step out approved & renewed: a ministry framework for prisoner transition

AMinistryFrameworkfor PrisonerTransition

™

Motivation for Development of SOAR

Crime and Incarceration

– Impact on Individual Lives

– Impact on Families

– Impact on Communities

Impact on Individual Lives

Lost Youth– Nearly 70% of those incarcerated in State and Federal

Prisons are between the ages of 18-39 years of age Lost opportunity

– About 44% of inmates returning from prison have not graduated from High School.

Lost Future– Nationally roughly 1 in 3 inmates released from prison

will be re-arrested within three years. The vast majority of them will be re-incarcerated

Impact on Families

On any given day 1.5 million children in the U.S. have a parent in prison

There are over 10 million children in the U.S. who have suffered from parental incarceration at one point or another

46% of all incarcerated parents lived with at least one minor child directly prior to incarceration

Financial instability and material hardship, instability in family relationships and structures, residential mobility, school behavior and performance problems, shame, social and institutional stigma

Impact on Communities

Over 630,000 inmates will return from incarceration to communities within the next 12 months

Over 80% of all inmates return to the nations largest 25 urban centers

The majority of inmates leave prison with no savings, no immediate entitlement to unemployment benefits, and few job prospects. One year after release as many as 60% of former inmates are not employed in the legitimate labor market.

“Mass influx in inner city communities of returning parolees can breakdown

the cohesion in socially disorganized communities…

Moral authority is increasingly vested in “street smart” young men

for whom drugs and crime are a way of life. Attitudes, behaviors and lessons

learned in prison are transmitted to free society…

as family caretakers and role models disappear or decline in influence

and as unemployment and poverty become more persistent, the community,

particularly its children, become more vulnerable to a variety of social ills,

including crime, drugs, family disorganization, generalized demoralization,

and unemployment”

-Elijah Anderson, (Charles and William L. Day Distinguished Professor of the Social Sciences , Yale University)

Premise for Development of SOAR

Crime is at its core a “moral issue”

Prison represents an environment in which rather than creating the opportunity for rehabilitation and positive change, the “culture of the streets” becomes magnified and refined

Solution

Provide a new moral foundation through “transformation of the heart”

– Genuine and life long transformation occurs only through an authentic and on-going relationship with Jesus Christ

Provide foundation for establishment of a new cultural perspective (worldview)

– Intensive Discipleship – Teaching: How now shall we live?

Support a successful Transition– Fellowship, continued Discipleship, mentoring, accountability,

Christian LOVE

Transition

“Transition is a great deal more than change.

It is a growing and a maturing and an understanding and wisdom-gaining process”

-Max De Pree, Leading Without Power

Importance of Culture Change

What is Culture?

“the way of life of a particular society or group” Oxford English Dictionary

The relationship between all covenants (norms) in place, spoken and unspoken, that evolve over time for survival.

Culture shapes our worldview – it explains my purpose, defines who I am and what I believe and value

Culturally adapted worldview sets the course of my future

Understanding the Prison Culture

Prisons and prison culture have unique features just like a foreign country

– Language, customs, currency, – Geography, dress, food

Just as people from another country, moving to the U.S, bring

their culture with them; so too “Prison Culture” follows offenders

through release and into their lives on the street

Prison Culture Covenants (aka Rules)

Don’t Snitch Don’t Show Weakness and/or Emotions (except anger or

humor) Kindness Is Viewed As Weakness Don’t Disrespect Another /Don’t Allow Yourself to Be

Disrespected Do Your Own Time Don’t Trust the Authorities/Don’t Trust Anyone Hierarchy of Crimes Dictates Your Standing Handle your “business”

Breaking these rules results in cultural responses including reprisals or exploitation

Christian Cultural (Kingdom) Covenants

Be honest, tell the truth no matter what Be open, sincere, vulnerable – emotional displays okay Kindness is viewed as an attribute Be your brothers keeper – everyone is your neighbor Authority is from God – submit, trust, support Be trusting and trustworthy Pro-social behavior is prized – past is behind you Forgive - God will handle your business Fruit of the Spirit

– Love, Joy, Peace , Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self Control

Clash of Cultures

Kingdom vs. Prison

Kingdom vs. Street

Kingdom vs. World

Light vs. Darkness

When Cultures Collide

When cultures collide:

One culture overtakes the weakerculture, forces it to assimilate or…

Cultures combine to take a form that has aspects of both cultures.

Compartmentalization

Prison life or “street life” Emotions Religion Family

Life divided into various compartments that may or may not influence or impact one another.

The Challenge of Culture Change

Transformational Challenge

To Grow to Be Christ-like:Thinking – Think the way Jesus thinks

Behavior – Act the way Jesus acts

Relationships- Love the way Jesus loves

Step Out Approved & Renewed

“Seeking the Transformation of Prisoners and their reconciliation to God, Family, and community…”

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

-Proverbs 15:21-23

Five Purposes of SOAR

Provide SOAR participant with A moral and spiritual foundation for success

– Christ-centered life– Biblical Worldview

Initial development of fundamental practical skills, knowledge, and abilities with which SOAR Participants can make a “fresh start” post release

Give SOAR Participants direct and personal assistance and support – Toward effectively establishing/reaching key short term and longer term

goals and accomplishing effective planning Provide SOAR Participants with an on-going network of support and

assistance Establish for SOAR Participants a foundation from which to work toward

reconciliation

Characteristics of SOAR

Accomplished in two (2) distinct phases:– Part I: Learning to SOAR (18 months-while

incarcerated)– Part II: SOAR Free (12 months- after release)

SOAR: a long term “holistic” approach “Relationship” is the Key methodology Founded on Christ and His Scriptures

Transition Coaches

SOAR is carried out under the leadership of volunteer Transition Coaches who facilitate and guide SOAR participants through the learning process.

Transition Coaches are specially trained volunteers who are committed to helping SOAR Participants succeed. They are not paid…they are engaged because they CARE!

Transition Coaches will also hold SOAR Participants accountable for working and trying hard… they will give SOAR Participants tough love!

How Does SOAR™ Work?

Learning to SOAR is made up of 5 different modules, covering a total of 65 to 72 weeks

The five modules are:1. Reconstructing Yourself for Success2. Breaking Free from Hurts, Hang-ups, and Habits3. Focusing on Family4. Preparing for Employment and Career5. Joining the Community Restored

The Learning to SOAR Curricula:

Reconstructing Yourself for Success Breaking Free (Beth Moore)- 10 week curriculum or

Strong Men in Tough Times (Edwin Louis Cole) 10 week curriculum

Breaking Free from Hurts, Hang-ups, and Habits Free at Last: Overcoming Addictions (PFM) - 8 week curriculum

Focusing on Family Parenting from the Inside (PFM) 8week curriculum

Inside Out Dad-Christian (National Fatherhood Initiative)- 12 week curriculum

Preparing for Employment and Career Jobs for Life (Jobs for Life, Inc.) - 12 week curriculum

Joining the Community Restored SALT Financial (VCLI, International ) - 8 week curriculum

A Relationship Network that Matters

Each of the five (5) Modules in Learning to SOAR will also have one or more Practicum conducted by outside partners

Victorious Christian Living InternationalTransitional Employment and Mentoring Services (TEaMS)

Celebrate Recovery Churches My Brother’s Keeper Lifeline

Father Matters/AZ Center for Responsible FatherhoodThe Vision Catalyst Group

Arizona Women’s Education & Employment (AWEE)Panel of Transitional Living providers

Panel of EmployersConsumer Credit Counseling Agency

Arizona SavesYvonne DeVaughn Ministries

SOAR Transition CoachesAssessments/Feedback/Certificate13

Yvonne DeVaughnPracticum: Recovery from Abuse12

Yvonne DeVaughnPracticum: Recovery from Abuse11

SOAR Transition CoachesThe Display of His Splendor10

SOAR Transition CoachesThe Steadfast Mind9

SOAR Transition CoachesGod’s Unfailing Love8

SOAR Transition CoachesThe Potter and the Clay7

SOAR Transition CoachesBeauty from the Ashes6

SOAR Transition CoachesBinding Up the Broken-Hearted5

SOAR Transition CoachesRebuilding the Ancient Ruins4

SOAR Transition CoachesRemoving the Obstacles3

SOAR Transition CoachesThat You May Know2

SOAR Transition CoachesUntying the Cords of the Yoke1

Rec ons truc ting Yours e lf fo r:S uc c e s s

Curriculum: B reaking Free

Rec ons truc ting Yours e lf fo r:S uc c e s s

Curriculum: S trong M en in Tough Times


SOAR Transition CoachesA Decade of Daring12

SOAR Transition CoachesWake Up, Dad11

SOAR Transition CoachesThe Power of a Four Letter Word10

SOAR Transition CoachesScriptural Illiteracy9

SOAR Transition CoachesGrit, Guts and Glory8

SOAR Transition CoachesThe Greatest Gift7

SOAR Transition CoachesThe Great Rip-off6

SOAR Transition CoachesMen Mature5

SOAR Transition CoachesDaring Discipline4

SOAR Transition CoachesMy Brother’s Keeper3

SOAR Transition CoachesThe Ultimate Decision2

SOAR Transition CoachesThe Challenge1

Breaking Free from Hurts, Hang-ups, and Habits

PF Curriculum: Free at Last


SOAR Transition CoachesYou’re Not Alone: Part 29

SOAR Transition CoachesYou’re Not Alone: Part 18

SOAR Transition CoachesI’ve Got A Secret: Part 27

SOAR Transition CoachesI’ve Got A Secret: Part 16

SOAR Transition CoachesThe Blame-And-Shame Game: Part 25

SOAR Transition CoachesThe Blame-And-Shame Game: Part 14

SOAR Transition CoachesWhy We Do What We Do: Part 23

SOAR Transition CoachesWhy We Do What We Do: Part 12

Celebrate Recovery ChurchLeaders

CR Panel Presentation1

Focusing on Family

: Curriculum Parenting fromtheInside

SOAR Transition CoachesAssessment/Bridge Assignment11

SOAR Transition CoachesBeing A Model Mother: Part 210

SOAR Transition CoachesBeing A Model Mother: Part 19

SOAR Transition CoachesWelcoming My Child: Part 28

SOAR Transition CoachesWelcoming My Child: Part 17

SOAR Transition CoachesWhat Incarceration Means to My Family: Part 2

6

SOAR Transition CoachesWhat Incarceration Means to My Family: Part 1

5

SOAR Transition CoachesWe Can Be Gathered In: Part 24

SOAR Transition CoachesWe Can Be Gathered In: Part 13

The Vision Catalyst GroupWriting A Letter HomeForgiveness, Trust, Reconciliation

2

Sandra Tarlen/VCLI A Testimony of Forgiveness1

Focusing on Family Curric ulum : Ins ide Out Da d Ch ris tia n

SOAR Transition CoachesAssessments/Bridge Assignments11

SOAR Transition CoachesCreating a Fathering Plan10

SOAR Transition CoachesDevelopmental Stages of Childhood9

SOAR Transition CoachesBuilding Self Worth8

SOAR Transition CoachesThe Role of A Father7

SOAR Transition CoachesLove, Sex, Relationships6

SOAR Transition CoachesExpressing Anger in Males & Females5

SOAR Transition CoachesWhat Is A Man4

SOAR Transition CoachesRemembering My Past3

The Vision Catalyst GroupWriting A Letter HomeForgiveness, Trust, Reconciliation

2

AZ Ctr. for Responsible FatherhoodFather Matters1

Joining the Community Restored Curriculum: SALT Financial

AllAssessments/Feedback11

SOAR Transition CoachesPracticum: Taking Charge of Credit10

Consumer Credit Agency/ AZ SavesPracticum: Credit Building and Repairing

9

Consumer Credit Agency/ AZ SavesPracticum: Building a Better Budget

8

Consumer Credit Agency/ AZ SavesPracticum: Basic Banking

7

SOAR Transition CoachesVCLI Invest Carefully6

SOAR Transition CoachesVCLI Spend Wisely5

SOAR Transition CoachesVCLI Give Generously4

SOAR Transition CoachesVCLI Financial Freedom3

ADC Community Corrections

Keeping My Community ObligationsThe Role of Probation and Parole

2

Transitional Housing Partners

Transitional Housing Roundtable PanelFinding and Applying to a Transitional Living

Facility

1

TEaMSEmployment Practicum IIII8

TEaMSEmployment Practicum II7

TEaMSEmployment Practicum I6

SOAR Transition CoachesHow Do I Plan My Journey?My Roadmap (Vocational Planning)

5

SOAR Transition CoachesWho is DrivingAuthority, Integrity, Service (Joseph’s Story)

4

SOAR Transition CoachesWhat Do I Bring to the Journey & What Do I Still Need?Added Features/Added Value, Career and Skill Assessment

3

SOAR Transition CoachesWhy Should I Take this Journey?Why Work, My Motives, My Life Journey

2

SOAR Transition CoachesLet’s Get StartedMy Value, My Journey to Employment

1

Preparing for Employment and Career:

Curriculum: Jobs for Life

SOAR Transition Coaches

Assessments/Feedback19


How Do I Stay on the Journey? (Part 2)My Journey for Life

18


How Do I Stay on the Journey? (Part 1)Customer Satisfaction, Conflict Communication,

Employee Evaluations

17


What Happens if I Get Lost?Trust, Attitude, Confronting Fear (Jonah’s Story)

16


How Do I Know I am Going in the Right Direction?Patience, Pursuing a Goal, Peace (Joseph’s Story)

15

MBK Lifeline Employment Practicum VI14

MBK LifelineEmployment Practicum V13


What Do I Need on the Journey Part 1Excellence, Perseverance

12


What Are the Emotional Roadblocks Along the Journey?

Taking Responsibility for Our Actions, Forgiveness, Conflict Resolution

11

SOAR Transition Coaches &

Community Guests

What Are the Physical Roadblocks Along the Journey?

Community Resources Roundtable

10

TEaMSEmployment Practicum IV9

Small Groups

SOAR Participants are assigned into small groups by the SOAR Team Leaders in conjunction with Prison Fellowship staff..

The number of small groups will be five (5) The number of participants per small group will be no

more than six (6) Limit of 30 participants in a SOAR Class Every module the SOAR Transition Coaches will

rotate groups; each group will get to work with each Coach

The First Three Weeks

SOAR Transition CoachesSOAR™ -The Journey BeginsAssignments of Small GroupsGetting to Know One Another

3

Prison Fellowship/SOAR Staff

Commitment DayTurn in Covenants

Final Questions and Answers

2

Prison Fellowship/SOAR Staff

Introduction DayProgram Intro/Covenant Teaching

Turn In Applications &Distribute Covenants

1

LeaderMen and WomenWeek #

What Do Inmates Have to Do To Be Part of SOAR?

Entrance Qualifications

Complete and submit application– 12 pages, in depth– Privacy honored; access by PF Staff only

SOAR™ Participants have no more than 24 months and no less than 12 months before release date. (preference given to those with between 18 and 24 months left)

SOAR™ Participants are being released into the State of Arizona

SOAR™ Participants agree to enter into Covenant to fully participate in all aspects of Learning to SOAR ™ (in prison) and SOAR Free™ (after release)

I _______________ hereby enter into covenant with the SOAR Team and my fellow

SOAR participants to attend all SOAR sessions and to participate with Good Faith

and a positive attitude in all SOAR activities. I agree to accept the assignment made

for me to a Bridge Church during my SOAR participation and to continue in fruitful

relationship with that Bridge Church for a minimum of one (1) year post-release

________________________________________________

Signature Date

Covenant

Finishing Great!

In the final class session of each module the SOAR™ participants will complete a Feedback Survey concerning the just completed module

Also in the Final class session of each module each participant who has fully participated with no more than one absence within the module will receive a Certificate of Completion for that module

Any participant who completes the entire five (5) module series, with no more than one absence in any given module will be honored as a SOAR™ Graduate, receiving a SOAR™ Certificate and a letter of recommendation from the Executive Director of Prison Fellowship

Celebrate Success!!

Bridge Church

Following completion of Module 3- “Focusing on Family” SOAR Participants will be assigned to a Bridge Church in the SOAR Participant's Home release area.

Bridge Teams

The Bridge Church:

– Has developed a Team which has been trained by Prison Fellowship to assist SOAR Participants in becoming restored into the community

– Will connect with SOAR Participants and begin the relationship while SOAR Participants are still in pre-release

– Is ready to be a welcoming and nurturing community for SOAR Graduates

– Is the SOAR Graduate's home church (according to Covenant) for a minimum of one (1) year after release

– Will serve as an aftercare Mentor Team for SOAR Participants

Assistance

Support

Accountability

The Bridge Church

The Role of the Bridge Church During Pre-releaseConnecting Your Match to the Life of Your Church

The Church in Prison

The Church in Prison is very different from your Church in many ways

The Church in prison consist of – A group of believers in intimate fellowship– The Word of God as their primary guide– Lack of a Pastor (Inmate/Chaplain ratio of 700:1)– They are with each other 7 days a week and are able to

interact within their fellowship on a continuous basis

They expect your church to be like theirs

Connecting to the Life of the Church

Write to the inmate weekly– PF Pen Pal Training as a guide to “Do’s and Don'ts– SOAR to provide Sample First Contact Letter

Handwritten vs. Computer Written– Share the responsibility amongst the Team

Establish a formal writing schedule, rotating the duties amongst the Team

– Engage others within the church to formally join your writing schedule: Ministry leaders, Pray group leaders, Sunday School classes

– Share what is happening at your church and the things on-going that make you love your church!

Connecting to the Life of the Church

Send Tools and Resources from your Church– Weekly Bulletins– Newsletters– Sermon Tapes – Sunday School Lessons– Special Announcements– Etc.

The Role of the Bridge Church During Pre-releaseMeeting Practical Needs of Inmates

Practical Needs of Inmates

“The majority of inmates leave prison with no savings, no immediate entitlement to unemployment benefits,

and few job prospects. One year after release as many as 60% of former inmates are not employed in the

legitimate labor market.”

(“CRIMINOLOGY: THE CORE” , Larry J. Siegel, 2004)

Practical Needs of Inmates

Occupation and Education Housing Transportation and Insurance Finances Healthcare Children & Family Discipleship and Accountability

Organizing your Bridge Team

Bridge Builder*

Finances

TeamCoordinator/

Church Integration

Discipleship and

Accountability Healthcare

Housing

Occupation & Education

Transport. & Insurance

Children & Family

Bridge Team Focus

Connecting with SOAR Partners

Employment: – TEaMS, – My Brother’s Keeper, – Construction Career Training Program (CCTP), – Community Reintegration Coalition (CRC)– Jobs for Life

Housing– Transitional Partners– Independent Living Partners

Finances– AZ Saves– Consumer Credit Counseling

Connecting with Resources within Your Church

Small Business Owners & Managers: Potential Employers and Goods Providers

Property Owners & Homeowners: Potential Housing Providers Professionals: Potential Service Providers (Doctors, Dentist,

Teachers, Attorneys, Etc.) Vehicle Owners: Potential Sources of Transportation (Vehicles

& Ridesharing) Pastors and Counselors: Potential Family Reconciliation & Life

Counseling Good Men and Women: Potential Bridge Team Members,

Friends, and Mentors

Resources for Your ChurchValuable Christ-Centered Programs Available for Churches

Connecting with Resources within Your Community

Community Organizations Government Agencies Social Service Providers Other Churches Para-church Ministries

The Role of the Bridge Church during Pre-release Preparing Your Church to Receive the Ex-Offender

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."-Mark 2:17

Jesus replied “Love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your mind”. This is the first and greatest commandment.

And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

-Matthew 22:37-39

Preparing the Church

Work at Weekly Correspondence Relationship with your SOAR Match

Work w/Church Leadership to find ways to inform Church Body of Team’s role/activities

Work w/Church Leadership to find ways for updating Church Body on SOAR Match’s progress and accomplishments

– Module completions– Plans completed– Trainings and Educational Opportunities completed– Relationships reconciled

Preparing the Church:Pastoral Visits

Three visits by Pastoral Staff/Church Leadership within final 10-12 months of incarceration

Purpose of Pastoral Visits is Fourfold: “Officially” cement the relationship between the inmate

and the church, while also helping to state and establish a welcome environment for the inmate.

Signify the willingness of the church to “invest” in the inmate and his/her family and to affirm his/her “value” to that particular church

Provides a specific insight for the inmate into the life, mission, and core values of the church

Helps affirm to the Church Body (congregation) the commitment of the church to a Matthew 25 ministry

Preparing the Church:Building the Fellowship Roadmap

Fellowship Roadmap: A Church Immersion Strategy

Preparing the Church:Building the Fellowship Roadmap

Developed cooperatively with SOAR Match based on their interest, talents, and needs

Should avoid putting SOAR Match “in the spotlight”

Focus on allowing SOAR Match to take aggressive steps to “normalize” their church experience

The Role of the Bridge Church during Pre-release A Platform for Family Reconciliation

Family Reconciliation

Engaging SOAR Match Families through Angel Tree (where there are minor children)

Reaching out to Families to join in the life of the Church

Providing Families with Christian Care and Services Expressing “the love of Christ” by serving the needs of

the family Reserving judgment regarding “non-traditional”

families

The Bridge Church at the Time of Release “Meet Me At The Gate! & The First 3 Rule

Meet Me at the Gate!

Meet the SOAR Match at the gate upon release (even if a family member is transporting them)

Formally and Officially Celebrate and Affirm SOAR Match’s new status and entry into your fellowship

Provide basic essentials of daily living-sufficient to last the first couple of weeks

Transport or accompany to their new place of residence

– Assess environment– Make your presence known

The First 3 Rule The First 3 Hours The First 3 Days The First 3 Weeks The First 3 months The First 3 years

The First 3 Hours

The First 3 Days

Assuring Essentials for Daily Living Identification (State ID, Social Security

Card) Transportation Resource

The First 3 Days

Required Activity Schedule– Parole/Probation – Substance Abuse Treatment

Formally Meeting the Whole Team Engaging the Fellowship Roadmap

The First 3 Weeks

Achieving Short Term Stability– Employment “Path”– Finances (Banking Services, etc.)– Transportation Plan

Public vs. Private Driver’s License/Insurance

– Housing stabilized– Commitments scheduled/secured

Parole, Mandated Programming, Physical Health Needs– Fellowship Roadmap Fully Engaged

The First 3 Months

Reviewing and updating Life Plan in partnership w/Bridge Team– Goals adjusted/New Goals established– Necessary resources identified and strategies for

securing additional resources created Regular meetings with Bridge Team

– Mentoring/Fellowship/Accountability Employment and Income Established Fully engaged in the Life of the Church

The First 3 Years

Growing in Faith and Fellowship within Church Achieving Initial Goals, Creating Strategies for

Achieving “Dreams” Actively involved in Ministry and becoming a discipler

of others Growing in independence and developing deeper ties

and wholly positive relationships Continuing Accountability relationships as a “full

partner”

Building The BridgeBetween Prison and Community

The Bridge Church

Bridging Pre and Post ReleaseThe Role of the Bridge Church

Following completion of Module 3- “Focusing on Family” SOAR Participants are assigned to a Bridge Church in the SOAR Participant's Home release area.

This takes place approximately 12 months prior to release

The Cornerstone Church ConceptThree Strand Cord-Community Transition Team

Prison Fellowship Arizona’s Role:

•Train and Equip Churches for post-release ministry and support

•Facilitate building churches into “neighborhood sized” Community Reentry Teams

•Turning the ministry over to the Community Re-entry Teams

•Guiding, consulting, and supporting Community Reentry Teams

To Request More Information About SOAR or an Outline of this Presentation:

William Edward AndersonExecutive Director

Prison Fellowship Arizona480-899-9624

[email protected]

step out approved & renewed: a ministry framework for prisoner transition

Documents