to real freedom. Come and work your sobriety with us. 3. The Coach/Mentor Connection Model says: Reentry is tough to figure out on your own. Come and get connected to someone who can help you find your way and take your next steps. 4. The Peer-led Ministry Model says: We get you because we’ve been there and we’re just like you. Come for “church on the inside,” the outside version. 5. The Jail to Congregation Pipeline Model says: We’ve already connected on the inside. Come and join us on the outside. 6. The Life-Changing Small Group Model says: God’s already been at work in your life. Come and keep growing spiritually and as a leader in a wel- coming and supportive group setting. 7. The Whole Family Support Model says: Come with your family. We’re here for all of you. 8. The Mission Station Model says: You have a lot to offer. Come with your passion, gifts, and skills, and let’s make a difference together.
If you’re a fairly typical congregation with limited resources and you want to get started in reentry, this is probably the first place to start. That’s be- cause, as a group, returning citizens tend to have a lot of tangible physical needs. During incarceration, most men and women lose many of their posses- sions. They then experience an extended period of time between their release and when they have steady income. Some are returning to an environment where their immediate basic needs are being taken care of, but many aren’t. They’re scrambling to make ends meet, and they’re looking for welcoming people and accessible places where they can find the services they need, and “grab and go.” The top four common needs met by the Service Station model are food, clothing, hygiene kits, and transportation assistance. Food assistance can
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