Good Vibes
by Fr. Dave Kelly, c.pp.s., pbmr Director
As Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation
(pbmr) grows, we require more support from
funders and grants. Grants and foundations demand
that we demonstrate our effectiveness. We do what
we do because it is the right thing to do, but I did go
to a meeting where I was hoping to get some ideas
on how we could build out more solidly our work-
force development project – it needs some funding.
The person who met with us was someone who
has some knowledge of pbmr and I would say cares
for us. He truly wanted to help. He asked me from
the start, “May I speak directly without offending
you?” I assured him that was the purpose of our visit
and would welcome some unvarnished truth.
To the fact that we are mission-driven and live
within the community, he responded with, “So
what?” He wasn’t being disrespectful, but driving
home the point that we need data to demonstrate
our effectiveness.
I appreciated his direct talk and was comforted
with the fact that we were doing just that. We are
committed to better telling our story through real
measurements and outcomes.
Later that same day, I got a call from a social
worker from Northwestern University. She was
working with a young man, Ronald, who had been
recently released from prison after his case was
overturned on a wrongful conviction appeal. He
was falsely accused and put in prison at the age of 15
for ten years. It is part of Northwestern University’s
“Innocence Project.” She asked if they could stop by
for a quick visit.
Can you imagine what it would be like to be
held in prison for ten years at that vulnerable age
for something you didn’t do? To make matters
worse, when he came home to Detroit, he was shot.
Apparently, where his mother lives is pretty rough
and he was a stranger in his own community.
Because of all that was happening in Detroit, he
decided to move to Chicago to get a fresh start. He
came to Chicago because the only people who really
10 • The New Wine Press • February 2018
supported him during his time of incarceration
were the social workers at Northwestern University’s
“Innocence Project.”
He was staying at a halfway house on the south
side of Chicago, which provided him housing, but
little else. Due to the status of Northwestern’s fund-
ing, they have little capacity to help with support
outside the lawyers and social workers.
I met them when they arrived, spent about two
hours just talking and then gave them a “tour” of
pbmr. As we sat back down, Ronald said, “I really
like it here; this place has good vibes.” He went on to
share how he felt so comfortable with all the pictures
and art that hang throughout—and how everyone
made him feel welcome. He could feel that it was a
place where people could understand where he was
coming from, a place where he was not judged. He
said many people, “even after they know I was in-
nocently put in prison, think that I got out due to a
technicality. I get tired of trying to explain to people
that even though I was in prison for ten years, that
I am not a bad person.” He then asked, “Can I come
back? You think I can get involved here?” Of course,
I said, “yes!”
We are definitely going to work on our “values
proposition.” However, the real measurement of
value for pbmr is that we “have good vibes” for
those who feel alone or disconnected. I am not sure
how we measure “good vibes,” but we’re going to
give it a shot. In the meantime, I thank Ronald for
his seal of approval.
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