By Terry Read

A great threat to the safety and welfare of our communities is emerging as increasing numbers of offenders are being released into our communities without responsible living environments. Homeless former prisoners are impossible to monitor, impossible to employ and destined for repeated criminal failure. The need to create responsible living environments for transitioning former offenders is huge. This is a crucial missing resource in our communities today. As a result parole and community corrections professionals are overloaded and unable to effectively monitor the progress of clients who have no addresses.

Post prison restorative mentoring is also one of the most neglected mission fields in America. Crossways Ministries is a faith based non-profit organization of ministry leaders, social service leaders, and professionals in the field of corrections that have come together to assist by developing safe, reasonable, and edifying restorative environments for newly released former offenders

It is essential for the welfare of communities to nurture the healthy integration of former offenders into society. It is essential to remove barriers and to encourage and to equip former offenders in their endeavor to make positive, significant social and physical investments within the local community. Jobways Homes through Crossways incorporates the entire community in this restorative process. The task is enormous. The rewards are immeasurable. In the final analysis, community restoration is community responsibility.

The safety and health of a community can never be insured solely through the relationship of a parole officer and a former offender. Community safety, welfare, and peace grow through shared community action. We need help to build this vision today.