Ex-offender Ministry

Isolation, dismay, discouragement, entrapment and loneliness are felt by those who are incarcerated within our prison systems here in Wisconsin and other states. Not only are their freedoms taken away in many aspects of their lives, including privacy, food and clothing choices and movement, but the prison system looks to almost dehumanize those who are incarcerated, looking at them as only a number or statistic. No wonder close to 75% of those who are released from prison usually end up back in prison within 2 years of being released. It’s all based on the choices that they make and the people and support system that they surround themselves with.

We all know that making good choices are not always easy and that we all need others to encourage, uplift and support us. This is even harder if one is coming from a system whereby their view of self and their abilities are being stripped from them. In order to combat these issues and help combat recidivism for men and women being released from prison, the MMLMS in combination with the South Wisconsin District put together the Basic Backpack and New Life Supportive Care Network. Starting in 2008, with just a few locations this program has grown to seven location across Milwaukee and Waukesha Counties.

Upon release each inmate at the HOC by referral is offered a backpack containing up-to-date information on a variety of resources including shelters, meal programs, health care, food pantries, employment and job readiness training, advocacy, and clothing resources. This backpack also contain necessities such as a Bible, a basic hygiene kit, nutritional food, several bus tickets, a phone card, and a small portfolio with a notepad and pen. It is hoped that with these backpacks, ex-offenders will get the positive help they need to keep them from reverting back to their old habits and friends. When these men and woman go to pick up their backpack they are also offered the opportunity to attend the New Life Supportive Network Group.

The New Life Support Network Group is a major key to these men and women having a successful re-entry back into society. The groups which have been around since the beginning of the program have branded themselves recently with names such as “Free at Last” or “God and Grub” as a way to symbolize their own unique identity with this population. These group leaders understand the importance of being able to relate to these men and women on a group level but also on a much more personal level, dealing with problems and issues that require at times professional resources.This network of churches and agencies have opened their arms to ex-offenders as they rebuild their lives as productive members of society.

The focus of the weekly two-hour group meetings may include the following at each location:

  • Discussing common challenges that ex-offenders may be facing
  • Providing a meal or other refreshments
  • Job resources such as resume writing and help with job placement
  • Offering further supportive resources and prayer
  • Offering participation in a short Bible study
  • Encouraging and offering participation in church or site related activities

The overall goals for this program are as follows:

  • Increase the number of ex-offenders that leave the CCF-S and become productive members of society
  • Increase the number of ex-offenders that leave the CCF-S and become involved with New Life Supportive Care Network
  • Reduce the number of ex-offenders that return within two years to the CCF-S due to criminal behavior

The mission society continues to expand the outreach of this program with the help of the group leaders and lay ministries by becoming involved with several more prisons and about 6-7 parole officers.