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Contributed The Board of Joseph’s Hammer met with Chaplain Mark Cartwright and Warden Patricia Williams to discuss the progress of the worship center at the Ellen Halbert Unit in Burnet. Pictured, from left are: Davey Haberer, Chaplain Cartwright, Paige Lechler, Warden Williams and Pam Stevenson. Contributed
By now you may have heard of a little-known resource in our community, the Ellen Halbert Women’s Prison. The Substance Abuse Felony Punishment Center in Burnet provides women with a six-month drug and alcohol treatment program.
The State of Texas built the prison in the 90’s but ran out of funds before a Chapel was built. For over 25 years, volunteers have been gathering in cramped classrooms to worship, offer Bible Studies and lead faith-based classes for these women.
Joseph’s Hammer directors formed the non-profit in 2018 to build a Worship Center at the prison when they saw that women were being turned away from worship and Bibles Studies due to lack of space. Recently they met with Warden Williams and Chaplain Cartwright, confirming a common goal: “We don’t want any woman to miss an opportunity to learn about God’s love while they are at Halbert.”
While most of the Halbert women are serving for the first time in prison, others are completing the treatment program before they return home from a longer sentence. Either way, the women at Halbert will soon be released back to communities and neighborhoods all over Texas. Their children and families will benefit if they return with renewed hearts and minds. The recidivism rate is greatly reduced when women go through faith-based programs while they are incarcerated.
As Joseph’s Hammer’s team of architects and engineers work with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) to put the final touches on plans for the 8250 sq. ft. facility, the vision will soon become a reality. Having met their initial fundraising goal of $1,100,000 for the Worship Center, Directors expect the final cost will be much higher due to rising cost of materials. They look forward to the day when TDCJ issues the Notice to Proceed, and the final bids will be completed to carry out this God-sized project.
This holiday season, Joseph’s Hammer wants to thank the Highland Lakes Community for partnering in this worthy endeavor. Your investment in the lives of the estimated 1200 women who pass through the Halbert Unit each year will be ongoing. Year-end donations for the completion of the Worship Center can be mailed to Joseph’s Hammer, P.O. Box 7960, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657. Or visit online www.josephshammer.org.
Support Joseph's Hammer and help women in prison find freedom in Christ.