Did you know?
Currently, out of the 2.3 million people currently incarcerated in the U.S., its estimated that about 40,000 are practicing Pagans and Wiccans.
Currently, out of the 2.3 million people currently incarcerated in the U.S., its estimated that about 40,000 are practicing Pagans and Wiccans.
Mission Statement
At Pagans Behind Bars, our mission is to forge a bridge of spiritual support and assistance for incarcerated Pagans and Wiccans. We are dedicated to promoting rehabilitation, personal growth, and connection with the Pagan community by providing a vital link between inmates and Pagan ministry. Our vision is rooted in the belief that every individual, regardless of their past, deserves the opportunity to explore and nurture their spiritual path. Through our website, we aim to:
1. Foster Spiritual Growth: We facilitate access to Pagan ministries, resources, and educational materials, allowing inmates to explore and deepen their spiritual journey while incarcerated.
2. Create Connections: We serve as a conduit between inmates and the larger Pagan and Wiccan communities, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing isolation through correspondence, mentorship, and support.
3. Encourage Rehabilitation: We believe in the transformative power of spirituality and aim to contribute positively to inmates' personal development and rehabilitation, helping them build a foundation for a more promising future.
4. Advocate for Inclusivity: We are committed to ensuring that Pagans and Wiccans behind bars have equal access to spiritual guidance and resources, regardless of their specific path or tradition.
5. Promote Compassion: Our project thrives on the principles of empathy and understanding. We seek to inspire compassion within and beyond prison walls, promoting a more enlightened, accepting society.
By connecting Pagans and Wiccans in correctional facilities with the broader Pagan community, we aspire to foster personal growth, reduce recidivism, and encourage positive change in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can break down the walls that divide us and build a brighter, more inclusive future. This mission statement outlines the core values and objectives of the Pagans Behind Bars Project, emphasizing the importance of spirituality, rehabilitation, community, and inclusivity.
1. Foster Spiritual Growth: We facilitate access to Pagan ministries, resources, and educational materials, allowing inmates to explore and deepen their spiritual journey while incarcerated.
2. Create Connections: We serve as a conduit between inmates and the larger Pagan and Wiccan communities, fostering a sense of belonging and reducing isolation through correspondence, mentorship, and support.
3. Encourage Rehabilitation: We believe in the transformative power of spirituality and aim to contribute positively to inmates' personal development and rehabilitation, helping them build a foundation for a more promising future.
4. Advocate for Inclusivity: We are committed to ensuring that Pagans and Wiccans behind bars have equal access to spiritual guidance and resources, regardless of their specific path or tradition.
5. Promote Compassion: Our project thrives on the principles of empathy and understanding. We seek to inspire compassion within and beyond prison walls, promoting a more enlightened, accepting society.
By connecting Pagans and Wiccans in correctional facilities with the broader Pagan community, we aspire to foster personal growth, reduce recidivism, and encourage positive change in the lives of those we serve. Together, we can break down the walls that divide us and build a brighter, more inclusive future. This mission statement outlines the core values and objectives of the Pagans Behind Bars Project, emphasizing the importance of spirituality, rehabilitation, community, and inclusivity.
Message From The Creator
Greetings,
I am Zehara Nachash (Melissa Hester), a Witch with a deep passion for justice and a fervent dedication to my spiritual path. My journey has taken me from the study of Criminal Justice to the pursuit of a graduate degree with a singular focus on Prison Reform. Along this winding path, I've discovered an urgent calling that has shaped the Pagans Behind Bars Project. Throughout my years in college, I was astounded by the realization of how many Pagans and Wiccans are confined within prison walls. Equally startling was the awareness of the challenges they face in securing the same religious and spiritual access as those who follow more mainstream faiths. It was during this time that my personal and academic worlds converged. For the past four years, I have had the privilege of providing spiritual guidance and friendship to numerous Wiccan and Pagan inmates behind bars. This experience has illuminated their unique struggles, both on a spiritual and personal level. It was in response to these revelations that I embarked on a mission to become a Pagan Outreach Minister. My mission is clear: to offer unwavering support to inmates seeking spiritual nourishment. I endeavor to connect them with valuable resources and facilitate access to Pagan and Wiccan educational materials, including reliable online teaching programs, books, and magazines. Additionally, I stand ready to assist in navigating the complex terrain of legal resources, should any of our incarcerated brethren encounter religious discrimination in their state. But my commitment extends beyond the confines of prison walls. I am equally devoted to guiding them in acquiring the tools and resources essential for their eventual reintegration into society. I strive to be a steadfast listening ear and a beacon of positive mentorship in their lives. In these pages, you'll discover the embodiment of my vision, the Pagans Behind Bars Project. It is a testament to my unwavering belief that every soul, regardless of past choices, deserves the opportunity for spiritual growth, redemption, and renewal.
Thank you for joining me on this transformative journey.
Blessings,
Zehara Nachash (Melissa Hester), M.S.C.J
Founder, Pagans Behind Bars Project
I am Zehara Nachash (Melissa Hester), a Witch with a deep passion for justice and a fervent dedication to my spiritual path. My journey has taken me from the study of Criminal Justice to the pursuit of a graduate degree with a singular focus on Prison Reform. Along this winding path, I've discovered an urgent calling that has shaped the Pagans Behind Bars Project. Throughout my years in college, I was astounded by the realization of how many Pagans and Wiccans are confined within prison walls. Equally startling was the awareness of the challenges they face in securing the same religious and spiritual access as those who follow more mainstream faiths. It was during this time that my personal and academic worlds converged. For the past four years, I have had the privilege of providing spiritual guidance and friendship to numerous Wiccan and Pagan inmates behind bars. This experience has illuminated their unique struggles, both on a spiritual and personal level. It was in response to these revelations that I embarked on a mission to become a Pagan Outreach Minister. My mission is clear: to offer unwavering support to inmates seeking spiritual nourishment. I endeavor to connect them with valuable resources and facilitate access to Pagan and Wiccan educational materials, including reliable online teaching programs, books, and magazines. Additionally, I stand ready to assist in navigating the complex terrain of legal resources, should any of our incarcerated brethren encounter religious discrimination in their state. But my commitment extends beyond the confines of prison walls. I am equally devoted to guiding them in acquiring the tools and resources essential for their eventual reintegration into society. I strive to be a steadfast listening ear and a beacon of positive mentorship in their lives. In these pages, you'll discover the embodiment of my vision, the Pagans Behind Bars Project. It is a testament to my unwavering belief that every soul, regardless of past choices, deserves the opportunity for spiritual growth, redemption, and renewal.
Thank you for joining me on this transformative journey.
Blessings,
Zehara Nachash (Melissa Hester), M.S.C.J
Founder, Pagans Behind Bars Project
