Over 8,000 people exit the prison system in Oklahoma each year. About half of these are estimated to come to Oklahoma City specifically. And, by our estimates, about 75% of these (or approximately 3,000) have no one to turn to, nowhere to go.
It's no wonder the rate of recidivism in our state is so high...
So, in our own small way, we are going to start doing something about it. We have constructed a Simple Brochure and a Simple Application which will be distributed to every Prison Chaplain in the state (thanks to our wonderful friend, Slim Crabtree at Hooked On Jesus Prison Ministry.
Any man or woman who will be exiting the prison system to Oklahoma City can apply for help. We may be able to get them a hotel room, or a hot meal, or some level of assistance. But "No Promises" -- we have limited resources, but we serve a Big God.
The main thing that everyone will get is our "Oklahoma City Social Services Directory" that will give them a road map to getting the shelter and services they need to get on their feet after years behind the fence. This will include detailed information on shelters, medical clinics, mental health, food sources, clothing sources, employment services, etc. It may be the key that unlocks the door of successful re-entry for them.
Our goal is to provide everyone possible with a "soft" landing as they exit the prison system, instead of a "hard" one.
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