Helping Ex-Prisoners Reconnect to Life

Faith-based programs have a proven track record of success...  

With over 2 million Americans in prisons and 650,000 returning to neighborhoods each year, the opportunities for faith-based and community organizations to serve people affected by the criminal justice system has never been greater. Prison officials are increasingly turning to the faith community as partners because they recognize the truth of what research studies have said for some time – Faith belief positively influences offender rehabilitation. Faith leadership and volunteers offer relationships based on love and accountability and help offenders’ develop a moral compass that enables them to navigate the challenges of prison life and reentry. 

Unfortunately, many current prison programs avoid any discussion of faith and morality and are reluctant to partner with faith-based groups. Job training and education alone cannot produce the changed heart that leads to lasting transformation in an offender’s life. For some inmates, such programs devoid of Faith merely make them more effective criminals. These programs cannot break the power of evil, which is the root of crime, in offenders’ lives, nor can they effectively shift offenders’ focus from their own needs and desires to the people around them.

Evangelist,Vandora Jackson