The Coalition has been very busy the past weeks and months. A lot of the accomplishments are “behind the scene" and not visible to all, but many are visible. We have Volunteers working in the Re-Entry Facility, terminals and phone lines have been connected and running, materials for services available, presentations to churches/organizations, mentoring in the local jail/prison, etc. Items that are "unseen" by all are such as Steering Committee members attending a Re-Entry Conference at the Coleman FCC Complex, reviewing Lakeland Church at the Mall Re-Entry Program, and connecting local ministries with ex-offender, etc. 

The Coalition Steering Committee is excited to see the many entities, local and state wide, wanting to make a difference in the life of ex-offenders and their families.  We have been meeting with many of them to see what their specialty and goals are and how we can join forces to change the recidivism in Marion County.

At the conference at the Coleman FCC Complex, it was exciting to see how the federal government, along with local and state, is concerned about the needs of ex-offenders.

One of the current needs of the Coalition is volunteers. We need people who are willing to work in the Re-Entry Facility to assist people who are leaving the jail. Also, we need volunteers who are willing to be trained to go into the jail and/or local prisons to teach, mentor, etc.

The Coalition will be meeting Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009 at 8:00 a.m.  The Coalition would like to invite you to join us and find a place where you can serve and feel free to give us suggestions.

Matthew 25: 35-40