Along Side Ministries - Reaching Out to Incarcerated Christians

the problem

There are 13 prison facilities and over 35,000 men and women incarcerated in Arizona.
The national prison population is growing 10 times faster than the population growth.
There are over 2.5 million people in our nation's prisons.
Federal Justice Statistics indicate 82% of those released from prison are rearrested within 4 years.

And Christians are ONLY 20% more successful than the general population!

the need

Arizona has one of the highest per capita incarceration rates in the nation. Every year over 16,000 men and women are admitted to the Department of Corrections. Over 1,900 are released homeless each year!

Prisoners are often released with only a $50 check and the clothes on their back. They face huge barriers in their re-entry into society. They are in a critical situation with no where to go and no one to turn to.

Their immediate needs include safe housing, jobs, transportation, food, clothing, spiritual counseling and financial guidance.

Our response

Along Side Ministries has a four tiered approach to this huge problem:

Do you have a friend or loved one in prison?
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1. First we reach out to those placed in the county jail awaiting trial or movement to prison. This is done through a Jail Visitation Program where our volunteers meet with inmates and share the redeeming grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Inmates are encouraged to accept Christ into their lives to help them overcome their past and learn to walk in a godly manner. The volunteers conduct weekly church services where all are welcome to attend.

2. Second is our Mentor Program. Our mission is to come along side and assist the ex-offender in learning how to live as a productive, committed Christian in his/her local community. Our program consists of three parts:

a. A mentoring relationship, that takes place prior to release from prison, strengthens the inmate’s walk, builds a personal transition plan and is designed to help develop skills needed for a successful transition.

b. An after care program that assists the ex-offender in their job search, transportation and physical needs.

b. Integration into a church community for Christian fellowship spiritual growth and an opportunity to serve.

3. Third, a safe housing environment where all the men and women in our programs come to live after their release from prison. The Discipleship Training Center Apartments and Hayward Houses are Christian facilities that provide a safe environment for learning how to live a productive, joy-filled Christian life in the community after their release. These Christian environments allow structured programming to help overcome the issues facing each ex-offender.

4. Fourth, initial assistance. Prison Transition Services provides immediate short term support to anyone coming out of prison. Clothing, food, personal items and bus passes are made available. Assistance is also provided in obtaining driver's licenses, food stamps, social security cards and other needs without regard to religious preference.