God Behind Bars

Since 2009, God Behind Bars has partnered with churches around the country to transform the lives of prison inmates and their families. Most prisoners-as many as 92% of all incarcerated individuals-will be released back to society at some point, and 75% of them will return to prison within three years. We address this problem with a unique four-step approach that focuses on the physical, spiritual, and relational needs of inmates and their families. 1. We partner with local churches and other faith based-organizations to live stream dynamic, high-quality worship experiences into prisons. Wardens at the facilities offering these services say most of the inmates attend each week and the very culture of these places is changing for the better. We also offer "Church Inside," providing a way for family members of prisoners to watch the same worship service at the same time-to attend church together. 2. Studies have shown that 90% of inmates have struggled with addiction, so we offer the successful "Celebrate Recovery" program to help prisoners confront and fight these issues. 3. Our re-entry process helps prisoners return to society with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed. We help inmates find jobs, housing, and education opportunities; reconnect with family and friends; and develop a plan to move forward in healthy ways with the support of a faith community. 4. We continue our relationship with "ex-inmates" to provide ongoing help. Volunteers from the local church meet them as they leave prison and stay connected in the weeks to come, helping with practical needs like housing, groceries, medical treatment, counseling, life skills training, and more. The Castaways Resale Store offers employment in the Las Vegas area and our "Fresh Start Homes" offer healthy and safe environments where recovering addicts can continue healing. By inviting God into prison and showing His love in tangible ways, God Behind Bars is restoring lives, building faith, fighting addictions, reconnecting families, and giving thousands of inmates hope for the future.