Integration milestones

The integration of WELS Prison Ministry into Institutional Ministries (IM) continues apace. Though the full process is expected to take another year, we are approaching some near-term milestones:

• Current milestones
  Last newsletter – This is the final edition of the WELS Prison Ministry newsletter. Beginning August 2025, news about this ministry will be carried by Institutional Ministries’ “Compassion Newsletter.” Make sure to sign up for this newsletter by going to im.life, scroll down and click on the “Sign Up Now” button.
• Expiration of Administrator’s call – As of July 1, the administrative responsibilities borne by Dave Hochmuth will be transferred to IM personnel (see “Meet the New Players”). Office staff, including Amy Rich, Beth Kretsch, and Jennifer Bendix, will continue to function in their current capacities.
• Donations – As of July 1, we encourage all donations to this vital work be directed to Institutional Ministries at 1833 Executive Dr., Ste 101B, Oconomowoc, WI 53066. Gifts can also be given online at im.life/donate. We are so grateful for the faithful support of our donors and urge you to continue to support our efforts through your generous gifts, now to IM. Note that for the time being, WELS will still accept gifts to Prison Ministry. These funds will be used to offset ministry expenses that IM would otherwise incur. If you have any questions about this support, please contact WELS Director of Special Ministries Joel Gaertner ([email protected]).

Future milestones
Much work remains. Institutional Ministries will take the lead in setting future milestones to help the combined ministry thrive. The future tasks include building a unified training program for volunteers; implementing a unified tracking system to ensure all inmates are well-served; combining all funding sources, including estates and gifts from retirement funds; and many others.