Hope After Care

There is a soft spot in God’s heart for those who are incarcerated and in bondage.  He has charged us to not forget them.  Currently, women are being incarcerated at a rate of 2 to 1 over men and it doesn’t look like that is going to change any time soon.

Often, when a woman is “locked up,” her children are equally incarcerated.   Who is caring for them? Of those in prison today, 95% will be released back into society. Will they be in a position to succeed or fail upon re-entry?  

Hope After Care is designed to meet them while they are incarcerated.  This gives us the opportunity to get to know who these women are, their needs upon release and how best we can serve them and love them into the Kingdom.

When they are released, we meet them at the gate and begin a two month time of transition.  We need three to five people to surround her with needed support, encouragement and prayer.

The most pressing needs are to help her get her identification papers, housing if needed, secure employment, transportation and help with children.  As we circle her and her family in support, she will be able to stand on her own two feet and begin to contribute to society. 
Can you help us by serving on a transition team?

Winners Circle Support Group

 Winners' Circle is a peer-led, peer-driven support group designed to address the special needs of formerly incarcerated women who live in the Council Bluffs’ area.  These women desire to stay crime free and drug free.  This group meets weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00.  The only criterion is a desire to participate in one's own healing and recovery, and to aid in that of others by providing encouragement and support.

Winners' Circle meetings provide opportunities for individuals to share concerns and offer support and to help each other develop plans for succeeding in life by enabling participants to interact in a positive, social setting.  It is in this relaxed, nonjudgmental atmosphere that participants can feel free to investigate and develop positive life skills.

You’re welcome to join us.  Hosted at First Baptist Church, 540 1st Ave. across from Bayliss Park.  A dinner is served at 5:30 and child care is provided. 

Call Jean for more details (712) 309-5251.

To volunteer as a Transition Team member please contact:

Jean Stephens at mailto:jstephenshopeaftercare@gmail.com

or (712) 309-5251

You can also reach her by going to the Contact Page.
Download the Hope After Care brochure

Jean is also available to speak at churches and civic groups.