HEARTBOUND MINISTRIES INC

HeartBound's goal is to bring about lasting change in in the lives of adult and juvenile offenders, at-risk youth, and their families through moral rehabilitation programs that will change the culture from one of crime and incarceration to hope and restoration. The positive feedback from chaplains, wardens, and program participants prove the importance of HeartBound's programs in the lives of offenders and their families. Studies show that recidivism rates for offenders who participate in faith-based programs are 30% lower than non-participants.
Expected outcomes include:
1) Improved attitudes and behaviors among program participants (e.g. respect for authority and others, decreased anger, good decision-making, reduced impulsivity);
2) Lower recidivism rates among participants vs. non-participants; and
3) Fewer crime victims.

The goal of HeartBound is to bring about lasting change in the lives of offenders and their families, thus reducing crime and recidivism rates. HeartBound employs several evidence-based approaches to accomplishing this goal: 1) Rehabilitate offenders through faith and character-based programs; 2) Restore incarcerated fathers to their families by equipping them with the skills and knowledge to become committed, involved and responsible fathers and break the cycle of crime and incarceration in their families; 3) Restore offenders to the community by preparing them to assume responsible citizenship and by opening opportunities for their engagement; and 4) Address the problem of juvenile crime and incarceration through Project ART (Art to Rehabilitate and Teach).
These methods bring about moral rehabilitation in offenders and break the cycle of crime and incarceration in families. When HeartBound's moral rehabilitation programs prevent an offender and their children from following a lifestyle of crime, we prevent people from becoming victims of crime. A study by Barna Research revealed that approximately 75% of released offenders will commit a crime return to prison. However, that percentage drops to an amazing 14% if an inmate studies the Bible while incarcerated. Figures released by the Georgia Department of Corrections show a 30% reduction in recidivism among offenders who regularly participate in faith and character-based programs such as those offered by HeartBound.

HeartBound collaborates with the Georgia Department of Corrections, the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice, Louisiana's Angola Prison, prison chaplains, wardens, volunteers and faith-based organizations who contribute to the accomplishment of its goals. HeartBound has over a decade of experience in working with offenders and their families and was named a "Faith-based Contributor of the Year" for three consecutive years by the Georgia Department of Corrections.

HeartBound has accomplished several milestones toward its mission of supporting and equipping chaplains, meeting the needs of the prison community, and changing the culture from one of crime and incarceration to hope and restoration. Accomplishments include:
1) Successfully advocating for the reinstatement of chaplains in Georgia prisons;
2) Deploying the first Malachi Dads and Returning Hearts Celebration in Georgia;
3) Funding computer labs and instruction for offenders;
4) Promoting literacy through book and bible distribution;
5) Overseeing the adoption of eight correctional facilities through HeartBound's Prison Adoption Program;
6) Launching Project ART (Art to Rehabilitate and Teach) at juvenile facilities and a recreational center; and
7) Funding chaplains and prison missionaries.