Jami Nathan has a key role in restoring hope and healing to those impacted by the criminal justice system. A lay person who serves as the Ministries Coordinator of All In Community, a ministry started in West Ohio, Nathan finds purpose today. Her path to this point wasn’t straightforward.

For years Nathan worked and volunteered in diverse positions but never found fulfillment. Later she decided to return to school earning her bachelor’s degree which led to a teaching position in the Corrections Center in Northwest Ohio.

Working at the center, Nathan didn’t know what to expect. She had many experiences and often shared them with her husband, Rev. Jim Nathan. One day, he smiled during one of her stories and said, “You’ve found your purpose.”

“One of the great rewards of teaching the incarcerated is seeing them accomplish what they didn’t believe they could,” Nathan said.

Nathan recalls a moment when a student, a larger-than-life, ex-gang member passed his General Educational Development (GED) test. For over a year, the man struggled with the math section.

Learning he passed, Nathan wanted to deliver the news in person, but the student refused to see her. After the corrections officer demanded he see her, Nathan delivered the news in front of the student’s entire unit.

“Congratulations!,” Nathan exclaimed. In a place where inmates and staff are not allowed to touch, only saying, “thank you.” The overjoyed student hugged Nathan, picked her up, and twirled her around. This was confirmation to Nathan that she was walking in her purpose; “To break down barriers to show others their worth in this world and the next.”

When considering those who are wrestling with their call, Nathan suggests, “Being open to receiving all messages can illuminate your path forward towards a whole new world with unexpected blessings you’ll receive in return.” 

Written by Amy Graham, Freelance Writer with West Ohio Communications