Justice & Mercy Ministry

Justice & Mercy, Inc. – A voice for the incarcerated and a catalyst for prison reform

In October 1998, a group of Christian community business leaders met in Ronks Pennsylvania to discuss operations and education resource improvements within Pennsylvania prisons. All agreed that the prison administration could do more to help inmates address personal problems, take responsibility for past deeds, forgive those who hurt them, and introduce restorative justice to the judicial system. Through its bi-annual prison wide visitation at Christmas and Easter Justice & Mercy brings the light of Christ into the Lancaster County Prison. Hope is delivered from visiting strangers who deliver words of encouragement to every inmate and staff member in the prison. Over 1,100 Whoopie Pies and Chocolate Crosses paired with a greeting card deliver face-to-face tokens of hope and the reminder that Jesus cares.

It is reported that days and weeks following these Justice & Mercy visits there is a peace that prevails within the prison among inmates and staff alike.

Note from a LCP resident:
Hi, I was in the Lancaster County Prison for the last six months. And I would like to thank your people for coming around at Christmas with Whoopie Pies and at Easter with the Chocolate Crosses. It was very much appreciated. I don’y know if anyone else take the time to call and thank you, but everybody was very happy to get something and we appreciate what all you people have done. Thank you very much. Have a good day!

Justice & Mercy is clearly attempting to fulfill the mission God has called us to do in seeking a fair justice system, while at the same time showing God’s mercy to all of His creation. This is not an easy task. It is taking a holistic approach to a complex challenge.

For nearly three decades Justice & Mercy has ministered to the needs of incarcerated individuals, fulfilling requests for visits from inmates, family members and friends.“We love him, because he first loved us” – 1 John 4:19

Justice & Mercy works diligently with the justice system while working on the system to provide a better and safer society for all citizens in the Commonwealth. Only through the means of education, support, correction and reform the will the justice system be able to better serve all.

Today the Justice & Mercy leadership team listens closely for God’s prompting. The organization acknowledges the challenging task it has been called to do. Justice & Mercy realizes that outreach is essential for the organization to be refreshed with new eyes, ears and hearts to accomplish the Great Commission before us. What began inside prison to show God’s compassion to inmates, is expanding beyond the prison walls. Justice & Mercy reaches out to the Lancaster community to raise awareness of the personal struggles for reconciliation,forgiveness, personal growth, mental and spiritual fitness not only for those incarcerated, but also for prison employees and the Lancaster community of faith.

On Memorial Day Weekend, Justice & Mercy, hosted it’s 1st annual Love-In-Action Community Outreach FREE food giveaway which was promoted primarily online and made available through generous sponsorship. Lancaster County residents were more than appreciative to receive a bounty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and pantry food staples all freely given, “…for God loveth a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Lancaster County Prison’s annual Corrections Week was given a boon from Justice & Mercy with the delivery of over 315 employee gift bags and gift card contributions to supplement outstanding service awards and contest prizes to show appreciation to the men and women who perform a difficult, stressful and it times dangerous job at the prison.

Let us not forget that Pennsylvania prisons are filled with fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, uncles, aunts, grandparents, nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and neighbors all who need to know that Jesus died for our sins, “for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” – Hebrews 13:5

How your gift helps:
Justice & Mercy does not receive government funding. This faith-based 501(c)(3) organization is supported exclusively through the generous support of faithful business owners, churches and friends who attend and sponsor the annual Whoopie Pie and Chocolate Cross fundraisers.

The Matthew 25:36 Project supplements the organization’s operational needs through reoccurring monthly donations. The M25:36P donations provide support for online communications (i.e. prayer requests, announcements, and event promotions); print communications (i.e. the Justice & Mercy newsletter, inmate correspondence, and event
announcements), office equipment supplies and maintenance, salary and postage.

Prayerfully consider partnering with Justice & Mercy to reach a goal of 125K.

Giving Opportunities:

• Matthew 25:36 Project
• Chocolate Cross Day Easter fundraiser *
• Corrections Week
• Community Outreach FREE Food Giveaway
• Whoopie Pie Day Christmas fundraiser*
• Justice & Mercy publications
• Celebrating 250 Years of Freedom
  *Text or Call 717.823.3803 for event reservations.

Capital Campaign Partnership Opportunities:

• Annual Matthew 25:26 Project Sponsorship $300 – $750
• Communications Sponsorship $500 – $5,000
• Events Sponsorship $1,500 – $20,000
• Fundraiser Speaker(s) & Music Sponsorship $2,500 – $7,500
• Greeting Card Handout Sponsorship $1,500*
• Media Sponsorship $5,000 – $25,000
• Program Sponsorship $2,500 – $15,000
• Student Event Participation Sponsorship $250 – $1,000
  *(name included on WPD & CCD greeting card)