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Sarasota News Leader July 4, 2013 Page 21 that means 30 percent don't have the ability but was told only plastic lenses and frames were permitted. The results were so positive, to read because they need glasses." he formed a nonprofit foundation in March of For some of the inmates, getting a pair of this year to broaden the initiative. It is called glasses is a life-changing event. "You can't the Inmate Ministry Foundation. take up a self-improvement program, work on the GED or read the Bible if you can't see the "We're applying for grants and working on fundraising," he said. words," Norris noted. It has taken a couple of years for Norris to recognize the problem and then work out the kinks. "This began about four years ago in church, during Lent, when the priest suggested doing something positive," he explained. "I looked at a variety of ministries and then the jail ministry." Norris found a vendor willing to sell seven pairs of glasses for $2.50. He needs to build an inventory because non-prescription glasses come in strengths ranging from 1 to 350. By this time next year, Norris would like to provide the service to 10 county jails in Southwest Florida. "Most [inmates] can read at some Norris began counseling prisoners and learn- level. I know very few are totally illiterate," he ing the rules. When a prisoner asked for a pair said. "But the level generally stops [depending of reading glasses, Norris returned with a pair on] when they left the education system." A chaplain has started a program to provide glasses to jail inmates. Photo from www.morguefile.com