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| Key Facts & Figures | Second Wind Mentoring |
Each year, more than 10,000 inmates are released from Michigan's 50,000 bed prison system. The majority of offenders (86% or about 9,000) are released under parole supervision. Currently, 18% (over 1,600) of those paroled will have their parole revoked and be returned to prison within just 12 months of release. Nearly
44% If Michigan can reduce the 44% recidivism rate for offenders, it can reduce the prison population and end the spiraling costs of the state's prison system. The cost of 4,000 offenders returning to prison every two years is soaring: Each cycle costs $224 million dollars per year, assuming a two-year length of stay. Most importantly, lowering Michigan's recidivism rate will create safer communities for the citizens of Michigan. Source: National Governors' Association
Can You Help?
CityLinC depends on your generosity to bring these important services to our community. We invite you to support our mission by making a tax-deductible donation today. Just click below to use our online donation system.
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Try to imagine this scenario: The Parole Board just made the decision to release you from jail or prison. You’re finally going home! Unfortunately, you may not have anything to go home to – no family, no dwelling, no furnishings or appliances, no job, clothes.
Those are the questions we try to answer every day at Second Wind Mentors. Established in 2008, Second Wind is a partnership of CityLinC Ministries and more than a dozen mentoring groups in Calhoun County, Michigan. The mission of Second Wind Mentors is to serve released prisoners (and their families) during the re-entry process so they can become productive members of society. Impact on Children Adults are the only ones affected by the challenge of prisoner re-entry into society - children also bear a significant share of the burden. Each year, more than 25,000 Michigan children are directly impacted when their fathers or mothers return from incarceration in a state prison or county jail. The loss of a parent at the time of incarceration is a traumatic event for a child, according to a recent Urban League report. Children often experience a drastic change in their living arrangements after a parent’s incarceration. While a parent is incarcerated, children often lose a substantial amount of financial support. After the parent returns home, reestablishing disrupted parent-child relationships can be difficult. Parents may still have trouble providing financial support for their children, given the employment barriers faced by returning prisoners. (Click here to read the report.) Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative Second Wind works closely with the Michigan Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative (MPRI) and the Calhoun County Parole Office to provide life coaches and mentors to those released from the prison system. MPRI re-entry primary goals include:
Although other professional organizations address many of these needs, there is a significant gap in the area of social and family services. Many released prisoners also have a need for spiritual connection, which has not always been a top priority in the re-entry process. Second Wind Mentors assist local parole officers on transition teams and visits to state prisons. Second Wind also connects clients with a variety of faith-based support groups, volunteer mentors, ministry groups and paid professionals who are willing to help self-motivated parolees improve their own quality of life and position in society. Partnering with Other Organizations We believe that collaboration is key to making a difference on this vital issue. That's why Second Wind Mentors partners with the following organizations:
To learn more about Second Wind Mentors or the growing need for prisoner re-entry programs, please call the CityLinC office at (269) 969-9181 or use our online contact form to send us a message. Thank you! |
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