THE HOPEFUL BRIDGE’S mission is to connect those who are incarcerated, those who have been released, and the families of both to assistance, hope, healing, and redemption in and of Christ. The Directory of Hope is a free searchable online directory of resources for these groups to connect to churches, ministries and services.
What we’re seeking for THB’s Directory of Hope:
Churches, fellowships, and ministries
Counseling groups for individuals and families
Transportation
Job training and placement
Rehab support groups, programs, and housing
Mentors, disciple makers, and life coaches
Food and clothing banks
Transitional/halfway housing for returning citizens
Pregnancy centers
Mother or father support networks
Day cares
Any type of mental illness or special needs support
Veterans’ groups
Any other unforeseen group or organization needed
DIRECTORY OF HOPE
We are currently developing a serchable directory to connect the incarcerated, released citizen, the family of both groups with The Church and organizations that are willing to walk alongside and help them find help to fulfill their physical, emotional, and mental needs but our primary mission is to introduce them to Christ and His family.
Check out an interview that aired on abc23, Fox8, YPM 2020 Conference and social media.
Thank’s to Joy In The City and be sure to check out their YouTube channel by clicking here
WANT TO LEARN MORE OR GET INVOLVED?
Please contact us if you have questions or are interested in listing your congregation, ministry or organization on the DIRECTORY OF HOPE. CLICK HERE
Contact us if you are interested in starting a fellowship to help released citizens and or the families. CLICK HERE
This ministry is new and was started in the middle of July 2020, but plans to add congregations, ministries and organizations across the state of PA.
It is something that needs to be done and will take many hands, but we all can be a union of distinct groups working on a common purpose in helping people in our communities and sharing Jesus.
THREE WAYS THE DIRECTORY OF HOPE COULD HELP
THE INCARCERATED
A prison minister who is working with the incarcerated may access the directory to see what churches and organizations are in the area to which an inmate will be returning.
The inmate can then start developing relationships with these pastors, ministries, and other organizations, which will help provide a seamless reintegration into society. The inmate will also be able to tell their family members on the outside where loving and nonjudgmental Jesus communities and help for them exists.
THE FAMILIES OF THE INCARCERATED
When someone is incarcerated, they typically leave others on the outside. Those individuals may be experiencing some form of shame, need, or hurt. There is a great opportunity to walk alongside them and share the active love of Christ with practical actions.
These people on the outside are mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, wives and husbands, boyfriends and girlfriends, children and the unborn. Children and the unborn are the most forgotten in this system and are sometimes called the silent victims.
Ministering to these people can also aid in the potential reunification with the family when an incarcerated person returns to society. Studies suggest that reunification decreases recidivism (rearrest, reconviction, or return to prison).
THE RELEASED CITIZENS
Much has been written concerning how critical the first few days are for the returning citizen. They face a host of challenges. It would be amazing to see The Church, as the Body of Christ, rise up with a safety net and open arms to receive them.