Reentry is tough. Two-thirds of released prisoners will be arrested again within three years. Get involved in helping ex-prisoners make the transition back into society. The articles and resources on this page will show you why reentry ministry is so exciting and challenging. (Please click on the + to view more resources)
Ministry Basics
Biblical Basis for Reentry Ministry
These insightful scriptures will help increase your mission and vision for reentry ministry.
This resource provides the biblical foundation to guide...
Needs of Ex-Prisoners
Consider the types of support an ex-prisoner might need when returning home
Every year, approximately 700,000 men and women are released from U.S....
Probation and Parole Requirements
Learn some typical rules for a person being released from prison
According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) , about 4.8 million people in...
Phases of Reentry
Take a look at three vital phases of the ex-prisoner’s long journey home
For many prisoners, the months prior to release are a time of intense f...
Collateral Consequences of Felony Conviction
Ex-prisoners may face thousands of legal restrictions after completing their prison term
The moment ex-prisoners leave the prison gate, they face...
Ministry Tools
Resources For Essential Reentry Services
Find national, state, and local resources to help ex-prisoners and their families
The goal of reentry ministry is to provide a continuum of care that...
Six Vital Areas of Life Support
When planning a reentry ministry, consider these needs
Reentry ministry requires getting to know each ex-prisoner' s specific needs, including...
The Shortimer Handbook
This reference guide is a practical tool for helping prisoners prepare for reentry
Shortimer is a handbook designed to help inmates prepare for ...
Helping Ex-Prisoners Make Decisions
Consider eight practical ways to help newly-released prisoners make better decisions
When Pat Nolan got out of prison, some friends took him to lunch...
From Prisoner to Payroll
Use this practical tool to help ex-prisoners become responsible employees.
Despite broad recognition that ex-prisoners need jobs—and are less l...
Short-Term Ministry
Opening a Clothes Closet
Minister to ex-prisoners by providing appropriate clothing for work and daily life
After incarceration, basic necessities like clean, appropriate...
Providing Basic Household Furnishings
Join with others to help ex-prisoners who are starting over with nothing
Most people don' t plan on going to jail or prison. It happens suddenly...
Starting a Food Pantry
Food is a basic necessity for ex-prisoners returning to your community
Life is full of uncertainty for men and women who are released from prison....
Long-Term Ministry
Praying for Ex-Prisoners
Learn how your prayers can encourage ex-prisoners as they struggle with the many challenges of reentry
The challenge of successful, crime-free reentry...
Helping Ex-Prisoners Get Medical Care
Help ex-prisoners obtain the health care they need after release
To get off to a healthy start upon release, ex-prisoners need to have access to medical...
Helping Ex-Prisoners Find Jobs
Get ready to help those who need paychecks get good jobs
Nationwide, as many as 60 percent of ex-prisoners are unemployed one year after their release...
Helping Ex-Prisoners Find Housing
Learn how to find appropriate housing for newly-released prisoners who are homeless
The moment ex-prisoners step off the bus in your community,...
Encouraging a Life of Sobriety
You can play a critical role in helping ex-prisoners break free from addictions
Failing a drug or alcohol test is the number-one reason parolees are...
Recommended Reading
When Prisoners Return
Former Justice Fellowship President Pat Nolan discusses what can be done to help prisoners returning to society to live healthy and productive lives
Women Rising
Former female inmates describe how they have broken free from their criminal pasts, and offer suggestions to help other women avoid going down a path leading to prison.
More God, Less Crime
Criminologist Byron R. Johnson describes how congregations and faith-based organizations are essential in forming partnerships necessary to effectively address crime, offender rehabilitation, and aftercare problems facing former prisoners.
RECENT BLOG POSTS ABOUT REENTRY MINISTRY
Standing at a Crossroads
Face-to-face with rejection, Chris knew he had a choice to make: be bitter or keep growing.more »‘I Was a Ghost’: Why Joseff Persists in the Struggles of Reentry
Reentry can be difficult, but Joseff isn't giving up just yet.more »Celebrating Second Chances Across the Nation
Thank you for supporting second chances, working with us to tear down the walls of that second prison and the lies of social stigma—to truly offer a second chance.more »