We are a Christian ministry devoted to the aftercare of inmates being released from jail and prison. There is much to offer inmates when they are in jail but very little when they are released.
As Chaplain of the Yates County Jail in Penn Yan, NY, I see the repeat offenders coming and going. That is why we try to reach as many as possible with biblical encouragement through trained mentors.
Our mentors visit the inmates while they are in jail and establish relationships that carry over on the outside. Some of our mentors also volunteer to teach classes and hold worship services on the outside, and help inmates feel at home.
Our philosophy is summed up in two words: Truth and Relationship. We realize that the truth of God’s Word conveyed through loving relationships is necessary to bring about transformed lives. The mentoring course is available on this web site.
We have been working on the inside of the jail for many years. Now our ministry offers an organized approach to follow-up and aftercare.
Inside the jail, we are part of an overall ministry that offers weekly worship services, three Bible studies, two afternoons of one-on-one counseling, creative writing classes, arts and crafts, and personal visitation by our mentors.
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However, we all know that regardless of how many good things are offered on the inside, it is on the outside where they face the biggest problems with the least amount of help. Mentors help to meet the spiritual needs of released inmates. Also Barnabas Fellowship helps to build a bridge to local churches for spiritual help and encouragement.
Physical needs also receive our attention. For instance, Barnabas Fellowship has cooperated with our local Sheriff's department's iniative to make aftercare more accessable to inmates. This initiative has made agencies like Social Services, BOCES, and Workforce Development more accessable to released inmates. These aftercare efforts, championed by the Sheriff and jail committee, have made smoother transitions to society for released inmates. It has also encouraged educational and occupational goal setting.
Barnabas Fellowship also works with the inmates’ families while the offenders are in jail.
We are glad to share our materials and methods with you. We hope you find this website and the vision it represents a blessing to you.
In Christ’s name,
Rev. Gene Mullen
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