 The Problem: Tennessee has approximately 19,000 men and women incarcerated in 16 prisons. At a cost of $61/day per person that equals $1.2 million per day or 438 million per year. Approximately 6,000 are released annually to our communities, but without a changed heart and a solid support system, approximately 60% or 3600 will go back to prison within 3 years.
FOCUS Prison Ministries is a Christian, non-denominational, IRS recognized, non-profit organization with a history dating back to 1992. FOCUS ( Following Our Choices Unto Success) works in the Knox County Jail and Detention Facility, Anderson County Jail, and the four men’s Prisons of East Tennessee. |
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The FOCUS work "Behind the Walls” includes unique evangelistic events (utilizing motorcycles and sports celebrities), weekly Support group meetings, Discipleship classes, Life-skills classes, one-on-one work in various Maximum Security Units, and Faith-based Transition Counseling.
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"Behind the Walls" Evangelism |
“ Beyond the Walls” FOCUS provides transition services to ex-
On-the-Job Training
in Computer
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offenders recently released to the Knoxville Community which include weekly Support Group Meetings, Transitional Housing, Mentoring, Job Assessments, On-the-Job Training, and Apprenticeships through the CEOs (Christian Ex-Offenders Services) Program, and continuing Educational Training through the FOCUS Christian Academy. |
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Richard Dixon, TDOC
Volunteer Coordinator
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In 2006, approximately 120 FOCUS Volunteers provided over 2000 hours of service in East Tennessee Prisons & Jails. In appreciation for that service, the Ministry was named the Department of Correction’s top non-profit organization for East Tennessee in 2007. |
Vicki Wilkerson
Director, Peace at Last Ministries
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Also, in 2006 FOCUS and Peace at Last Ministries, working in conjunction with Knoxville Leadership Foundation, formed the first Knox area collaborative partnership to provide a more efficient continuum of services for ex-offenders. This six-month program provides food, housing, clothing, and other basic needs, along with A&D, Financial, and Spiritual Counseling.
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The Family Support Team of FOCUS provides transportation for family members to prison on special occasions (eg, Mothers Day), coordinates the Angel Tree Christmas Program for local children
Teen Focus Lock-Down
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whose parents are incarcerated (over 900 in 2006), and our Teen FOCUS Lock-Down Outside Program provides weekend events and monthly mentoring to children of incarcerated parents and other at-risk kids in our community.
Mission Statement: help inmates and their families to know Jesus as their Savior, to mature in their faith, and to transition back into society as good citizens … Changing FOCUS, Changing Lives!
Vision Statement: Transformation, not Rehabilitation by FOCUSing on Jesus Christ = True Freedom! |
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