Working as a volunteer for Epiphany Ministry in Texas, Sheri Short knows just how important it is to help inmates re-enter society – so that they don't wind up re-entering prison.

“Well,” says Short, who is Director of Growth and Development for the State Board of Texas, “The program is very effective. I think there are two aspects that make Epiphany Ministry different from other programs. First, we go into prisons loving these kids unconditionally.”

Short continues, “Second, we follow up. We're real. We tell them that we will be there for them, and we are. No matter what their religion, we love them unconditionally.”

This quasi re-entry program began locally in Alabama. A minister from that state started Epiphany Ministries, Inc. in 1990 after being involved with a program called Chrysallis. Chrysallis helped adult offenders successfully re-enter society after incarceration, and the minister recognized a need for the same type of program for juvenile offenders. After obtaining a start-up grant from the United Methodist Church, Epiphany Ministry, Inc. was born.

According to Short, there has been a tremendous response to Epiphany Ministries. In the last 10 years, this faith-based program's network has grown from just two institutions in Alabama to programs in 10 states.

Through programs set up inside and outside of juvenile institutions, the ministry uses different mediums – such as music, speeches and round-table discussions – to break down the walls each juvenile has constructed and show them that they can become responsible, dedicated and accountable members of the community.

Short also notes that the long-term dedication of Epiphany Ministry volunteers is crucial to the success of the program – and the ultimate success of the juvenile offender in the community. She believes that juvenile offenders feel loved and special as a result of participating in the program

“We don't just go to these corrections facilities for one weekend. We make a yearlong commitment to these kids,” Short adds. “If a juvenile is released from a Dallas facility and moves to Houston, people from the Epiphany in Houston will be there to support them. We are building long-term relationships and that's what helps these kids the most.”

Peggy New, Executive Director of Epiphany Ministry, Inc., has also seen an overwhelming response to Epiphany Ministry. She organizes three-day weekend retreats and follow-up visits for juvenile offenders involved in the program. Feedback from one of the program's participants has helped her realize the role the ministry plays in participants' success.

“One individual said, ‘I thought nobody cared.' To hear that is humbling,” she recalls.

Epiphany Ministries is also unique in promoting a positive outlook for juvenile offenders by calling the program's juvenile offenders, “stars,” which emphasizes their importance in the community. The program helps juveniles recognize that their role is a challenging one, especially in a society that often forgets about juvenile offenders within the system – which contributes to relapses into crime and, eventually, into custody.

Epiphany's interaction with their “stars” begins on a three-day weekend, at each facility, with 40 workers and 25 to 30 kids. They maintain a very structured schedule, which consists of group and individual meetings, chapel time, meditation, and recreation. The “stars” are grouped into peer teams, which provide a supportive atmosphere for the duration of the retreat. Volunteers also arrange follow-up visits, maintaining contact with juveniles even after the weekend retreat.

New estimates, nationally, that 60 to 70 percent of juvenile offenders are released from custody only to recidivate a short time later. While she cannot offer any tested statistics, she reports that – unofficially - Epiphany has recorded that fewer than 10 percent of juveniles involved with Epiphany Ministries find themselves back inside a correctional facility. New believes that Epiphany Ministries is successful because it helps juveniles understand that God, and others in the community, care about them.

“Often times, our kids see parents, cousins, and other family members in jail and they just become accustomed to it. Sometimes the kids almost see this as a family tradition,” she said.

Breaking the cycle of violence, crime, and incarceration that “stars” might see in their families is crucial. Also, developing a sense of respect allows the “star” to gain a sense of responsibility for themselves and to others often brings about a positive change.

“When they find out that God cares and that people care, they start to understand that they matter,” she said.

New reports seeing kids' lives change. For example, participating institutions have reported a drop in discipline problems after juveniles take part in the program, and the participants' grades have also shown improvement. New is convinced that Epiphany helps juvenile offenders on a daily basis.

“They [juveniles] truly want to go straight,” New said. “God helps them and we do what we can to help them stay on the right path.”
     
For Short, the evidence of success lies in the results – and the revived interest in the program from the correctional facilities.

“For me, to see correctional officers embracing it – that's amazing. To see the results in the community – that's the evidence. We won't give up on these kids - and as a result, they won't let us down.”

Jessica Kosowski contributed to this report.