
ABOUT THE SUMMIT
The inaugural NDCS Faith-based Summit is an exciting opportunity to bring faith leaders, community partners, and NDCS team members together around a shared purpose: expanding the reach and impact of religious services across Nebraska’s correctional facilities. This first-of-its-kind gathering will create space to build stronger partnerships, welcome new voices, and ensure that the diverse faith traditions of the incarcerated population are meaningfully represented. Participants will leave better connected, better informed, and inspired to play a role in strengthening hope, supporting rehabilitation, and helping individuals prepare for successful reentry.
Religious Showcase
Workshops and Panels
Networking Opportunities
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Mary Hendricks
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Panelists

Bilal Nosilla
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Pam Griffin
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John Larson
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Debbie Lee
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Summit Itinerary
9:00am -10:oo am
Registration and Networking
After checking in, guest are invited to connect with fellow attendees and NDCS team members.
10:00 am - 10:30 am
Religious Service Commitee Chair, Lauren Evans
A warm welcome will be extended to attendees followed by an outline of the day's itinerary and introduction of the keynote speaker.
10:30 am - 11:00 am
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Mary Hendricks will give the keynote address.
11:10 am - 12:00 pm
Population Panel
A virtual panel featuring incarcerated individuals sharing firsthand insights on the profound impact of Religious Services and the vital role Community Partners play in volunteering to worship alongside them.
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch
Participants can enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and fellowship.
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Community Partner Panel
A live panel of active Community Partners discussing the significance of volunteering within NDCS, sharing their personal journeys, and exploring how serving this population has enriched their own lives.
2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Break Out Session 1
Guest may choose between:
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The Community Partner Experience
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The Incarcerated Experience
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Interfaith Collaboration of the Inside
2:45 pm - 3:00 pm
Break
Guest may use this time to recharge and find their next event.
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Break Out Session 2
Guest may choose between:
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Becoming a Community Partner
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Reentry and Religion Discussion
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Volunteer Care and Burnout Prevention
4:00 pm - 4:15 pm
Break
Guest may use this time to recharge and find their next event.
4:15 pm - 4:45 pm
Final Remarks
A member of the NDCS Executive Team will offer closing reflections, extend final thanks to all guests, and officially conclude the summit.
Breakout Sessions 1
The Community Partner Experience:
David Badley
An experienced Community Partner takes a deeper dive into their volunteer journey with NDCS, sharing insights from onboarding to active service.
The Incarcerated Experience:
Coty Con
A formerly incarcerated individual shares an inspiring personal perspective on how Religious Services guided and sustained his rehabilitative journey.


Interfaith Collaboration on the Inside:
Rolland Coburn
A Religious Coordinator discusses how Community Partners of diverse faiths can collaborate effectively to provide holistic support for the incarcerated population.

Breakout Sessions 2
Becoming a Community Partner :
Brianna Husmann
Guests can connect directly with an NDCS staff member to sign up as a Community Partner. This session will cover best practices, safety and security protocols, and professional standards

Reentry and Religion Discussion:
Benji Frith
An impactful discussion on the critical role faith plays in successful reentry, paired with a call to action for At-Large Sponsors.

Volunteer Care and Burnout Prevention:
Amanda Perkins
A NDCS mental health professional hosts an essential session on self-care, sharing vital strategies for maintaining personal mental health and well-being while serving others.

GET IN TOUCH
Interested in attending or sponsoring the NDCS Religious Summit? Reach out to us for more information!
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