FAITH WALKERS REAL TALK with guest DENISE STRONG HARRIS
Episode notes
Denise Harris has served in correctional ministry for over 20 years. She began as a volunteer for Prison Fellowship in 2002, was hired on as a Field Director for Michigan in 2007, and now serves as Director of Correctional Programs for the Midwest.
As a volunteer, she coordinated numerous music events on prison yards and in auditoriums across the state bringing in gifted performers to inspire, encourage and share a message of hope with those behind bars.
As Field Director for Michigan, Denise recruited and trained hundreds of volunteers for work in Michigan prisons and successfully launched 4 Prison Fellowship Grows formerly known as Prison Fellowship Academies. These 12-month holistic values-based programs have positively impacted the lives of countless incarcerated men and women by addressing criminal thinking, encouraging prosocial behavior, providing spiritual formation, and assisting with strategic planning. Her work with Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree resulted in thousands of children in Michigan staying connected to their incarcerated parents and being served by caring churches. She also coordinated community sports events for children in underserved areas including a football camp with national athletes and an ice-skating clinic with Olympic skating champions.
To address the plight of returning citizens, Denise launched the Metro Detroit Out4Life Reentry Coalition in 2010 where she and a team galvanized stakeholders from the tri-county area to advocate for this often-forgotten population. Representatives from churches, social agencies and the correctional community meet monthly to discuss legislative issues, address barriers that returning citizens face, and work to bring awareness to the community through local conferences.
In 2010, Denise received Prison Fellowship’s Shining Star Award from the organization for her exemplary work in Michigan. She was also recognized by a reentry ministry in Michigan - Bags to Butterflies for her extensive work with incarcerated women and women returning home from prison.
As Director of Correctional Programs, Denise has the privilege of coaching a gifted team of 8 managers in 10 states to expand some of the work being done in Michigan throughout the Midwest.
Denise holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Theology from INSTE Global Bible College. She lives in the Detroit area with her husband of 29 years, Rufus Harris, who is a recording artist and Pastor of the Bridge Church in Pontiac. They have 2 beautiful daughters and 2 granddaughters.