Blue Jacket Mentor Program

Here is a message from a partner organization that assists felons after they are released to get back on track. I consider this a big deal as we try to help those in need, plus they help out by volunteering with NeighborLink from time to time.

Hello Fort Wayne Community Member and Blue Jacket Friend:

Did you know

-          that nearly 70% of the ex-inmates who walk the same malls, dine at the same restaurants, take their kids to the same schools as you and I are likely to go back to prison within 2 years of release?

-          that in most cases re-incarceration has everything to do with unemployment, under-education, poverty, drug use, and poor relationships?

-          that 1,200 ex-inmates return to Fort Wayne every year?

I want to change it.

After all, it could be my family member that gets hurt or robbed on the offender’s road back to prison.  If you want to change this:  Will you help me get the word out? Blue Jacket is seeking volunteer mentors.  See the attached flyer.

Blue Jacket, Inc. is a local nonprofit with the mission to provide tools and opportunities to adult ex-offenders to be productive members of society.  www.bluejacketinc.org.

The Mentoring Initiative

is multi-layered.  We host men and women’s groups, workshops, seminars, clubs and events that enhance healthy relationships and living.  Come learn more about this initiative at our orientation on October 8, then attend a 3-hour training to be armed with the skills to mentor this population.

We are looking for every type of person over 25 years of age (and 5 years out of the criminal justice system); men and women, Type A and B, white and blue collar, Christian and not, extroverted and not.  It might be someone with a talent in public speaking, goal-setting, starting a business, dealing with addictions, or building relationships with estranged children who can present in a workshop.  Perhaps it’s you who happens to be good at listening and providing candid feedback with a gift to hold someone accountable.

Just from giving of your time, Fort Wayne’s return on investment will be incredible.  As a result of providing our job-readiness programs only, preliminary recidivism numbers have decreased from 36.1% in 2006 to 21.4% in 2007 to 18.1% the first half of 2008.  Currently we serve 450 people per year, far below the demand.  A 10-year aspiration is to drop the recidivism rate to 8% within one year of completing the program.

Imagine the savings on criminal justice costs, victim and public assistance costs. 
Imagine the impact on the economy when crime in the city decreases
Imagine a downtown crawling with development
Imagine government money spent on education and infrastructure rather than more cops, jails, and court staff