HELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPP!!!!!!
I am a business student helping a local prison aftercare ministry develop their program. What I need is help from those individuals that have been previously incarcerated to find out what helped them successfully re-enter society. Any info given would go towards helping others in a similar situation to get their feet off the ground and keep them that way. This research paper is due quite soon and if we could get any information before we make our presentation to the ministry and to our teacher it would be extremely appreciated.
Thank you all in advance.
Chester

Welcome Chester to PTO! As you will see we are a support community and we welcome anyone looking for support or who are willing to support those who are incarcerated.

My background is in Criminal Justice and I work with offenders and I can sure appreciate what you are looking to do.

Hopefully a few of our members will be along soon, I'll try to pass the word on to see if you can get some members to post in here for you!

Let us know how everything goes, once you are done, please!

Pamela

Will you also clarify 'ministry' for us. I do not know if that a term in your location or a religous term...

Thanks.

I think a lot depends on the person being released and what he needs. I think one of the biggest concerns is finding a job and a place to live. This is amplified many times over if you are going from prison directly to the streets, rather than to a half-way house.
I have to run but I will try to get back and add some more.
David

The program is a ministry in that it is a faith-based prison aftercare program. It provides help to residents in the form of housing, employment, job skills training, clothing, transportation, and substance and alcohol abuse mentoring. The program also uses spiritual teachings and mentoring to guide residents in their new life. The aim of the program is to ease the transition from prison back to society. What we would like to know is how to make the program the very strongest it can be so the ministry can really have an impact.

Chester,

Do you have family involvement? As far as including the family in visits, family days, family couseling etc..? The biggest thing I've seen in having worked as a counselor in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for years was you needed to have family involvement or the person returned to the same environment and many times the family had a lot of unresolved feelings and dynamics that needed to be dealt with first.....

Deb

Yes-the program does have some family involvement, but the specifics have not yet been worked out. I do know that the family will not live in the house with the resident (all of the residents are female). What are some of the ways the family could best be involved?

Chester,

Family education workshops regarding substance abuse like you give the residents, family counseling with the resident and maybe without at first if there are feelings of resentment etc..that may need to be dealt with prior to having the resident involved in the session, promotion of Al-Anon and Nar-Anon if the resident is a recovering substance abuser. Encouragement and support of family visits....Parenting education and promotion in re-establishing and/or strengthening the parent/child bond for those that have kids....Just a few ideas of what worked for those in in-patient facilities prior to release....

Deb

...aren't I glad I have the day off work....

I'm lost. (And not to proud to admit it..)

Faith-based ministry program,....yet a 'paper' which is due for the business student. WHAT?

Are you working out theoretical details with theoretical clients in theory for a grade, or is this paper to serve for a suggestion to a real program that really already exists with real live client type (female) people?

I appreciate the concept in either case of looking for input from those who have gone before.

I'm a little alarmed with the idea that someone who is looking to be helpful has such a limited base of information. (No offense).

First rule of good theatre... KNOW your audience.
Ex-offenders (women included) come in more than one flavor.
Some are served out....
Some are on Parole....
Some are violent offenders,
Some had property crimes,
Some had/have addiction issues,
Some had/have no religion.

Will/does your program welcome them all? Will/does your program have any understanding of the treatment/counselling which your state system offers? Do/will your staff have any assessment process to determine who/what kind of history and treatment as well as variable need for assistance a given client has? Does this organization work within a prison to have some acquaintance with the clients coming their way? Taking on the role of helpmate or custodian of any sort of ex-offender should be done with a practical, educated, pragmatic and sensible approach.

If a 'program' offers housing/employment/treatment assistance it should already have or establish partnerships with entities which actually provide those services. It should have some sense of the client it will get and the client it will serve.

Basically, it should have more than a prayer.

I apologize, for I fear that I have not described our situation clearly in the first post. What we are doing is working with a local church that has some members with experience in the Kairos faith based prison ministry system. Their aim is to expand into a "Prison Aftercare house" that would have a strong foundation in spirituality. This program is a fledgling program, it does not yet have a house, nor candidates. They will be provided with potential candidates for their Aftercare home through a faith-based prison ministry. This ministry is the Kairos ministry and communicates with individuals that are currently incarcerated to guide towards a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. That being said, our mission as students in the MBA program is this: to define the best practices of ALL prison aftercare programs regardless of the "style" of the program; whether it be faith or secular. We are looking at the operations side of the house. What has been done to make it a successful venture and how have the programs been maintained financially. We are also aiming to learn what those components are that have aided all individuals who might have been incarcerated at one time to enjoy a successful existence outside of the prison walls yet within the confines of the law. We also understand that there are many types of individuals who have been imprisoned, and are sure that different people have had different experiences in their post-prison life. However, it is our belief that by empowering our ministry with this information, that the "Prison Aftercare house" could have a rather high success rate in turning those who have left prison into successful contributors to society. We truly appreciate all of the response and hope that this might clear up some confusion.

Thank you... That helps...

Saving the previously saved seems like a recipe for success.
(I'm one of those with no religion...)

Partnership partnership partnership... Subcontract. Work liason before you think about setting up your own lemonade stand.

Look up Dismas Charities... Dismas Houses are actually half-way houses subcontracted by the KY DOC. They have a recipe. They are selling their lemonade. They are taking anyone who qualifies by DOC standards (short time to serve out or parole hearing--low custody rating...no problem children).

They no doubt have a business program model and/or any DOC audits (as a subcontractor--routine supervision..) which they may be willing to share.

One thing that they don't do, and needs done particularly with a female client base is to provide liason and legal assistance to the caregiver mother who now has a new set of custody issues. She may have given temporary custody to a family member, or may have lost a child to foster system, and needs civil legal assistance to make the necessary changes or file claims . It's a female ex-offender issue primarily.

Bon chance.

I'm not sure if I'm on the right page here or not, so here's my two cents.

One of the things that would have helped me greatly upon my release, was simply having someone to talk to.... I want to compare it to an AA or NA sponsor.

When I was released, I went to my probation officers office, filled out some paper work saying that I agreed to all the probation terms, then I was sent out on my own to find a place to live, get a job, adjust back to society, and continue my life. At times, life itself, became very overwhelming... and I had nobody to turn to for advice or comfort.

I should and would be able to talk about this in depth, but my mind's just not focused on this right now. I will try to come back again and give you some better input.

Jodygirl

Chester, I wish you all the best in what you're trying to do. This is a service that is desparately needed! My experience was initially very similar to Jodygirl. Then the community uproar started..Not in My Back Yard etc...ad nauseum! The upshot is that in order to live and survive I had to refuse probation and serve the time instead. Ihave made it through that process and am still in recovery DESPITE the "best efforts" of the CA probation system. The best thing I can offer is that those you seek to help must have done some work on thier own. Similar to AA the ones who will be sucessfull will be able and willing to offer thier proofs in advance. Also...loss of faith seems (to me) to be the single greatest stumbling block to any sort of recovery or re-acclimation process (i love those $5 words!). So anything you can do to teach the CHOICE of faith is helpful. both for those in the program and those running the program. My prayers are with and for you. Kris

P.S. Know - up front - that you WILL get conned and accept that as the price for the successes. Kris

Religion, as such, does not matter... True, honest caring matters... I have started a Prison Ministry that I love very deeply... It is assisting inmates who are on their way out of Prison and need the support system of coming out... We are trying to help with jobs, support, and love... And Yes, we do take them to church... They love that.... Somewhere they must have a support system as Jody says.... Someone has to care in order for them to survive comming home.

My Love and Prayers

Donna

Chester, I hope I'm not too late for your paper...but, I would like to offer my opinion on this question you submitted. I previously spent 3 years in prison and prior to that 2 years, and my husband is now currently incarcerated. So, my opinion is simply from my own experience, and probably not a popular one. But, having fallen many times myself, I came to realize that the most important thing isn't what you can do to help an offender get on his feet and stay out. First and foremost, the most important thing , in my opinion, is to help people help themselves. You can do everything for someone and have an A+ release plan, but if the person still has the wrong "head set" on and hasn't worked through all the stuff that lead to the point of imprisonment, all the external stuff isn't going to matter. When someone is ready, they will tell you what they need. That's only my opinion, and based on my own life experience. It's not just about helping people, it's about helping people help themselves and taking responsibility for their past, present, and future.

Three cheers for you CAN! I was just released after four years in prison. What I learned is that if you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got!

Ex-felons do not need a hand out--they need a hand up!

Thanks for your response and support Guysgal!! It's nice to know someone else understands my view on this issue. I don't believe anyone can see things the way we do unless they've been in the same situation. I wish you much luck on the outside...you're not alone.

I did 7 years, I went in i 95, and did 7 yrs for 2cts. of first deg. armed robbery.

I gave birth to my first and only son in96 while I was in. I am looking for people who have went thru what I have. Hollar at me when you can!
Ladysoldier

Hi Ladysodier! Sorry it's taken me so long to get back on the site and reply. I can totally understand how you're looking for people who have been through what you've been through. It's not easy when you come out of prison...you feel like a minority and just different from other people. I stress out a lot at my job because no one knows where I've been(except administration) and I worry constantly what would happen if they all found out. It would be a nightmare!! People are just so judgemental! Plus on top of it my husband is still in prison, which makes me feel even more lonely out here. But, the good news is that I'm making it, and you are too. Otherwise, we wouldn't be on this web-site! :) I think people just fear what they don't know, and unless they've been in our situation, like I've said before, they can't understand. I live in a state that has approximately only 100 female inmates in the state prison system and no pre-release center or transition programs other than house arrest. But, only 4 women got it in the time I was there, myself included. And then, you're on your own once you're on house arrest...no programs out there unless you have a substance abuse problem, which isn't fair to everyone else. So, it's been an uphill battle, and it's never really over I don't think. I wish you and every ex-offender out there all the luck in the world. Many prayers out to everyone! Feel free to e-mail me Lady soldier if you ever need a listening ear. :)

Sure, pm me your email.
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It is very simple, those who want to make it in society will, those who don't wont ! While there are things that you can do to help, I would say that the main thing is NO MORE PRESSURE, we get enough of that from our Parole Officers who think its COOL to see just how far they can push before you explode. If you were to do a survey the very first reason that would be stated as a reason for failure is the pressure that everyone puts on the ex offender to succeed, from the family to society in general. Yet, there are so MAY obsticles that we must overcome, jobs are NO 1, we all want to work, but we don't want what society currently has to offer ex offenders, slave labor, we are forced by virture of our felony to do the jobs that no one else either wants to do or are capable of doing. We want the jobs like everyone else that we are qualified for not crap jobs. Let us succeed that is the key, do not stigmatize us as ex offenders, do not treat us as ex offenders, treat us as your equal as that is what we are. It is our choice to make it some of us do and some of us don't and we have a million reason when we don't but what it comes down to in then end is that for some inside is "allot" easier then outside. There is no easy answer to your question, and there is no easy solution. I spent over 20 years going in and out and blamming society for my faults and I am still not perfect even though I try, the fact is that is very hard to stay straight because straight is so boring and if you ask me overrated, but I do my best and that is all I can do, no one helps me to make it but me I make the choice every single day and either I pass or fail.

Well said.

I think the worst part is that even if you get out, obtain a college degree...no employer will even hire with that (if it's a violent crime)..you try to show you are changed, even show willpower by going to college, keeping a job, just doing what you are suppose to and still crap jobs.

Than it boils down to this BIG REALITY ZAP..No one owes us shit. We went to prison, we chose to do what we did. Sure, you can blame whoever and whatever as to WHY you went 'down'...but the blame really lies within you. I am totally at fault for putting myself in those circumstances which now lead me to seeing a parole officer, and getting a crap job.

So, whenever I get upset, and tend to blame others...I get straightened out quick...when I realize IT WAS ALL MY CHOICE.

It is cool that I can come in here, see that other people feel down about the same shit I do, and that other people are struggling with the same exact issues....I need that to heal..

So lets keep conversating, WHILE ALWAYS STAYING ON TRACK....

I dont think there is any help out there for ex offenders but if i were you I would check out the more human treatment of prisoners in other countrys, and their rates of going back and the differences afterwards in their lives. I know the Mexican government and the way they treated us was absolutely amazing, we could spend the night together one night a week, and we could bring them all the food and things he needed. The treatment and programs in the us are degrading.

HELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPP!!!!!!
I am a business student helping a local prison aftercare ministry develop their program. What I need is help from those individuals that have been previously incarcerated to find out what helped them successfully re-enter society. Any info given would go towards helping others in a similar situation to get their feet off the ground and keep them that way. This research paper is due quite soon and if we could get any information before we make our presentation to the ministry and to our teacher it would be extremely appreciated.
Thank you all in advance.
Chester
Hello Chester
It is so Considerate for you to get involved in trying to help individuals previously incarcerated to help them get back on their feet. Unfortunately I fall into that category--Tring to get back on my feet, trying to get my life back. This is all so new but yet so real to me and sorry to say but my hope is just about gone..But please keep on because you make a BIG difference, I wish there were more people in society like you, especially where I'm at. :pissed:

HELLLLLLLLLLPPPPPPPP!!!!!!
I am a business student helping a local prison aftercare ministry develop their program. What I need is help from those individuals that have been previously incarcerated to find out what helped them successfully re-enter society. Any info given would go towards helping others in a similar situation to get their feet off the ground and keep them that way. This research paper is due quite soon and if we could get any information before we make our presentation to the ministry and to our teacher it would be extremely appreciated.
Thank you all in advance.
Chester
Honestly,right?Well ,no one or anything ever helped me(in particular,that is )I was given my lil 25.00 from the state W/ my ugly puke colored jc penny out fit they make us all wear..box butt ugly shoes nothin was color coordinated, but lucky for me I had 6 or 7oo.oo left on my money books and guards acted jealous a/b THAT!and booted me (rolled me is more like it- got fat in there lost it fast tho!LOL!) on my way.Im a athiest more or lee or rathe Agnostic...yet IRONICALLY going to church services (ga. metro state has some good fine people that do them or atleast then they did) and just went to church there to see other old buddies etc I knew on street ,in other dorms,but it helped listening to encouraging words,and faith in general etc ,instead of letting god as they say I let fate ...words of understanding ...etc... well,it all sort of got me though it...gave me direction to survive because had no help at all from any family whatso ever ..thru friends' families and faith,I suppose.and not to forget friends.....the programs were LACKING and FEW...n.a/a.a. only once a week....was really the root of a/b 90% of us in there regaurdless if they were infact actually drug charges or not....s' times I question if the state WANTS us to keep comin on in to keep everyone in jobs!LOL!was this irrelevant?sorry if it was..lol.

these posts are very helpful, I wish you all the best!!!

I wonder, do the ministries really help? I know they help the inmates inside and families, but do they really help when they come home? Does anyone know of any in New York City that I could call? I have been trying to get to Kairos family retreat but no one ever write back to me about it.
any info would be helpful.

I KNOW THIS IS REAL LATE, BUT SINCE THIS THREAD IS HERE, I DECIDED TO RESPOND. :) MY COUSIN WAS INCARCERATED FOR 10YRS. HE GOT OUT LAST YEAR MARCH. WHAT HELPED HIM FIT IN WITH IN WITH SOCIETY WAS MOTIVATION FROM THE FAMILY. HE SAYS THATS WHAT REALLY INSPIRED HIM TO DO RIGHT. AND HE'S BEEN DOING GOOD SINCE HIS RELEASE