Starting a Transitional Living Program for Ex-Offenders: A Guide by Shelter From the Storm

Slide Note

Establishing a transitional living program for ex-offenders involves assembling a committed team, incorporating as a not-for-profit organization, understanding local laws, and finding a suitable facility. This comprehensive guide outlines key steps and considerations for setting up such a program. From initial planning to navigating legal requirements and neighborhood selection, it provides essential insights for creating a supportive environment for individuals re-entering society post-incarceration.

harlan Follow

Uploaded on Aug 15, 2024 | 0 Views

Download Presentation

Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.

The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

Shelter From The Storm How to Start a Transitional Living Program for Ex-Offenders Jeffery Cobb, Director, Shelter From the Storm, Inc.

Jeffery Cobb, Director Bethel SDA Church, Gainesville, Florida Vision of Prison Ministries director, Nathan Edwards to establish a transitional program for ex-inmates who were ministered to while incarcerated. Program initially established Under Prison Ministries Department of church Opened on November 1st2001 in rented House in East Gainesville neighborhood Became an independent ministry (Not-for profit corporation) Eventually purchased house Expanded to women s program Lawn Service Thrift Store Background

Assemble team of people who will serve as board members for the organization Desirable for the director of the program to be an ex-offender or ex-addict to best relate with the residents Active church members with passion for soul-winning Individuals who are willing to do the actual work of making the program operational Sacrificial in their commitment (willing to work for free) Getting Started

Develop plan to incorporate as a not-for- profit organization Helpful in raising funds and getting grants Required for establishing 501 c 3 status with IRS. See IRS website for details (www.irs.gov/charities/charitable) Requirements differ from state to state on how to incorporate In Florida, Articles of Incorporation must be filed which include by-laws Getting Started

Understand local laws and ordinances regarding communal living. In Gainesville, FL there are restrictions on the number of unrelated persons living in the same house In the unincorporated areas around Gainesville (Alachua County) there wasn t a restriction Halfway house We chose to not designate the house as a half-way house Required additional regulation by state agencies We are not set up to provide services that would normally be provided in a halfway/transitional living facility We provide a home with a spiritual environment and the requirement to attend continuing Bible studies Finding a Facility

Neighborhood selection Important to locate area that is not known for drug activity Start small 3 bedroom 2 bath can accommodate up to 5 residents (House manager and 4 residents) Office space (if possible at facility) Rent or Buy We rented for 3 years to get established, then purchased If someone wants to donate a house to the ministry that s great Finding a facility

House is the biggest initial expense in the program Solicited funding from local church and church members Bethel allocated a monthly amount to fund housing and utilities In order to secure grants and funding from other sources it s best to apply for 501-c 3 status from the IRS (separate from SDA Church either locally or at Conference level) Fundraising Activities Visiting different churches and talking about the program and it s needs Residents donations for room and board Funding

Became a member of ASI which is an organization of Adventist business people and organizations that provide funding for projects around the world ASI has a national organization and union-level organizations (SFS is affiliated with ASI- Southern Union) Received over $25,000 in funding from ASI (national and Southern Union) over the years Request funding on a regular basis through application process (asiministries.org) ASI-Adventist Service and Industries

Established businesses to support SFS Lawn Service (ASI Start up funds) Offered employment to residents Provided source of funding for the program Thrift Store (ASI Start up funds) Furniture delivery service Supporting Business

NAD Personal Ministries Southern Union Prison Ministries Southeastern Conference Prison Ministries Director Florida Conference Prison Ministries Director SDA Organizational Support