The vision for First Cities Ministries (FCM) emanated from the hearts and minds of the founders and the compassion they have for the struggles that incarcerated individuals will face upon their return to the community. We observed that existing re-entry services for incarcerated individuals, especially for those who committed sexual offenses, were spotty and inconsistent at best. We began discussing how we could assist those in need and what we could do on a larger scale. Thus arose FCM to address some of the unmet needs of people who earnestly desire to begin a new, pro-social, successful life in the community.
Above all, the FCM founders are Christians and believe whole heartedly in the Biblical principles of nonjudgmental love, mercy, compassion, and forgiveness. FCM exists to help ensure that previously incarcerated individuals do not return to the same lifestyle and poor choices that led to their incarceration to begin with. We aim to help these individuals get beyond the thinking errors of the past and the stigma associated with incarceration, especially for those within the registered community. We strive to give these individuals the tools, self-worth, and inner strength to see beyond their past and focus on the whole person they are and can become.
Far too many men return to prison because they did not have adequate support and opportunities to develop and grow the skills that would have enabled them to overcome obstacles they experience upon release. Our passion is to ensure that these men have the support, resources, mercy, and acceptance that will enable them to begin restoring and developing a full sense of their humanity.
Our long-term vision is to establish and operate a transitional home for men who have been incarcerated for many years, where they can live rent-free in single rooms with meals provided. We want men to feel like they are home and not in another institution. We envision being able to provide all necessary services, including specialized sex offender treatment, mental health counseling, job searches and interview preparation, and numerous skills workshops. Residents would also be expected to participate in appropriate community service. We hope that these opportunities will contribute to a less stressful transition into the community and allow for the development of meaningful support networks. Our goal is to prepare these men for self-sufficiency, employment, and independent housing within 18 months of their release.