By Alice Newton, Take One Mentoring volunteer
Our Take One Mentoring program was implemented at Riverbend Maximum Security in February of 2018 to bring an academic re-entry focus through powerful biblical teaching that guides the Christian faith.
The academic re-entry focus leads us to discuss with the men the essentials of success for re-entry into society and their communities. Our goal is to prepare and equip them with the tools, relevant information, and helpful insights they need to accomplish their goal: to successfully return to their loved ones and their communities as productive, responsible, and effective citizens.
We consider it a tremendous and heartfelt blessing in our lives to have the privilege of walking with these special men as God brings healing revelation, hope and conviction into their lives.
—Alice Newton
As volunteers, we continue to stay in touch with inmates upon release, serving as mentor and friend to be that contact person in times of need. We help keep them focused on their goals and give them assurance, encouragement, and wise, godly words. Our intent and focus is to help them to continue to go forward so they do not return to a prison facility.
The topics we discuss are all critical in reestablishing their life outside: family relationships, housing, transportation, job skills, job pursuits, church home. We attempt to foster an attitude of accountability, humbleness, and gratitude, as we discuss possible scenarios that might come their way. Then we suggest positive ways to utilize “the helpful” and boldly overcome “the harmful.”
The second element of the Take One Program is the Christian perspective. We are built on the truth of God’s word. We stand upon the word of God to assist, come alongside, and offer God’s love to all the men participating. Our goal is to expose these men to the truths and promises of God and assist them in building a strong and growing faith. We discuss all aspects of our own walk of faith and God’s place of priority in our lives. As these men come to know God and who He is in their lives, they begin to have hope as they recognize the power within them to overcome all obstacles in the strength of the word.
We consider it a tremendous and heartfelt blessing in our lives to have the privilege of walking with these special men as God brings healing revelation, hope and conviction into their lives.
To become a member of our Take One group, please contact Riverbend’s Re-Entry Specialist, Ms. Jody Kahn and ask for a Take One application or visit the website.
When you get to the question on the application that says, “What group do you feel most comfortable with?” make sure you write God’s Love First in the blank. After completing the application, turn it back in to Ms. Kahn. It may take up to 3-weeks to begin, that is provided you meet the Take One criteria, so please be patient. We look forward to being with you soon!
God's Love First 