leaving the cocoon
DESCRIPTION
A brief overview of the reentry mentoring program, Leaving The Cocoon, in Nashville, TN.TRANSCRIPT
“A Pioneer in Reentry Mentoring”-Richard Dixon,
Director of Volunteer Services,
TN Dept of Corrections
GRACE
She takes the blame
She covers the shame
Removes the stain
Coming soon to a neighborhood near you…
The Problem
• Women are the fastest growing population to be incarcerated
• The Revolving Door: 67% are going back• Emphasis is on Warehousing NOT
Rehabilitation, Definitely NOT Restoration
• Our Judgmental Culture
• The Church has lost it’s place to Social Services / Government
What happens when someone comes out of prison with little or no
preparation?
• Mothers are unable to adjust and take care of their children (1.5 million children in the US have a parent in prison).
“A number of unfortunate collateral consequences are likely, including increases in child abuse, family violence, the spread of infectious disease, homelessness, and community disorganization.” – The US Justice Department
Important Questions
• What kind of individuals do you want coming back into your community?
• What does redemption look like?
• What do I have to lose when I do what Jesus asks me to do, specifically, visit the prisoners?
Our Solution
Counseling
Caring Community
Mentoring
Safe Haven
Forgiveness
Success
Redemption
Restoration
Friendship
FreedomAccountability
EncouragementRole Models
Innovation
Inside the Cocoon
• Life Skills & Needs Assessments• One on one Mentoring• Organized Field Days & Holidays
• “A New View for a New You” / “Pamper Me” Days• Bible Studies• Lay Counseling
• “Kids Matter” Program
Outside the Cocoon
• Continued Mentoring and Life Skills Development
• Counseling Center – confidential, for all - regardless of ability to pay
• Emergency Assistance Provision• Resource for Referrals and /or Advocacy
educationmedical mental healthhousing employment opportunities
What makes us qualified?
Over 20 years experience in working with ex-offenders
• Inner city ministry• Individual & Family Counseling• Reentry / Prerelease & Aftercare• Mentoring and Mentor Training• Continued Education & Accountability • Unmatched Passion and Relentless
Calling
Testimonies“My nana (Vicki Harvey) really helped my mom in prison. My nana loves Jesus very much! She likes to sing praises. We sing to Jesus together. I love my nana!” - Leslie, age 6
“I met my mom’s mentor when I was 14 and had been separated from her because she was in prison. She (my mom’s mentor) is always there for me when I need her. She has shown me what good character and integrity look like because that is who she is.” - Breanna, age 14
Funding Sources• Currently, LTC is a part of the Good Neighbor Foundation, a 501(c)3
non-profit. All donations are tax deductible under the law.
• Our goal is to raise awareness and generate funding from private donations, sponsorships and church outreach support. In kind donations are also key to assisting the ministry in its efforts to resource the women we serve.
• We are asking for financial support from the friends of Leaving the Cocoon in order to fulfill our commitment to offering the important resources our women so desperately need.
• Iron Butterflies: An awesome opportunity to celebrate women while lifting up and empowering others.
• May God bless the work of our hands and the individuals who give of their time, talents and treasure to see this effort sustained into the future.
A little of this…
Can lead to more of this…
GRACE
What once was hurt…
What once was friction…
What left a mark no longer stings.
Meet some of our butterflies…
Grace finds beauty…
Grace finds goodness…
in everything…
“Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of glory of God. Not only this, we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us…” - Romans 5:1
161 Belle Forrest Circle, Suite 211 Nashville, TN 37221
Services Offered:Individual & Group CounselingMentoring & Mentor Training
Trainings & ConsultationsCommunity Outreach
Advocacy
Executive DirectorVicki Harvey (615)403-1313
Counseling Program Director
Malinda D. Wilson, MA (615)467-3211
Visit Our Website at www.leavingthecocoon.net