Lives on Mission Ministries

There are various resources available for reentry, including local support groups, job training programs, and counseling services that assist formerly incarcerated individuals in their transition back into society.

Reentry resources in rural Kentucky can be limited compared to urban areas, but several organizations and services do operate statewide or regionally—often with a local presence in many rural counties. Here’s an overview of commonly available resources (along with some specific examples) that help formerly incarcerated individuals transition back into society:

1. Local Support Groups & Faith-Based Mentoring

• Jail/Prison Ministries:
  Many local churches and faith-based organizations run ongoing support/mentorship groups for returning citizens, such as Celebrate Recovery or local prison ministry aftercare teams (commonly found through Baptist, Methodist, and nondenominational churches). The purpose of Lives on Mission Ministries is to help such teams to get started.
• NA/AA (Narcotics Anonymous / Alcoholics Anonymous):
  These support groups have chapters in most Kentucky counties. Meetings are often hosted in churches, community centers, or local libraries.
• Reentry Councils:
  Some counties have a “Reentry Council” or similar local coalition (sometimes led by the local Community Action Agency) to connect people with resources and peer support.

2. Job Training and Employment Programs

• Career Center / Kentucky Career Center:
  The Kentucky Career Center has locations in many counties and offers workforce development, resume help, job search assistance, and access to training/educational programs.
  Website: kycareers.ky.gov
• Goodwill Industries of Kentucky:
  Operates job training, placement, and soft skills programs in most regions, including rural areas. Goodwill also actively hires those with criminal records.
• Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP):
  Offers job training and support services, focused on Appalachia and eastern counties.
• Community Action Agencies:
  Each county typically has one—providing referrals, job readiness training, transportation help, and sometimes emergency financial support.

3. Counseling & Behavioral Health Services

• Community Mental Health Centers:
  Each Kentucky region is served by a center (e.g., Mountain Comprehensive Care, Cumberland River Behavioral Health), offering mental health, substance use, and sometimes reentry-specific counseling.
• Kentucky Department of Corrections Reentry Services:
  Supplies case management, referrals, and sometimes outpatient counseling coordination during and after release.
• Supportive Residential Programs:
  Facilities like Hope Center (Lexington, also helps other regions), Isaiah House, and Shepherd’s House offer transitional living and recovery services to rural residents.

4. Other Notable Resources

• Legal Aid of the Bluegrass / Kentucky Legal Aid:
  Provides guidance on expungement, child support, housing, and other civil legal issues.
• Transportation Assistance:
  Community Action Agencies may offer rides or gas vouchers for work, interviews, or appointments.
• Food Pantries and Clothing Closets:
  Many churches, Salvation Army centers, and local charity groups provide emergency food and clothing.

How to Start?

• Contact the Kentucky Career Center for employment preparation and connections.
• Ask at your County Courthouse or local library about reentry support groups or Community Action programs.
• Visit local churches, as many have reentry or recovery ministries and can help you connect to mentors or material help.
• Call the nearest Community Mental Health Center for counseling or substance abuse support.

There are several meaningful ways you can join us in making an impact through Lives on Mission Ministries:

• Volunteer Your Time:
  Join your local team of volunteers to serve directly with individuals in need, assist at events, or help with administrative tasks.
• Donate Resources:
  Your financial support and in-kind donations make a real difference—helping your local reentry team continue their mission and expand their outreach.
• Participate in Training:
  Attend one of our ministry training programs to learn how to walk alongside individuals re-entering society and those impacted by incarceration.

Interested in doing even more?
If there isn’t a faith-based reentry program where you live, consider gathering a few like-minded friends or church members and forming a team to fill that gap in your community. We would love to come alongside you—providing the guidance, resources, and support you’ll need to get started.

Ready to take the next step or want to learn more?
Reach out to us today! We look forward to partnering with you to bring hope and transformation to those impacted by incarceration.

We suggest that local reentry teams host a variety of support groups focused on different aspects of reentry, including recovery and relapse prevention, emotional support, job readiness, financial literacy, Bible study and spiritual guidance. These groups are designed to help individuals navigate their challenges and build a supportive network.

Contact us to find out how you or your team can be trained to facilitate or connect with any of the following programs.

1. Celebrate Recovery

Celebrate Recovery is a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain, addiction, or unhealthy habits. It’s distinct from secular 12-step programs in its reliance on biblical principles and emphasizes healing through faith, accountability, and community support. The program includes group meetings, mentorship, and step studies for a wide range of issues—substance abuse, anger, codependency, and more. (Visit the site)

2. Genesis Process

The Genesis Process combines biblical teaching with neuroscience and counseling principles to address addiction, relapse, and destructive behavior patterns. Through small group meetings, workbook studies, and trained facilitators, participants learn to identify root issues fueling unhealthy behaviors and are equipped with practical, faith-based tools for change, emotional healing, and relapse prevention. (Visit the site)

3. Fatherhood Initiative

The Fatherhood Initiative encompasses a variety of programs (sometimes under government, nonprofit, or faith-based leadership) designed to support men in becoming responsible, engaged fathers. These programs typically provide parenting education, relationship skills, mentorship, and support groups. They aim to strengthen families, rebuild bonds with children, improve co-parenting, and promote positive fatherhood, especially for men reentering society after incarceration. (Visit the site)

4. Master Life

Master Life is an in-depth discipleship process developed to help individuals mature as followers of Christ. It consists of a structured series of Bible studies—usually over several weeks—focusing on spiritual disciplines, scripture application, character development, and leadership. Master Life helps participants grow in personal faith, build accountability relationships, and learn to disciple others. (Visit the site)

5. Men of Valor (Lives on Mission Ministries)

Men of Valor is a program developed by Lives on Mission Ministries, specifically designed to help men become men of biblical integrity. The curriculum addresses topics such as authentic manhood, godly character, accountability, and leadership through the lens of Scripture. Through teaching, mentoring, and small group engagement, men are challenged and equipped to live out their faith with courage and integrity in their families, communities, and workplaces. (Course Description)

6. Dave Ramsey’s Financial Literacy (Foundations/Financial Peace University)

Dave Ramsey’s financial literacy programs—such as Financial Peace University—teach individuals how to manage money wisely using biblical principles. The course covers budgeting, saving, eliminating debt, wise spending, building wealth, and giving. Through practical lessons, video teachings, and small group discussions, participants learn strategies for achieving financial stability and long-term success. (Visit the site)

Here’s a list of common training programs – often available through reentry programs, workforce agencies, community colleges, or nonprofits – that build skills essential for successful reintegration into the community

1. Job Readiness Training

Covers practical skills needed to obtain and retain employment. Includes how to create résumés and cover letters, prepare for interviews, follow workplace etiquette, develop soft skills (attendance, teamwork, communication), and understand employer expectations. (Visit Jobs for Life site)

2. GED/Adult Basic Education Program

Helps adults without a high school diploma achieve their GED. Covers math, reading, writing, science, and social studies. Earning a GED is often a foundational step for accessing better jobs or higher education opportunities. (Visit Kentucky Adult Education Site)

3. Vocational & Technical Skills Training

Provides hands-on training for trades and careers (e.g., HVAC, carpentry, welding, culinary arts, commercial driving, computer repair, manufacturing). Programs are often run by community colleges, technical schools, or nonprofit organizations. (Visit KCTCS)

4. Digital Literacy and Computer Skills

Teaches basic to advanced computer skills such as using email, internet search, Microsoft Office, job search websites, virtual communication, and online applications. Essential for daily life and most modern workplaces. (Visit KCTCS Program Finder)

5. Financial Literacy and Budgeting

Covers managing personal finances, building and repairing credit, budgeting, banking skills, avoiding scams, and planning for future expenses. Supports long-term independence and stability. (Visit KY Dept of Correction Reentry Services – Community Resources)

6. Life Skills and Personal Development

Focuses on problem solving, time management, healthy relationships, conflict resolution, decision-making, self-care, and stress management. Builds confidence and coping strategies for challenges faced after release.

7. Substance Abuse Recovery and Relapse Prevention

Offers group or one-on-one education on addiction, triggers, relapse prevention, and making healthy lifestyle choices. These programs are crucial for those with a history of substance abuse. (Visit AA location finder, NA meeting finder, Celebrate Recovery)

8. Anger Management and Emotional Regulation

Teaches methods for recognizing anger triggers, de-escalation strategies, healthy expression, and improving emotional control. Often court-ordered but beneficial for anyone reentering society.

9. Parenting and Family Reunification Classes

Helps participants rebuild and strengthen relationships with children and family members. Focuses on parenting skills, communication, setting boundaries, and understanding child development.

10. Civic Engagement and Community Resources Orientation

Educates individuals about their rights, community resources, obtaining identification, voting, and connecting with local support services.

Where to Find These Programs:

• Community Resources (Visit KY DOC – Reentry Services)
• Local community colleges and adult education centers
• Workforce development agencies and Kentucky Career Centers
• Community Action Agencies (Visit Community Action Council)
• Nonprofits such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, or faith-based ministries
• Reentry programs offered by local jails or prisons

Yes, training programs for volunteers play a vital role in reentry programs, supporting individuals returning from incarceration as they reintegrate into the community. Ensuring volunteers are well-prepared is crucial for both their effectiveness and the wellbeing of participants. Here are the most important training programs and topics for volunteers in reentry programs:

1. Reentry Fundamentals

• Overview of the Criminal Justice System: Understanding incarceration, parole, probation, and legal terminology.
• Barriers to Reentry: Housing, employment, identification, mental health, family reunification, stigma.

2. Trauma-Informed Care

• Trauma Awareness: Recognizing signs of trauma and understanding its prevalence in justice-involved populations.
• De-escalation Techniques: Techniques for managing stress or conflict without escalation.
• Self-Care for Volunteers: Preventing burnout and vicarious trauma.

3. Cultural Competence and Diversity

• Implicit Bias: Recognizing and managing personal biases.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Engaging respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and identities.

4. Effective Communication

• Active Listening: Building trusting relationships through empathy and understanding.
• Motivational Interviewing: Supporting behavior change in a nonjudgmental manner.
• Confidentiality and Boundaries: Maintaining professionalism while fostering positive connections.

5. Ethics, Boundaries, and Confidentiality

• Ethical Guidelines: What is and is not appropriate for volunteers.
• Confidentiality: Understanding privacy laws and best practices.
• Clear Boundaries: Avoiding dual relationships and maintaining consistency.

6. Resource Navigation

• Community Resources: How to connect returning citizens with housing, employment, education, healthcare, and support services.
• Service Coordination: Working with probation officers, social workers, and other agencies.

7. Safety and Crisis Management

• Personal Safety: Assessing and minimizing risks to self and participants.
• Crisis Response: Protocols for handling emergencies, relapse, threats, or mental health crises.

8. Program-Specific Procedures

• Intake and Documentation: Proper recordkeeping and reporting systems.
• Goal Setting and Progress Tracking: Supporting participants’ reentry plans and tracking achievements.
• Evaluation and Feedback: Understanding how to provide and receive constructive feedback.

Additional Specialized Training (As Needed)

• Restorative Justice Approaches
• Peer Support Facilitation
• Digital Literacy (for virtual volunteering or supporting participant skills)
• Job Readiness Coaching

Implementing Training

• Initial orientation should cover all core topics.
• Ongoing training sessions for updates, challenges, and advanced topics.
• Mentorship & supervision to provide volunteers with support and professional development.
• Resource materials: Handbooks, online modules, reference guides.

Effective volunteer training is an investment in both the volunteers and the individuals they support. Well-trained volunteers are more confident, resilient, and impactful, which leads to better outcomes for people reentering society.