What is Re-Entry and is it successful?

According to Google.com, a successful Re-Entry looks like this:

“Re-entry programs and re-entry courts are designed to help returning citizens successfully “reenter” society following their incarceration, thereby reducing recidivism, improving public safety, and saving money.”

JerNe takes it a step further. While re-entry programs and our court system are designed to help, having a Re-Entry Peer Specialist, one who has been there, done that, walk along side an individual who is re-entering, is not only climacteric, but beneficial. It is important for those who have been released, to have a plan in place, which will allow the process outside of prison/jail, to begin. JerNe focuses on these steps. Having the tangible needs met is important, but being prepared Spiritually, by having a relationship with Christ is what will sustain you, even in the bleakest of times. JerNe wants to be help you with what you are trying to overcome.

There are two Scriptures that JerNe stands on when it comes to re-entry:

(1st) 2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV and (2nd) Matthew 6:33, (NIV)

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

The reason JerNe takes a more Spiritual approach on re-entry is because knowing how to navigate from day to day is crucial to not recidivating. The goal of the ministry is to teach women what it looks like to be emotionally healed, growing Spiritually, and thriving with family. We also look at what it looks like, educationally, socially, and economically, to which these are all factors that play a part in re-entry.

Kiwanya is a Board Certified Re-Entry Peer Specialist (RPS) with the State of Texas and knows what it is like to re-enter and not have the tools needed or the community available to assist her while going through her re-entry journey. Although she was focused on never returning, and she never did, she felt the need to be a resource for those who are re-entering.

JerNe desires to walk along side women who have been justice involved, but also wants them to understand that God knew the trajectory of their life before they were created. It was all a part of His plan. Incarceration in no way defines a person, but allows them to pay it forward, by telling their story. The ministry looks forward to being a resource as the re-entry journey begins. Email us for more details.

What is a Recovery Specialist Peer Specialist (RSPS)?

An RSPS  assists in the process of change where people with a mental health disorder or substance use disorder improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. We take a holistic approach. But along with that, here are a few of the guiding principles as mentioned by the Center for Recovery are as follows:

Recovery is hope

Recovery is person-driven

Recovery has many pathways

Recovery is holistic

Recovery is supported by peers and allies

Recovery is supported by addressing trauma. Just to name a few.

“Recovery is the process of change through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives, and strive to reach their full potential.”

JerNe incorporates Biblical principles as well as focusing on how having a relationship with Christ is key to healing rom the inside out.

The JerNe Ministries 12-Step Program

A founding principle of 12-step programs is that people can help each other live sober lives by sharing their struggles. Because everyone in the group is in recovery from addiction, they understand the challenge of long-lasting sobriety and the temptation to relapse. This kind of empathetic support can make a difference. These programs also exist under the foundation of anonymity, designed to be a safe space for discussing difficulties. This approach emphasizes the power of taking responsibility and the strength of a supportive social network.

Generally, 12-step programs follow this model:

Admitting powerlessness over the addiction

Believing in a greater power that can promote healing

Turning over control to that higher power

Taking a thorough moral inventory

Admitting your wrongdoing to the greater power, yourself, and another person

Acknowledging readiness to heal

Asking your greater power for the strength to resolve your shortcomings

Making a list of people you have harmed because of your addiction and being ready to make it right

Making amends to those who you’ve hurt, unless doing so would bring them or you more harm

Continuously taking a thorough moral inventory and quickly admitting to wrongdoing

Connecting regularly with the greater power for strength

Passing the message of hope to other people struggling with addiction

***JerNe incorporates Biblical principles as well as focusing on how having a relationship with Christ is key to one’s healing from any addiction starting from the inside out.***

Classes will begin Fall 2023, from 6-7 pm. For more information email us.