Re-entry

Broken Chains Ministry Continues to Grow & Create Jobs for Ex-Offenders (Part 1 of 2) – 2013-09-11

Written By: Broken Chains Ministry and Katie Sobiech

It’s been a while since we caught up with Broken Chains Ministry. So where have they been, and what have they been up to?

They have been working around the clock to create and sustain programs such as their Workforce Development Program and the Urbean Café, to drop recidivism rates of ex-offenders, providing them with opportunity, while making the city a safer place.

One of the greatest barriers faced by citizens returning from incarceration is unemployment. While the State of Ohio unemployment rate is currently about 9.5%, current estimates show that the unemployment rate for men and women in various stages of reentry is an astronomical 25%-40%.

As a result of this statistic, Broken Chains Ministry (BCM) is committed to being an advocate for changes that help reverse this statistic in our region by being part of the solution. Their Workforce Development Program (WDP) allows them the opportunity to create a self-sustaining business model specifically for the purpose of training former offenders to reenter the workplace.

Step number one is to give them a job.

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November 5, 2013
Re-entry

True North Ministry Grows, Partners with Local YMCA – 2013-05-13

True North Landscaping

By Katie Sobiech

True North Ministry is expanding its reach beyond the juvenile facilities of our community. Since we last did an article about the ministry, they have made several changes, including: career readiness programs, a landscaping company, and a partnership with YMCA.

Executive Director Becky Retzer started the ministry in 2002 when she saw a tremendous need in the juvenile penal system. From those humble beginnings, the organization is now sitting on 28 acres of beautiful farm property, utilizing 200 volunteers, and running programs in six different Ohio prison facilities.

“Our mission is to liberate imprisoned youth in the State of Ohio. We see liberation as the complete transformation of the mind, body, soul, and spirit,” said Nate Slaughter, Communications Specialist.

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October 29, 2013
Re-entry

Summit County Reentry Network Giving Ex-Offenders a Second Chance Part One – 2011-06-12

By: Katie Sobiech

Could ex-offenders be the key to stimulating growth and stability in our economy? According to the Summit County Reentry Network (SCRN), ex-offenders may just have what it takes. With statistics such as:

  • 1 in 100 Americans being in prison or jail (Pew Report,2008)
  • Approximately 9 million people being released from jails every year (Urban Institute, Justice Policy Center)
  • And, out of 65 million adults, 1 in every 4 Americans having an arrest record (National Employment Law Project

…this makes up a very large portion of our population!

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August 7, 2013