Programs
Over the years, Along Side Ministries, Inc. has created in-prison and transition programs to meet the evolving needs of prisoners and ex-offenders.
Working closely with our Church partners, we are a platform for equipping and training champions (God’s hands and feet) to reach prisoners, ex-offenders and their families with the best possible Biblical teaching, discipleship training, holistic development and practical resources.
Learn more about our programs below. Click on the links provided to e-mail Ministry Directors with your questions and comments.
In-Prison Bible Studies
Bible studies are conducted weekly in 13 prison units by 22 volunteers. These studies are focused on helping Christian prisoners learn the Word of God and become disciples of Jesus Christ.
Bible Study Teachers apply God’s truth to every aspect of life, as they build a worldview based on strong Biblical principles.
Information on In-prison Bible studies for men, contact Kevin Pankey at: kpankey@asmaz.com
Information on In-prison Bible Studies for women, contact Debbie G at: debbieg@asmaz.com
Mentoring
Mentoring is a core value of Along Side Ministries. More than 90 mentors work with Christian men and women in Arizona prisons and at the Along Side Ministries’ Discipleship Training Centers. Mentors are matched with prisoners (mentees) from 6 months to 1 year before release from prison.
Mentees face a variety of complex problems and issues which must be addressed before leaving prison. The mentor and mentee develop a release plan designed to overcome these challenges and to focus on a successful re-entry to society.
Mentors play a key role during the mentee’s first crucial weeks and months of adjustment to the outside world.
Information on Inside/Outside Mentoring and Prison Ministry, contact Kevin Pankey at: kpankey@asmaz.com
Information on mentoring women, contact Debbie G at: debbieg@asmaz.com
Jail Ministry
Over 90% of the prisoners, who are in the Along Side Ministries’ Discipleship Training Program, accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in County Jail. Forty volunteers work in the jails conducting weekly Chapel Services, Bible Studies and one-on-one visitations. Over 7,000 prisoners, in the past 3 years, have been reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Many volunteers also serve faithfully in the Pen Pal Program; on the State-wide Prayer Team; and with the HEART Program (Home Enrichment and Recovery Team). HEART volunteers minister to selected families of prisoners involved in our Jail Ministry services.
Information on Jail Ministry, contact Tino Aguirre at: taguirre@asmaz.com
Prison Transition Services (PTS)
Approximately 19,000 prisoners are released each year in Arizona. Over 2,000 of them are homeless. Almost all are released in desperate crisis. With “prison blue” clothes on their back, a $50 check, and no ID, they are dropped on the streets of our communities. Many will return to the environment they know best, a life of crime and drugs. PTS seeks to break this cycle by helping to meet basic human needs within the first 72 hours after a prisoner has been released. PTS provides clothes, toiletries, paid State ID’s, food vouchers, bus passes, resume construction, interview skills training and more. PTS strives to restore dignity, one person at a time, to those discarded by society.
Information on PTS, contact: pts@asmaz.com
The Men’s Discipleship Training Center (MDTC)
This complex provides safe housing for Christian men (mentees) involved in our Men’s Discipleship Training program. They live here for 6 to 9 months following their release from prison. Each man receives spiritual and holistic mentoring from his assigned mentor; and is required to attend weekly Bible studies, Celebrate Recovery classes and discipleship training. Other programs include counseling, cognitive development, life skills training, financial planning and vocational assistance. The men are taught the value of positive contributions to community and involve themselves in a local Church body.
The mission of the MDTC is the successful return of Christian ex-offenders to our communities, living Christ-centered, law-abiding and productive lives. Only 10% of Graduates from the MDTC have returned to prison, compared to nearly 70% recidivism among all Arizona ex-offenders.
Information on MDTC, contact Collis Huntington at: chuntington@asmaz.com
The Women’s Discipleship Training Center (WDTC)
These facilities provide safe housing for Christian women (mentees) involved in our Women’s Discipleship Training program. The program for women operates very similar to the program for men. One significant difference, however, is that women mentees often have children waiting for them upon their release from prison. It is imperative that family issues are addressed as part of their transition programming. Mentors, mentees and Along Side Ministries’ staff work together to establish avenues for reconciliation and restoration of the family. It is important that these Moms learn to take the steps necessary toward parenting the Lord’s way.
After graduation, some of the women will choose to live at a Graduate House to further facilitate their transition to society. These residential homes, for women with and without children, provide a sense of security and community. We have had no women return to prison after successfully graduating from the WDTC.
Information on the WDTC, contact Debbie G: debbieg@asmaz.com