Opportunities/Obstacles, and What they’re ready to commit to do next. Each session builds on the last and helps the person envision change, plan for it, navigate challenges, and build momentum. Examples of coaching with a returning citizen might include goals like applying for a new job, resolving a conflict with a family member, working with their parole offi- cer, or how to use their free time wisely. 3. Any particular coaching relationship lasts as long as it’s helpful and works for both parties. One session may be all that’s needed. Often, a person works through one particular goal and then seeks out coaching for the next. A “coach approach” or mentoring program to minister to returning citi- zens might be a good fit for a congregation that... • …has leaders who possess key traits such as emotional self-awareness, empathy, personal humility, determination, good listening skills, and pa- tience. • …can develop a connection to other reentry providers, parole officers, etc., who can make referrals. It’s unrealistic to hang out a shingle adver- tising that you can provide coaching services (or mentoring services, for that matter) and expect that returning citizens will respond. You can be a great coach or mentor, but without making relevant connections, you won’t be able to use your gifts. Tips for getting started. The Coaching/Mentor Connection model is some- thing you can learn to do. A wealth of great (and some not-so-great) books are also readily available, and it’s hard to go wrong with anything that meets the standards of the International Coaching Federation or Motivational In- terviewing. You can do some self-study with written resources, but online or in-person training will really help you develop your coaching/MI skills. Costs vary (depending on how far you want to pursue training toward certification), but you can arrange to go through an initial round of training. (Your denom- ination may offer this.) It’s possible to get the basics for under $500. Once you’ve gone through a Coaching 101 program, it’s important to practice skill development to learn the art. Ask your other leaders to be your coachees. Use the congregation as your coaching sandbox. Once you’re getting the hang of it, start to pursue your connections with people who can help you connect to people leaving incarceration. Advantages to the Coaching/Mentoring Connection model It’s extremely flexible. 30- to 60-minute coaching sessions held bi-weekly or monthly is doable for a lot of people.
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