Featured Modern Elder - The Reverend Gay Romack

Adapted from Susan L. Brooks

Thank you to one of my long-time readers and friend, Pam Betz, for introducing us to Gay: “She personifies a Modern Elder with the inspirational work and commitment she gives wholeheartedly to Bridges www.bridgesreentry.org. She helps erase the stigmas attached to women released from Perryville Prison.”
 
The first second my zoom screen opened to connect me with Gay, I noticed this purple swash of hair, attempting to hide amidst her peppered spikes. She’s known as the Rock Star of Perryville Prison! “I am very grateful for the work I get to do with women behind bars and beyond the gates. It is a great joy to feel wisdom, experience common sense, and vision all working together.”
 
‘Your WHY?’ I asked: 
 
“It all started with a friend’s son being in jail. The moment I saw him I knew I belonged there. I’ve learned how to deal with bureaucracy, how to manage a team and not work alone; how to appreciate the strength of collaboration and value others; how to be loving and non-judgmental.” 
 
Share a triumph, a shining moment for you in this position:
 
“Seeing two women graduate from our program. They are now clearly on their way to independence and success.”

Nothing is better than success to deliver results from your efforts, right?
 
This is Reverend Gay Romack’s 11th year in the prison ministry. “I don’t want to get stale…older is ok. I am present and consistent with these justice-involved women. I’m always looking for creative ways to interact with them so that they begin to see actions and words to build trust and feel unconditional love. She hasn’t had money or support, no career path or vision of a future. This is THE opportunity to find meaningful employment, get a job and save money. Financial independence.”
 
Good thing you are a Reverend, right?
 
“So true. Many dimensions, but it’s how I know that what I’m doing is bigger than me. I couldn’t do this work without God being in the mix.”
 
Amen…and thank you for your heart-driven service, Reverend Gay Romack.
 
Note: Be a positive role model. A truly great Mentor is hard to find! Apply: www.bridgesreentry.org/mentor. 480 332 1500.