Inmate Family Ministry was founded in 1998 to meet the needs of families of those that are incarcerated. Our organization has been serving these for over a decade. Our mission has been to spiritually uplift our clients, the families of the incarcerated and to translate the different world of Corrections they have entered. We wish we could help more with the clothing and feeding of our clients. We know that we cannot deal with their spiritual needs until we satisfy their physical needs. To this end, we are now partnered with agencies that are tireless in their efforts to feed the hungry and clothe the poor.
We have been helping those seeking spiritual healing and direction, as they move through the quagmire of the Criminal Justice Systems, both State and Federal. Our faith based Ministry outreach serves people of all races, creeds, and religions. We do not discriminate.
We now, however, are dealing more with Internet resources and ‘email chat’ and counseling. We do invite you to call us if you have a need to talk. We will give you all the 'email chat' you can stand. We also have materials to DOWNLOAD.
However, we have reached a proverbial fork in the proverbial road. The age and health of our Senior Minister have brought us to a point that we must make decisions. Our Senior Minister has worked for the entire time we have been open, without a salary. He is now drawing disability, and retirement. Before this time he and his family put money into to the IFM to keep it open and functioning. He cannot afford to continue to do this.
It is for this reason we are doing the following:
1. First we are discontinuing support group sessions or meetings.
2. Second, initial contact with us will be through email, i.e. please fill out our Contact Page
3.IFM'S BOARD, some of whom who have personal insight into the problems of families involved with corrections; two have actually served time in Federal Corrections; one Board Member's son is serving two life sentences. They are available to deal one on one with family members dealing with initial Corut appearences and trials; dealing with prison life; assisting with Parole Hearings; and in the reuniting of the family at the eventual release. Simply fill out the Contact Information and tell us about your concerns.
4. And while we do not charge and we do not pose as attorneys, we will still go with families, as available, to both court hearings and journey with them to meet with Parole Boards. We do this to interpret this new world; with its new language and workings. To step into the world of Criminal Justice, for the families especially, is the definition of "shock and awe". And without a guide or compass, the uninitiated can leave a person feeling helpless.
5. Our Senior Minister writes editorials, however, they do not necessarily reflect the views of IFM editorials. However, through these writings Brother Holmes is still reaching out to our clients and others. See Our Current Position Statement on these writings.
We are and have been here as a ministry. Because without God, coming through the maze of the Criminal Justice System; it is not impossible, but is far more difficult, than is necessary to deal with.
We do not require a person or family to believe as we do. Nor do we require clients to have a faith. But we hope that the way we live our lives, will entice our clients to join us in our faith walk. This faith walk is also necessary for living each day.
INMATE FAMILY MINISTRY IS NOT CLOSING; WE ARE SIMPLY DOING THINGS A LITTLE DIFFERENTLY.