Monthly Service Challenge
Each month, a new mission will be posted as motivation for us all to roll up our sleeves and serve our communities. Be sure to keep the Office of the First Lady in the loop by posting on social media using #TennesseeServes for a chance to be recognized as a Service Spotlight. Grab your friends, family, classmates or colleagues and join us as Tennessee Serves!
July
46% of Tennesseans released from a correctional facility are likely to return within THREE years.
There are many barriers to success for individuals walking the road of reentry, including inadequate resources, guidance, and a general lack of support. Community support is a defining factor in reducing recidivism rates in Tennessee.
In July, Tennessee Serves is focusing on reentry. Throughout the month, we’ll support and empower formerly incarcerated individuals reentering society, as well as inform Tennesseans of ways they can provide aid to their neighbors facing the difficult realities of reentry.
Reentry can seem like an issue that is too complex, intimidating, or unrelated to you, but there are many of your Tennessee neighbors facing the tough transition back to society right now, and your support can be a crucial piece in their overall success. And when those individuals successfully reenter society, our entire state succeeds.
Service Opportunities
Tennessee Nonprofits that Serve Reentry
East
FOCUS Ministries
The Next Door
Hand Up for Women
Breakaway Outreach
Middle
Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministries
Dismas House
Oak Cottage for Women
ELI’s House
Men of Valor
Free Hearts
Project Return
West
Lifeline2Success
HopeWorks
Shelby County Office of ReEntry
Statewide/National
Prison Fellowship
Hope Center Ministries
Suggested Service Opportunities
**Please note that First Lady Maria Lee and the TN Serves team will not be attending these specific projects in-person**
Long-term volunteer commitments may be more beneficial as most reentry nonprofits require background checks or applications for volunteers.
Hope Center Ministries, statewide: Click the link to sign up to invest in the lives of those experiencing reentry Ministries at a location closest to you.
FOCUS Ministries, Knoxville: Facilitate a class or church service in a correctional facility, assist with special events or admin support, use your skills to maintain or repair re-entry homes, or provide a service like gardening, hairdressing, or more to benefit those reentering society.
Dismas House, Nashville: Participate in Dismas House’s Community Dinner Program, by, providing or serving a meal to residents.
Oak Cottage for Women, Franklin: Oak Cottage offers many ways to get involved, including mentoring, transportation, teaching skills classes, leading fun activities, or helping with a clothes and household goods closet.
Men of Valor, Antioch: Whether you’re interested in volunteering inside prison, mentoring or working with residents in the Valor Ridge residential program, participating on the worship team, or helping with event planning, Men of Valor provides many ways to get involved in their mission.
Prison Fellowship, statewide: Get involved with Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Ministry to serve the kids of incarcerated adults with summer camps, Christmas gifts, and more, reminding them that they are loved and cared for.
Everyday Ways to Serve
- If you know someone experiencing reentry, listen to them and their struggles; pray with them and on their behalf.
- Write letters of encouragement to those exiting the prison system or those in residential programs like Oak Cottage for Women.
- Drop off freezer meals to a residential program like Tennessee Prison Outreach Ministries or FOCUS ministries.
- Host a supply drive for a reentry nonprofit like Lifeline2Success.
Resources & Awareness Efforts
Talking Second Chances: TN Office of Reentry’s podcast exploring how Tennessee is reimagining its workforce by helping justice involved individuals prepare to successfully reenter communities across the state.