Four Friends Speakers Bureau 

"We, everyone, cannot grow spiritual, emotional and mentally alone. Everyone needs someone to walk with them. All of us have a need to belong. We [returning citizens] come to tell our story what it is like to walk out of prison and have friends like those who carried the paralytic to Jesus." -- James Clay, Restored Citizen

The Four Friends Speakers Bureau is an outreach ministry that supports formerly incarcerated individuals, also known as returning neighbors, bringing their stories of faith and transformation to others. 

To schedule a Four Friend to come to your congregation or group, contact Rae Lynn Schleif at rlschleif@gmail.com. 

• Four Friends Flyer

HOPE Letters 

HOPE Letters is an Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC)-approved faith-based reentry mentoring-by-correspondence program. HOPE Letters writers offer encouragement, guidance, and restorative relationships with men and women incarcerated in Ohio’s prisons. At the same time, HOPE Letter groups become welcoming communities for the men and women they are corresponding with upon their return to the community. Several HOPE Letter trainings are offered throughout the year to launch new HOPE Letter groups with ODRC institutions. A HOPE Letters Grant is available to UMC groups launching a new HOPE Letters group. 

For more information about starting a HOPE Letters group or joining a group, contact Jami Nathan at jami.nathan.22@gmail.com

• HOPE Letters Overview 

72-Hour Churches 

The AIC initiative offers a network of 72-Hour Churches that have the capacity to be “first responders” upon a person’s release. A 72-Hour Church meets crisis needs – such as housing, clothing, and meals – and provides referrals to long term support. The following churches provide assistance to people who are just released from prison.

• Returning Neighbor Reentry Checklist 

For assistance with a reentry referral, contact Jami Nathan at jami.nathan.22@gmail.com or Reba Collins at allincommunity@wocumc.org. 

Good Samaritans

With the Parable of the Good Samaritan as foundational scripture, All In Community is working to create a network of trained care providers (i.e. Stephen Ministers) that offer supportive, one-on-one care with individuals affected by the criminal justice system.  Caring relationships through Good Samaritan Ministry will be established in two ways: inside correctional facilities and outside in our communities.  

For more information about starting a Good Samaritan Ministry initiative, contact Jami Nathan at jami.nathan.22@gmail.com. 

• Good Samaritan Ministry