For the last nine years, Denise Harris has served as Prison Fellowship’s field director for the Detroit metro area. In that role, Denise has been a tireless advocate for men and women behind bars in Michigan, a source of encouragement for families with an incarcerated loved ones, and a valuable resource for former prisoners as they seek to become productive members of their communities.
And we here at Prison Fellowship aren’t the only ones noticing.
Denise Harris poses with children of incarcerated parents at a “One Day with God” camp.
On September 24, Denise was one of five recipients of the Spirit of Giving Award, an honor given to those making a difference in the lives of men and women in the Detroit area, empowering them to make a difference themselves. The award was presented by Bags to Butterflies, an organization focused on providing support for women returning to their communities after serving time in prison. (Denise recently featured Bags to Butterflies in a recent Prison Fellowship video blog. To see that story, click here.)
“The Bags To Butterflies Spirit of Giving Award recognizes individuals and organizations who exemplify our initiative of ‘people giving to people, so they can give to others,'” says Michelle Smart, the founder of Bags to Butterflies. “Denise, has been instrumental in working with returning citizens and in supporting our mission of inspiring others to greater commitment and involvement to make a difference.”
Across the country, Prison Fellowship staff and volunteers are making a difference in the lives of prisoners, former prisoners, and their families. They are living out the biblical command to “remember the prisoner,” and are transforming communities as a result. If you have a heart for men and women caught in a cycle of crime and incarceration, and would like to join with Prison Fellowship in its work to help restore these people as valued members of society, visit our action page to learn what opportunities exist where you live.