Gail House and her late husband, Jerry, own House Foundry--making bronze statues. Here is their experience of hiring convicted felons. What a testimony of grace!

To:    Pastoral Staff

    LakeRidge United Methodist Church

 

From:    Gail House

 

Re:    Hiring Felons

 

 

We have had good experiences in hiring felons. Jerry was always selective in his hiring practices. Two examples follow:

 

One young man came to us over twenty-five years ago. Jerry observed his work habits and was pleased with his commitment. After two weeks on the job, he came to us and admitted that he had lied on the employment application – he had just finished a five-year prison sentence. This young man trained with us to become a fine patineur. After fifteen years with House Bronze, he set up his own studio in Loveland, Colorado, the sculpture capital west of the Mississippi, and has developed a national reputation in his field. The weekend before Jerry passed away, this young man drove from Loveland to Lubbock on a Friday night and visited a number of hours on Saturday – his mission was to thank Jerry and me for giving him another chance and for the training in our shop that led to a new profession for him.

 

Another young man came to us last year. His work ethic is worthy of praise. Recently, he was falsely accused by step-children in a family problem and was jailed for over a month. When it came time for his court hearing, we took most of our staff  (ten people plus Jerry and me) to sit on the front row as his case was argued. Jerry testified on his behalf and pointed out his work partners who believed him to be innocent. The judge reduced his bond significantly. This young man and his wife are active in their church. They have expressed sincere appreciation for our support and belief in this young man.

 

This is not an endorsement for blindly hiring felons. One must give due consideration and selectivity in all hiring practices. But, we are gratified that the above examples cited were given a second chance to become productive individuals and are earning their way in society.

Comments

[linda johnson]

Bill, I am a weird person...Lost, yet, found in Jesus Christ. Many of us, as believers and servants of Jesus Christ are not as holly as some...We seek to honor God, but we cannot afford golf, nor can we afford dinner every Sunday...We are the impoverish! Yet we want somewhere to connect...we want some place to play...I would like to create a place called "HEART FRIENDS" where people can come together...We are good people; we just cannot afford the play of the rich:0) HEART FREINDS would be a place for the lonely...for those who want to connect, but do not know how...They want godly friends who shoot pool and have a few drinks...swim, play at the park...We do not have the finances of the elite...we are imperfect people, wanting to do and be good...Can I and another create "HEART FRINEDS" where Christian people come together at church and outside of church---even a club to shoot pool...This I feel is a real need...We are not a perfect people...yet we put on the "act". But we really want holly people to hang out with and play pool, and drink a few beers...We are not bad people...we seek to be good but our finances are limited and pool is just 50 cents a game...Could this be an Impossible Dream...Real messed up people-Christian as we are...