.

Why do we lock people up? Society needs to be protected from them (they scare us).

Why do we lock people up? To punish them, in the hopes that they will change their ways. Does it work? Recidivism (return to jail or prison) is 80-85%...you decide.

Who do we lock up? (Jail population in La Crosse County) Men- 77% Women- 23% White- 81% Black- 14% Asian- 3% Native American- 2% Virtually all of the women have been physically and/or sexually abused.

Who do we lock up? (Jail population in La Crosse County) National Statistics: 30% of the men have serious mental illness. 40% of the women have serious mental illness. The problem is exacerbated in La Crosse because of the success of the Justice Sanctions programs. All of them are less likely to be: properly diagnosed able to obtain appropriate treatment able to keep to the recommended treatment (medication and other treatments) if they obtain them.

Over 9,000,000 imprisoned world-wide

1,315,291 in state prisons. 780,581 in local jails. 23,179 Federal inmates in privately operated facilities (12/07) 2,163 in jails in Indian country 9,720 in immigration facilities 1,794 in military facilities

22,226 adults were imprisoned in 35 Wisconsin State Prisons on March 20, juveniles were imprisoned in 5 Wisconsin State Juvenile facilities on March 20, ,678 were imprisoned in 70 county jails in ,196 were imprisoned in one federal facility TOTAL: 40,639

7685 Men, Women and Children Incarcerated in the Diocese of La Crosse

So... What can we do about it?

Neighbor-to-Neighbor Social Support

Breaking the Cycle

Building Compassionate Community Repairing the fabric of our community, one person at a time.

Mission Reintegrate into the community Offer a path toward health and stability Foster transformative relationships

What Works? Education & Vocational Programs Mental Health & AODA Treatment Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for Criminal Thinking (e.g. "Thinking for a Change" program) Healthy Social Support

What Do Circles Do?

8-hour Training : roles & goals, challenges & solutions, listening skills, empowering communication, ethics and confidentiality, safety and support, community resources 6 months weekly 1-hour meetings in small groups of 5-6 (including core member) with option to continue if desired Yearly continuing training Volunteer Commitments

Support, Resources & Opportunities Individual and Group Support from Coordinator Monthly Leadership Team Meetings Quarterly Potlucks with All Circles Help Shape Our Evolution!

Get Involved! Become a Volunteer Refer volunteers or core members

Thank you! Contact Circles of Support Coordinator: (608)