FORGOTTEN MAN MINISTRIES

The goal of Forgotten Man Ministries is to impact inmates with a comprehensive range of spiritual programs so that upon departing the jail they start a "new life" that honors our Savior, Jesus Christ, never returning to jail again.

We deploy chaplains into Michigan county jails to personally minister to inmates, train and supervise volunteers, and coordinate the activities of local churches in the jail. These combined efforts are geared to impact inmates with direct, face-to-face interaction.

FMM is capable of developing ministries in each of the 83 Michigan county jails. However, this is heavily dependent on our success of generating the financial resources. FMM is 100% dependent on the financial donations made by individuals, churches, businesses, and private foundations. FMM does not receive government funding of any type. Currently we are in 35 of the county jails in Michigan.

The recidivism rate of inmates who have participated in our GRO programs/pods is less than half of the recidivism rate of general inmate populations. As of June 2019 our organization has GRO programs/pods in seven counties. Additional counties will add these programs as funding allows.

We are currently in 35 jails throughout Michigan. We are endorsed by the Michigan Sheriffs' Association and are frequently evaluating counties that have a need for our services. The Oceana County Jail has requested the services of an FMM chaplain and we are working with them to develop the financial support base needed to cover the cost of chaplain services in their jail. The news of our success has also spread outside of Michigan and other correctional facilities have begun implementing similar programs in their locations as well.

We have approximately 40 Chaplains serving in Michigan county jails as well as over 2000 volunteers. Our organization also grades over 120,000 self-study Bible lessons each year completed by inmates studying in the jails and former inmates who continue their studies. Inmates to whom FMM formerly ministered in the county jail may continue the Bible study program upon release into the community or transfer to the prison system.

Our organization continues to pursue, develop and strengthen relationships with those organizations, churches and volunteers that are in a position to assist and meet the needs of inmates upon release. Significant working relationships with organizations that provide re-entry services--including transportation, housing, and employment training/placement--have been developed in Allegan, Kent, and Ottawa counties. We will continue to work to develop similar partnerships in additional counties.