4. ION ConnectIONs Video Podcast. In the winter of 2024, we were ap- proached by the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry and asked if we would produce a twice-monthly video podcast that would be uploaded to the computer tablets of all 33,000 incarcerated men and women in the state. The goal of these podcasts is two-fold: (a) to inform, inspire, raise awareness, and motivate inmates and returning citizens to work on their personal development and reentry efforts, and (b) to feature a broad range of engaging subject-matter experts and service providers to facilitate greater connection between returning citizens and service providers. These video podcasts will also be uploaded to our YouTube channel to inform and inspire returning citizens, friends and family members of the incarcerated, and congregations. How we started. Starting in 2006, ION’s executive director, Fred Nelson (a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America), led teams of parish- ioners to a large state facility in Illinois to share Bibles and pray with inmates. That ministry led to a book by Pastor Nelson, Spiritual Survival Guide for Prison and Beyond, Bible-study groups for returning citizens, and a reentry directory for the Chicago area. The limitations of a paper or online directory of service providers prompted our development of what has become ION’s primary tool: our multisided web-based platform that connects returning cit- izens with service providers and ministries. Since becoming a 501(c)(3) non- profit, ION has grown to two full-time and six part-time staff members and also benefits from the work of interns from Arizona State University, Portland State University, and the University of Mississippi. We are deeply grounded in and motivated by the Christian faith, but ION’s services and support are open to all without questions or restrictions. Let’s connect. Contact: Fred Nelson, Executive Director Phone: 847-323-3774 Email: fred@insideoutnetwork.net Website: https://insideoutnetwork.net/overview
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