FJPM’s Transition to Work (TTW) Program began in 2015, and since then, nearly 300 men have completed the program. Nearly 93% of these program graduates have remained free of incarceration. Weekly, program staff from various prisons across North Carolina reach out to FJPM to ask about the TTW program and whether or not the program can provide help to men who are being released from prison and returning to Forsyth County.
The Problem
We are limited in what we can offer formerly incarcerated individuals with our offices and meeting spaces located at the prison. The reentry center will allow FJPM staff and volunteers to reach beyond just the men who graduate from the TTW program. As our program expands, the services we provide must expand.
Finding affordable, safe housing is a continual problem for formerly incarcerated individuals—specifically those who are recently-released. The reentry center will provide safe, affordable transitional housing for up to five recently-released men. Transitional housing is designed to allow the residents the opportunity to reestablish their lives, begin working, and reconnecting with family, while living in an environment with help and support for up to one year. Housing is an immediate need in our community, and the time is now to provide a solution.
The Solution
Forsyth Jail & Prison Ministries will address this problem by establishing a Reentry Center in the Winston-Salem community. This center will provide additional safe and affordable transitional housing for up to 12 months for TTW graduates.
The center will also provide meeting space for ex-offenders, regardless of whether they came through the TTW program. A safe space for ex-offenders to gather is vital for their continued success. Support groups, recovery meetings, Bible studies, life skills classes, and more will support these men and their families.
How can you help?
Your one-time or multi-year gift allows you to strategically invest in transforming lives, building stronger families, and creating safer communities through this campaign.
Join us in Empowering Reentry for ex-offenders and their families by pledging your support today. Please donate or make your pledge from June 1, 2025-May 31, 2026.
See our vision for the Reentry Center in this short video below.
For more information or to discuss how you can support this initiative, contact Holly Kessler at (336) 759-0063 or email holly@fjpm.org.