Camille Chapel Fund - Phase 1 of 5
About 1,000 female prisoners are added to SC prisons each year, but it is a revolving door. It is estimated that 32 out of 100 prisoners return to prison with repeat crimes within 36 months. Many of these women are coming back into our society one day and will become our neighbors. The state’s cost to house, feed and supervise just ONE prisoner is approximately $17,000 per year. This is a crisis socially, fiscally and spiritually.
Statistics also show a phenomenal jump in rehabilitation when spiritual/character building programs and Christ-centered ministries are implemented within a prison environment. Research shows that inmates who participate in spiritual/social programs regularly have significantly fewer infractions than inmates who have little or no participation, helping to make institutions safer and more cost effective.
The 800 plus female inmates of Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution in Columbia, SC do not have a designated place to worship or a suitable place for religious activities or life instruction. The Friends of CGG is a group of devoted and caring volunteers who have gathered to seek donated manpower, goods, services, and funds to build a Chapel and Multipurpose Building for these women.
Per agreement and compliance with the South Carolina Dept. of Corrections, this facility will be located on the grounds of Camille Griffin Graham Correctional Institution in a well secured area. The size would be 80 by 80 feet (6,400 square feet) and have a seating capacity of 250. It would include the following:
· Sanctuary for worship services with a raised altar and choir seating area
· Classrooms for Bible studies, small groups, various religious activities and life instruction
· Prayer & Counseling Room
· Baptismal
· Music & Sound Room
· Chaplain’s Offices
· Restrooms for staff and inmates
The desire to have a Chapel & Multipurpose Facility at Camille Griffin Graham is a long awaited need. To achieve this, we are seeking individuals, groups, churches, and businesses to prayerfully, evangelically, and financially support this building project. A total of $500,000 is needed, and will be raised in five phases of $100,000 each.
The women of CGG are our daughters, sisters, mothers, grandmothers, and neighbors. They need our help.
Be a part of something big!
Change one life, affect ten women, and transform thousands of souls. Impact South Carolina and the communities represented by these women who want to change their lives for the better and to the Glory of God.
Won’t you help by donating to this worthy cause?
**Donations can also be made payable to CGCF and mailed to:
CGCF
Post Office Box 291744
Columbia, SC 29229
You will receive a letter as a receipt of your tax-deductible donation.