In order to combat recidivism, a small networking group at Mission of Christ Lutheran Church in Milwaukee was formed. The focus of this weekly two-hour meeting was to discuss the challenges that these men were facing, offer them further supportive resources and prayer, and provide fellowship through refreshments along with a short Bible study. One of the biggest concerns that these men had was the lack of basic necessities that they received as they were leaving the CCF-S. This caused them to return to their old friends and their old ways. Most felt that if assistance had been given to them in just the first few days it would help helped immensely.

The idea of the Basic Backpack was born. To help them be more successful, upon release each ex-offender will be 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. It will also contain necessities such as a Milwaukee city map, food vouchers, 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.

Many of the men flourished in the type of support group that had been created at Mission of Christ. The New Life Supportive Care Network has become a supportive network of churches and agencies that will open its arms to the ex-offenders and their families. They will help newly released inmates deal with the issues they are facing as they look to incorporate themselves back into the community. A key to their successful self-sufficiency is a supportive group that understands where they have been and the struggles they are facing.

Due to the extensive nature of this program and the large capital outlay of finances, management and administrative skills that were necessary, the Metro Milwaukee Lutheran Mission Society was asked to assist.  This partnership would manage and administer funds and help with project coordination.

Our 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