(DePaul University/Josh Woo)Among the many populations brought into the spotlight by the coronavirus pandemic are those currently living in jails and prisons across the nation. DePaul students can be included in that number – they are incarcerated students participating in the Inside-Out Program. DePaul prepares and empowers faculty and students to engage and learn together with students incarcerated at both Stateville Correctional Center and Cook County Jail on a variety of academic subjects. Each year DePaul offers multiple courses through the Inside-Out Program in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Reports show hundreds of people detained in Cook County Jail and at Stateville Correctional Center have tested positive for COVID-19. Several have died. Our hearts go out to those who have contracted the coronavirus and to the families of those who succumbed to the disease.
Our commitment to providing help and support to all members of our community is rooted in our Catholic and Vincentian values. Reaching out to the prisoner is a part of St. Vincent's legacy. Many have asked what can I do to help? We asked and our partnering Curriculum Director at the jail said simply, “We need soap."
We are hoping to raise funds to purchase thousands of travel-sized bars of soap by donating through DePaul's partner, the Illinois Coalition for Higher Education in Prison, (IL-CHEP). We are well on our way.
Contribute by Thursday, June 11, to help us meet or exceed our goal.
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