Ministry Program Overview

Prison In The Wild aims to use a multi-phase program for the growth and benefit of those incarcerated, their families, and those working in the facility to provide a fresh avenue of hope and value. Initially, we are set to launch the first phase at Rose M. Singer (Rosie’s), the women’s jail on Rikers Island.  

Updates: Read about the latest updates on this initiative in our latest media videos and read our blog!

The first phase of our program is based on the curriculum from the internationally acclaimed Alpha course.  In total, this is a 4-Phase approach.  For more details of each phase, please read below. Questions or comments are welcome. Contact us here.

PHASE I: Character Development

BASIC DESCRIPTION

Alpha is a 12-week course comprised of interactive sessions that explore the basics of faith and help participants investigate answers to some of life’s most important questions, such as “What am I here for?” and “What is the purpose of our lives?”  We will also discuss other topics that affect our overall life behaviors and responses. 

GOALS

The goal of the Alpha Course is to create a conversation around faith, providing the chance to share thoughts and ideas on the faith topic of the week and discuss it in a small group setting.  Alpha provides an opportunity to hear from others and contribute your own perspective in an honest, friendly, and open environment, developing critical listening and communication skills.

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

The course is 2 hours long each week for 12 weeks.  Each participant will be required to complete 90% attendance, participation, and completion of course assignments.  Participants do not need to be Christian or convert to Christianity to participate or graduate from this course.  *Individuals who complete the course will automatically learn reentry tools to help them reintegrate back into society successfully.  

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENTS

The course requires a minimum of two volunteers per group of 10 participants.  Trained volunteers will facilitate the course.

TEXT/MATERIALS

Each participant will receive a packet with note-taking sheets to be used.  **Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate of completion, and if possible, we will do a graduation ceremony to honor their accomplishments.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: https://alphausa.org/prisons/

PHASE 2: FISLL Mentorship Program

BASIC DESCRIPTION

FISLL stands for Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership, and Legacy.  This program directly helps in transferring Biblical principles into everyday living skills.  The course will assist members in understanding the following:        

• How to apply biblical principles to every part of their lives

• How poor choices have consequences 

• How to embrace past failures and disappointments

• How to accept one’s responsibility as a wife, mother, friend, and citizen

FISLL QUESTIONS

Each FISLL (Faith, Integrity, Sacrifice, Leadership, Legacy) principle has a question connected to it.  Working with these questions, we build a clear and honest picture of each mentee's feelings and use Biblical promises to help them move forward.  

• Faith: Who am I? 

• Integrity: Where am I?  

• Sacrifice: Where am I going?  

• Leadership: How will I get there? 

• Legacy: Why am I here? 

GOALS

The program seeks to increase the member’s level of dependence on Jesus Christ.  Members are challenged to investigate their motives and personal goals.  The end result is a transformation in the way they see themselves.  The goal of this program is for each member to develop the following:

• A strategic approach for the next life step

• A positive attitude and plan toward release or impending imprisonment

• An understanding of Christ’s love and forgiveness despite personal weaknesses 

• A dependence on Christ and the power of His promises 

PHASE 3: Re-Entry Program

BASIC DESCRIPTION

Prison In The Wild’s statement of purpose regarding reentry has remained consistent for over four decades.  We exist to facilitate life change and communicate hope in Christ by offering Christian-Based Programming to an increasing number of people currently in confinement and Direct Services to assist them upon release as they navigate a successful reintroduction back into society. 

Prison In The Wild is always looking toward practical ways to help a woman and her family experience a successful future.  Our eyes are on breaking the back of recidivism!  We can recommend strong community relationships, jobs, educational opportunities, places to live, and strategic planning for released women to help secure a brighter future.  Our experience has shown us that a combined approach of mentoring while offering much-needed services is a winning formula!  We work at helping those in our program bring their dreams to fruition and, in many cases, provide a safe environment for them to learn how to dream once again. 

Proverbs 13: 12 - “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when desire is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.”   

Over the last several years, we have seen many incarcerated women lack the support of a partner on the outside.  Far too frequently, women are abandoned by the partner they had when they were first arrested.  Unfortunately, we have seen this dynamic play out far too many times.  Our goal at Prison in the Wild is to be a vessel of God's love and a reminder that "He will never leave or forsake them.”