Amicus - Volunteers of America - MN

The Amicus One to One Mentoring program is 50+ yrs old and is one of the longest lasting reentry mentoring programs in MN. At the core, it is a befriender program. Amicus has developed an excellent matching program & training that enables volunteers to be prepared for their friendship with those in MN state correctional facilities & how to support after an inmate is released into the community. What's a visit like? The meeting area is very similar to an airport waiting area. You sit across from your Amicus friend and have a hour to visit. The setting is quite comfortable. Over the past 3 years, I have been able to develop a deep & rewarding friendship. Why should you be interested? There are ~10,000 current inmates in MN. Nearly 95% of these inmates will be released & 40% of the inmates do not receive a visitor from family, friends or the public. How ready will these inmates be ready to transition? There are ~100 inmates requesting an Amicus friend. Please consider Amicus.

This is a very rewarding volunteer experience. I was matched with a woman in prison in Shakopee and visit her every month. We are getting to know each other and my role is only to be a friend and a positive connection to the outside. Prisoners sign up for the program and most don't have any other people who visit them. My friend is easy to talk to and I'm learning a lot about friendship and being there for someone as a result of our connection.