Purpose: A number of dedicated individuals have been helping to bring hope to prisoners in the Tioga County Prison. Judy Sullivan (pictured), Pat Kennedy, Frank Deiter, Ron Weller, Cindy Fitzgerald and others have been reaching out with words of hope, helping hands and Bible studies. The studies focus on a 20 week course produced by Second Chance Ministries. Ten weeks of the course focus on understanding God and his plan for our lives. The other ten weeks focus on life skills such as budgeting, etc. At any time there might be 10 – 15 or more participating in the studies.

Biggest challenge. The co-workers who are conducting the prison ministry say that one of the biggest challenges is a re-entry process for those who have committed their lives to Christ. They fear that much of the progress made with individuals is lost when these individuals do not have a way to transition from a controlled environment to normal life situations. They feel the key to meeting this need would be a halfway or transitional home.

Halfway/Transition Home. A halfway/transitional home is possible in this area! There are ministries such as this that can be set up as more or less self funded. Would you be interested in helping with the planning of this home? Send your contact information to the e-mail address below.

Other needs. Other help that is needed for the ministry focuses around helping individuals transition back into society. Many leave the prison with little support; they are in need of basic necessities such as food and transportation to find a job, to go to the grocery store, to go to church, etc.

Bible Tools and Practical Needs.  Those who are in the prison have needs such as good study Bibles, especially helpful is the Life Application Study Bible. Many could use a small amount of funds to go to into their account for personal items such as common toiletries. If you or your organization would be able to help, even in a small way, regularly or from time to time, please forward your contact information here.