Take One

WHAT IS TAKE ONE?

Take One is an innovative, faith-based program that connects churches and other non-profit organizations from across Tennessee with returning citizens.  There are numerous churches, mosques, synagogues, and other non-profit organizations currently involved in this program.  Each organization agrees to mentor one incarcerated offender, as well as his/her family, to provide support, encouragement, and guidance during the transition from incarceration to the community for one year.  The matching process begins 6 to 12 months before the offender is released from incarceration.  We strongly believe that community involvement and positive people providing support, guidance, and encouragement to released offender make Tennessee a better and safer place to life.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Take One seeks to have individual organizations agree to mentor returning offenders and his/her family for a period of one year. The idea is that faith-based and non-profit organizations can provide a level of support, encouragement, and guidance that could be the difference between a successful transition home or a return to prison resulting in more victimization.

STATISTICS

Statistics show that 97% of offenders currently incarcerated in Tennessee will return home one day. Within three years of their release, 46% will be rearrested and return to prison or jail. Take One seeks to lower those recidivism numbers and reduce victimization.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

After an incarcerated offender is identified, members of his/her sponsoring organization will begin meeting with them while they are preparing to come home (up to one year before release). During this period before release, other members of the sponsoring organization will begin working with the family members (if appropriate). After release, the sponsoring organization will be positive role models for returning offenders and their families.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

We are constantly working to improve programming but what we know is that we cannot provide everything returning offenders need after they leave prison. Many offenders complete their sentence and are not subject to community supervision nor are they able to access treatment, education, or other resources. This has led our agency to seek the help of citizens all across the state.

We will provide training to all organizations, as well as support groups through Tennessee Reentry Collaborative (TREC), local community supervision offices, steering committee, and local community resource board members.

THE GOAL OF TAKE ONE

The goal of the Take One program is to provide support through mentorship for incarcerated persons who are preparing to return to their community based on individualized need, both pre-release and post-incarceration.

HOW YOU CAN HELP?

We are simply asking any faith-based or non-profit organizations who might be interested to complete an application.  Instructions for how to submit the application are included in the application.

For additional information, Click Here to view our Take One brochure.