On Friday I addressed 1,600 participants in a White House conference on faith based efforts held in Tampa. I was joined by Attorney General John Ashcroft and Jim Towey, Director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. During the event, I announced the creation of the nation's first entirely faith-based prison at Lawtey Correctional Institution.
More than 791 inmates living in eight separate dormitories will participate on a voluntary basis in faith-based activities seven days a week . Volunteers from a wide variety of dominations and faiths will support the program with the services and resources. Inmates will receive job assignments and education during normal work hours. Some of the programs include, family life classes and seminars, personal growth, life skills and victim impact panels. For individuals who are motivated to change their lives, programs like this can make a tremendous difference and create a pathway out of the criminal justice system.
The White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives is leading the effort across the country to strengthen the role of faith-based and community organizations in addressing social problems. I am extremely proud that Florida is at the forefront of this initiative.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely, Jeb Bush
Clancy's Law: The perceived role of governments is to deploy ever increasing resources to the attainment of ever diminishing end results.
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