step out approved & renewed: a ministry framework for prisoner transition
DESCRIPTION
A presentation on the SOAR (Step Out Approved & Renewed) Prisoner Reentry program currently being carried out in several Arizona Prisons by Prison Fellowship ArizonaTRANSCRIPT
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 CoachesAssessments/Feedback/Certificate13
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 CoachesAssessments/Feedback/Certificate10
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
SOAR Transition Coaches
How Do I Stay on the Journey? (Part 2)My Journey for Life
18
SOAR Transition Coaches
How Do I Stay on the Journey? (Part 1)Customer Satisfaction, Conflict Communication,
Employee Evaluations
17
SOAR Transition Coaches
What Happens if I Get Lost?Trust, Attitude, Confronting Fear (Jonah’s Story)
16
SOAR Transition Coaches
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
SOAR Transition Coaches
What Do I Need on the Journey Part 1Excellence, Perseverance
12
SOAR Transition Coaches
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