BROTHER'S KEEPER
MISSION STATEMENT
The Tri-State Men’s Center desires to make a difference for the men who are returning to society from the jail or prison. We fully realize that life outside the prison might be more dangerous. Returning to the old neighborhood and its bad influences often leads to a life of more crime.
It is our intention to provide a safe place, away from the pressures of their past, where they will receive the positive influences from men who desire to see their lives change. Others made this transition to a better life and have become good citizens.
Our program is designed to take men from their point of need and educate them towards the more positive things in life. The primary needs of food, clothing, shelter, and education will be provided. Other needs will be provided, if possible. We, as a faith-based organization, place great importance on a man’s spiritual life. However, each man will have the freedom to decide his spiritual life.
Early in our research of aftercare programs, we decided that we would use BROTHERS KEEPER as our name. We will go to the maximum length to live up to our name.
We have made contact with the chaplain at Branchville Correctional Center and will begin to build relationships with potential candidates prior to their release date. The prison chaplain will help recommend potential participants. A candidate application will help our board to discern if we can help the candidate.
Upon release he will enter the Brothers Keeper home. Our residents would be restricted to the house, work, school, medical, judicial, and other community support meetings, such as twelve-step meetings and faith-based organizations. We will provide the transportation as necessary.
The house would be their home and the atmosphere would be relaxing by design, with a minimum of rules. There will be a lot of interaction between house mates promoting a support system that builds healthy relationships. Primary goals will be spiritual growth, character development, and career development. The ultimate goal is for them to transition to successful and independent living.
At three-month intervals, the board will review each resident and make a recommendation to the director. The individual will know when he is ready to live on his own. There is no set time, but when he has completed his education and has employment, to the point that he can support himself, he will be encouraged to transition into the community. Those who show leadership skills could be asked to become paid staff or mentors.
