Southwest Prison Ministries

                                          Goals of Southwest Prison Ministries


Southwest Prison Ministries was formed to minister to inmates, ex-offenders, and members of their families.  Bible studies and one-on-one mentoring are the pillars of the ministry.  SWPM exists to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and promote spiritual growth.  In addition, the training and placement of chaplains in Nevada’s jails and prisons is essential. The goals listed below are born out of reflecting on these pillars.  

GOALS   

†  Bible Studies – Conduct weekly Bible studies in local jails, county detention 
     centers, and Nevada Department of Corrections’  facilities.
    ۩  Identify all facilities and the needs within each facility.
    ۩  Network with local churches to provide information on opportunities to  
         teach or serve in support roles. 
    ۩  Develop list of volunteer qualifications (teacher and support roles).
    ۩  Train teachers and support staff. 

†  Life Skills – Needs of a practical nature must also be met 
    ۩  Work with each facility to identify categories or topics where life skill training 
         is needed, both in and out of prison.  
    ۩  Identify and enlist volunteers experienced in facilitating/teaching seminars or 
         classes.
    ۩  Work with facility staff on development of new curriculum or delivery of 
         available curriculum.  
    ۩  Obtain contact information for each facility (warden, programming wardens, 
         chaplains)

†  Mentoring – Develop a mentoring program for inmates and ex-offenders 
     providing encouragement, spiritual counseling, and assistance with daily life 
     skills.  
    ۩  Identify mentors in local churches
         i.   provide contact information and special needs of inmate or ex-offender
         ii.  provide on-going communication with SWPM staff
         iii. provide training
    ۩  Follow-up with inmates being transferred from one facility to another
         i.   provide information on facilities’ Bible studies
         ii.  offer prayer, spiritual counseling and encouragement
    ۩  Follow up with inmates released from custody or on parole  
         i.   provide names, addresses and phone numbers of churches that 
              have “open arms” for ex-offenders
         ii.  help ex-offenders develop relationships within a local church
         iii. mentor as needed

†  Aftercare – 
    ۩  If needed, provide information on secular or faith-based job training and job 
        placement agencies
    ۩  Identify available housing opportunities
    ۩  Provide mentoring as defined in 3. Mentoring

†  Families of Inmates   
    ۩  At inmates request, contact the family (or significant other) to provide prayer 
         and encouragement
    ۩  Provide contact with a local church 


    ۩  Provide a Bible-based support group