REENTRY HOUSING:
It is our intention to establish “faith-base” housing programs that will encompass structured programs and aiding clients in the transition back into society with a faith based perspective rather than their old way of life and thinking. We also intend to provide vocational and lifeskills programs in areas where not already available through strategic alliances.
SEX OFFENDER PROGRAM AND HOUSING:
This area should be dubbed “No Man’s Land”. It seems every program and grant wants to eliminate this demographic…we don’t. The reality is, these offenders are coming home. When we exclude these men from every program and highly limit their chances for employment or success, that does not solve the problem, it perpetuates it. The fact is, a small percentage of sex offenders are predatory. The sex offenders who truly are not predatory are treatable. It is a known fact that sexual activity can become an addiction just like any other addiction, but can be an addiction that can be more difficult to manage than nicotine. From a “faith-based” perspective, one of the most dangerous fallacies when one comes to Christ, is that Christ takes the addiction away. Men will genuinely receive Christ but incorrectly believe that Christ is going to keep them from their activity. The truth is, this addiction, like other addictions, is an escape for pain, anger and other issues that need to be tended too. When these clients are “backed into a corner”, issues not dealt with, no income and no support, they will do what they know to do to escape from reality, just like a crack addict. In this case, the drug of choice is not crack, it is sex and involves victims.
We intend to initiate a pilot program in the Sacramento region. This program will be a group home model, preferably just out of town in a semi rural area. Clients will be involved in a faith based, sexual addictions group program that is two phase, as well as entrepreneurial training. We intend to teach them how to be business owners in the field that interests them, thereby limiting their involvement in the mainline work force, yet becoming a self-supporting, viable part of society.
BETHESDA HOUSE:
Our Family Outreach team enjoys working with the families of inmates and victims. One of the points of contact, assistance and intervention we have identified is when the families come to the institutions to visit their inmate/family member. Most of them travel many miles to give their support, when they themselves are in need of support. We intended to establish a house near each institution where families will be able to stay, for a small fee, in a supportive, faith-based environment. Here, they will be away from their “day-to-day grind” where they will be open to counseling and support. When they go to visit an inmate for an entire weekend (typically three days during the day), they have free time in the evening. During that free time we intend to provide counseling, group time, and aid with available resources. Also, we will be able to guide and help them with issues that may arise during a visit and with direction and guidance in how to handle parole when their inmate comes home. We will also guide them in things such as, how to know the difference between supporting and enabling and working with the parole agent instead of against.
