The U.S. Department of Labor has announced that it is providing a total of $20 million dollars to assist prisioner rehabilitation programs in finding employment for ex-prisoners.
Seventeen separate rehabilitation programs will each receive $1.21 million in assistance, with the goal of reintegrating former prisoners into society and keeping them from falling back into old habits and patterns.
“[The money] is well spent,” says Prison Fellowship President Garland Hunt. “The healing of these former inmates is critical to our nation. The cycle of crime needs to be stopped.”
Every year, 700,000 prisoners are released back into their communities – often with very little in the way of direction and guidance. The money provided by the Department of Labor should help to reduce recidivism in those communities – but it is only a start.
While only a very few cities and neighborhoods will see the benefits provided by these 17 programs receiving additional funding, there is one group that exists in pretty much every area where ex-prisoners will be returning – the Church.
“Prisoners can reintegrate best when the Church welcomes them, their families put their arms around them and organizations can aid them in getting employment and financial support,” says Hunt. “It’s hard when they face rejection from society and job prospects. When they get frustrated being unable to get money or a job, they often return to what they know in a life of crime.”
Does your church have a plan to serve these men and women returning to society? Let us know!