Beyond the Basics: Second Chances for Returning Citizens

Feb 15, 2020 | UA News

On January 16, 45 people representing 28 churches and organizations gathered for one of Urban Alliance’s regular Beyond the Basics learning communities. The meeting provided an overview of the program development opportunities being offered in 2020, as well as highlighting significant upcoming meetings, trainings and events. The highlight of the meeting, however, was a presentation titled Coming Alongside Returning Citizens.

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

Matthew 25:36

Information about Connecticut’s criminal justice system and prison population was shared, as well as strategies to plan for successful re-entry and the unique needs of Returning Citizens.1 Three men from Youth Challenge of CT shared powerful personal stories about the reentry process and churches were invited to become a Second Chance Church – a church that desires to show the love of Christ to people reentering the community after a period of incarceration by intentionally providing support and resources. These churches not only welcome Returning Citizens, with systems in place to facilitate that, but also have a designated a Mentor who will work with them.

understanding the need

The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world. More than 650,000 inmates are released from U.S. prisons every year. That’s almost 2,000 people every day. Nearly two-thirds of these released prisoners are arrested within three years. While this statistic is overwhelming, research suggests recidivism is less likely when a person reenters the community with a strong network of support.

The process of successful reentry is very complex, dependent on a multi-pronged approach, including collaborations between state and municipal governments, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, families, residents and people involved in the justice system. For this reason, the body of Christ has a unique opportunity to support people reentering the community after incarceration.

 “For the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his own people who are prisoners.”

Psalm 69:33

If Jesus was on earth today, we would likely find Him in the prisons, talking and dining with criminals and outcasts. He would be there “to seek and to save the lost!” Jesus identifies strongly with the weak, the helpless and the outcast. He considers the way we treat them to be the way we treat Him. Churches exploring the option to become a Second Chance Church is one way we can take part in this work that is so close to God’s heart.

Is your church interested in becoming a Second Chance Church? You can download the Second Chance Church information booklet, or reach out to Jessica Sanderson at Urban Alliance.

1 an individual reentering society after a period of incarceration. Returning Citizens are working to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community.


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The staff at Urban Alliance are familiar with Pastor Frank because he is a regular attendee to many of the trainings Urban Alliance provides on subjects like domestic violence, addressing childhood trauma, and better counseling techniques. “That’s been so valuable to me to be able to bring that back, not only in my counseling but also in my teaching and preaching ministries, “ shared Termine.

Pastor Frank was also one of the original members of the Micah group, a group of pastors that meets at Urban Alliance to discuss and strategize about challenging issues that face the church today. One of those earlier discussions on justice, incarceration, and returning citizens was particularly memorable. “We all lamented the fact that these men and women were coming out of prison into our churches and just kind of being thrown there,” said Termine, “We could do better than this.” That discussion planted the seeds that eventually led to the creation of Second Chance Churches – an opportunity for churches to provide support and mentoring to returning citizens that continues today.

When we asked Pastor Frank what he would say to another church that was unaware of Urban Alliance, he said, “If you are looking to get out in the community and make a difference in the community, Urban Alliance is a super way to do it. We’re a small church … we can’t do everything. Urban Alliance is a pathway to get our people involved in ministries that are already doing it, doing it well, and just need extra volunteers.”

Pastor Frank Termine’s story embodies many things we are trying to accomplish at Urban Alliance: supporting organizations in the communities they serve with training, resources, and opportunities to make a difference. Pastors and non-profit leaders face a wide range of challenges and, therefore, need a wide range of help and resources. Your support can help turn stories of struggle into stories like you find at Calvary Church.

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