Onesimus Workbook

60 • T HE O NESIMUS W ORKSHOP : W ELCOMING F ORMER P RISONERS INTO THE L IFE OF THE C HURCH

A PPENDIX 8 Finding Local Resources

1. The following is a list of possible local connections you can make to help people re-entering society from incarceration. Each community will have different services available, so you do not have to start up your own programs at your church. A great place for you to start is with the local rescue mission. Often they will already be aware of services offered in a particular city or surrounding area.

a. Churches and fellowship groups who welcome former prisoners

b. Employment

c. Transitional housing

d. Drug and alcohol programs

e. Legal services

f. Food and clothing

g. Transportation

h. Reentry organizations/ministries

i. Medical services

j. Parole and interaction with law enforcement

2. As an example of a list of local services, see www.underthedoor.org for the Chicago area.

Their annual directory: www.underthedoor.org/red-chicago/current- edition can be an example of something you can create in your community. Once you have done so, make the list available to others so they do not have to re-invent the wheel. 3. Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association ( www.cmcainternational.org ) is an association of various ministries involved in ministry to prisoners inside institutions and also reentry.