Aftercare Mentoring Program For Ex-Offenders

(4/15/2004)

The Aftercare Mentoring Program for Ex-Offenders was developed after observing that believers in Christ who are released from jail/prison are having difficulty adjusting to life on the outside. Many return to jail/prison because of parole violations or committing new crimes. Our hope is to be able to provide a mentor for each released inmate who is sincere about remaining out of prison and true to his/her commitment to follow Jesus Christ.

The 'Mentoring Program' matches the ex-offender with a volunteer from a community church who will take an interest in the spiritual growth and discipleship of the individual believer when he/she is released from prison. In addition, the volunteer mentor and the sponsoring church have been asked to welcome the ex-offender into their fellowship of believers. The program serves ex-offenders in the communities of Boulder, Longmont, Loveland, Ft.Collins, and Greeley. Ten churches are committed to the program as of January 2003.

Shekinah's Role with Churches is to:

1. Raise awareness of the need for mentoring ex-offenders.
2. Recruit supporting churches.
3. Provide consultation in developing a mentoring program.
4. Train volunteer mentors.
5. Provide support to mentors through quarterly forums.
6. Provide information on community resources available to
help ex-offenders in northern Colorado.
7. Screen and refer ex-offenders for placement with church
mentors.
8. Provide feedback to evaluate the placements.

Shekinah’s Role with Chaplains and Ex-Offenders is to:

1. Receive applications of the need for mentoring ex-
offenders. Screen applications and make referrals.
Provide follow-up with inmates and chaplains both
verbal and written until placement is made.
2. Provide information on community resources available to
help ex-offenders in northern Colorado.

Shekinah’s Role with Ministries/Organizations is to:

1. Network with ministries/organizations who are
involved in aftercare ministry/issues. (Example: CCRN,
Colorado Chaplains’ Re-Entry Network).