"When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?
Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:38
Evening Aftercare/Reentry Group—every Thursday--except Thanksgiving--for over 11 years we facilitate a Christian Reentry Group for ex-offenders at the Antioch Baptist Church Fellowship Hall...7:30pm until 9pm...great group...all Christ-centered...for guys on parole, in half-way houses or maxed out. Men only.
Daytime Aftercare/Reentry Group--On the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month we facilitate a Christian Reentry Group for ex-offenders at Opportunity Reconnect, 1812 Federal Street, Camden, NJ…9am until 10am…same as the Thursday evening group…great for men who are working the 2nd or third shift or otherwise have availability during the day. Men only.
Driver’s License Restoration Seminars for Ex-Offenders-- On the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month we conduct Driver’s License Restoration Seminars and one on one sessions for ex-offenders with driver’s license issues. Getting back on the road is just one of the hurdles ex-offenders face while transitioning back into their communities…this one hour overview helps start the process…10am until 12 noon at Opportunity Reconnect.
Assistance with Child Support and Visitation Issues—Another major issue for men and women returning from prison is child support and visitation. We assist returning ex-offenders with filing the appropriate paperwork regarding child support & visitation. Family reconciliation and restoration as well as personal responsibility is the ultimate goal as we counsel and practically assist in this critical area.
Christian Transitional Homes for Ex-Offenders--We currently have 3 homes for Christian ex-offenders in Camden...strict rules governed by a covenant...for those coming out of prison who are serious about their walk with the Lord and about changing their lives with the Lord's guidance and accountability from like-minded men.
Christian Fatherhood Groups--We conduct Fatherhood Groups/Classes for parolees, men in halfway houses and others on a weekly basis...currently they are offered on Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings. The breakdown of the family is a HUGE problem. Most of the men in prison today did not have their father in their life growing up. In these groups we provide the men with the information and tools they need to be better fathers. The ultimate goal is to help the men become involved, responsible and committed fathers.
Angel Tree (Camden City)—(December)--We oversee a coordinated delivery of Angel Tree gifts in the City of Camden where many volunteers deliver gifts to over 100’s children with an incarcerated parent all on one Saturday morning and early afternoon...very cool!!! We meet, worship, pray and deliver gifts as we try to be an instrument of grace in the inmate’s life and in the life of his child or children. READ MORE
Back Pack Ministry--(August)—we collect back packs and school supplies and distribute them to children who have an incarcerated parent and to other children in need in the City of Camden. This past year we collected and distributed 200 backpacks loaded with school supplies.
Mentoring/Discipleship—We mentor Christian ex-offenders...as the need arises and the Lord directs we connect mature believers with individuals recently released from prison.
Reentry Bible Study—We facilitate a weekly Reentry Bible Study at Hope Hall (a local halfway house) in Camden. Similar to the pre-release classes that we used to have at Riverfront State Prison, this group concentrates on the practical application of God’s Word to our lives and the lives of the men transitioning back into their communities and families. Tuesday evenings from 7:30pm until 8:30pm.
Prisoner Reentry Initiative (PRI)—We are the faith-based partner in an initiative designed to help a limited number of ex-offenders successfully integrate back into their communities and families. We work alongside the NJ Department of Corrections, the NJ Department of Labor and the Volunteers of America.
Night @ the Riversharks—(June)--This is no ordinary night at the ballgame. Each year, through the generous support of God’s people, we are able to bring and sponsor children to a night at the Riversharks. The children are those who have a parent in prison, who attend Camp Peace @ the Fellowship House (a Christian after school and summer ministry and children in our neighborhood who otherwise would never get to a Riversharks game. 200 people (supporters, children & mentors) attend each year.