Who we are
We are a faith based mentoring organization for men and women making the transition from incarceration to freedom.- Vision: To Reduce recidivism one-step at a time, one person at a time, effectively transforming those whom we serve, as well as those who serve.
- Mission: Mobilize the Church to effectively develop a prison ministry, demonstrating acts of mercy toward the least of these our brethern.
Our History
In 1989, Friends in Transition (FIT) began with the vision of reaching out to inmates as they make the difficult transition from prison back to life in society. With a discouraging 80% recidivism (return) rate among inmates, Friends in Transition offers to reach out and change this reality through friendship in the Spirit of Christ.
Overall, we have found that through Friends in Transition mentoring, 80% of released inmates never return to prison. The benefits are real: changed lives; families restored; productive lives regained; hopes renewed.
What we do
Friends In Transition is a non-denominational ministry that recruits, trains, matches and supports volunteers/Churches to provide mentoring to a same-gender inmate in their last year of incarceration. Volunteers then follow their friend for 12 months during their transition back to community with guidance and support.
FIT provides volunteers with ongoing support and guidance through quarterly trainings, fellowships and personal supervision. With the adherence of strict Department of Correction rules and guidelines FIT enjoys 13 years of safe and effective volunteer / inmate relationships.
Volunteers like you offer inmates a positive, encouraging Christian role model who has committed to visiting a minimum of once a month for one year. This friend will help an inmate avoid feelings of hopelessness and isolation through simple friendship.
What we would like to see in our work together!
- To mentor 50 men and women in 2007 – 2008 to stay out of the
system for one year. The net result, over 1.3 million dollars is saved
by the State.
- To be a practical witness to the power of the
church, motivated by the gospel, to live out its mission to the least of
these our brethren.
- To implement 5-mentor support groups in the Denver Metro area.
- To raise up 250 volunteers in three years.
- To raise up 90 churches in three years, giving support through volunteers and finances.