Beyond The Bars

OUR MISSION

BEYOND THE BARS, B.T.B., ministers to a group that society often scorns and neglects: prisoners and their families. God identifies with those who are isolated.  “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison, and you came to visit me . . . I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:35-36, 40).

PROGRAMS 

PEN PAL PROGRAM - A letter to a person in prison is an envelope of hope. It acknowledges that someone has taken a moment of time to stop and recognize the inmate as a person. It is a validation of an inmate as a human being instead of person locked behind bars and forgotten. A pen pal brings compassion and hope.

OPEN DOOR - Statistics say that upon release approximately 70% will return to prison within 3 years of release. Support after release enables Christian inmates to go from prison to the local church, the workplace and society through biblical discipleship. Our goal is to help inmates successfully adapt to and contribute to society. They need support, job training, educational opportunities, job offers. Our goal is to provide a network of people to help them.

WBB – WOMEN BEHIND BARS - Beyond the Bars partners with the Church in providing in-prison opportunities to share Christ’s love and transforming power with prisoners. The programs are designed to help them to survive in the prison environment and strengthen their bonds with their family and prepare them to re-enter society with a positive, new direction.

ALWAYS HOPE - Often overlooked are the innocent victims of crime…the children of prisoners. These children suffer loneliness, shame, and financial hardship when one or both parents are behind bars. Beyond the Bars works together with churches in order to reach these children and share the love of Christ with them through various programs. Some of the programs include: Christmas Outreach, Homework Help, Mentoring, Clothing Exchange, and Summer Break.

TURNING PAGES - Our solitary purpose is to send quality, free books to prisoners.  Books are crucial to the spiritual and educational development of all people.  Educational development will help prevent recidivism.   Many prisons do not allow family and friends to send books into prisons; they must come from a bookstore or publisher. That's where we step in to help.  We partner with several bookstores and publishers in order to provide the books.

 For more information on this program contact: