A Re-entry instructor needs to have some knowledge and life experiences related to the topics covered. The instructor must complete IN-Prison volunteer training, basic training, and Re-entry Instructor training . They must also be approved as a volunteer with the NC Department of Corrections. The classes consist of 36 hours of instruction, graduation and a certificate issued upon completion. The topics covered in Re-entry are:

Making Wise Choices
Setting Realistic Goals
Building Self- Esteem
Finding Positive Solutions to Problems
Discovering Talents, Assessing Job Skills
How to Find a Job
Job Applications, Resumes and Interviews
Developing a Good Home Plan
Budgeting
Building Healthy Relationships
Support Groups and How to Find Them
Mentor Relationships
Automobile Insurance and Drivers License
Accessing Community Services
Importance of a Spiritual Base For Life

The Re-entry Life Plan Program was designed and under the direction of :
Prison Fellowship
PO Box 6297
High Point, NC 27262

Read a letter from a former student of Forgiven Ministry's Re-entry class that was taught at Caldwell Correctional, Hudson, NC.

To all Re-entry staff:

I'm really no good at making public speeches. In fact, I don't like being on the spot or in the center of people's attention. I am, however, a good listener and a pretty fast learner. I can't speak for anyone else who attends your class but I want to express my appreciation for the hope you've given me about making it in the outside world.

I've taken quite a few of the programs the state has to offer a man in prison, and I've learned a lot from them, but every time I've walked into your class when you've come here, I really wanted to be there. A few times I've walked in that class in some real bad moods and you may not believe me, but you people bring such a positive atmosphere when you come. It lifts burdens, and I've even forgotten what I was upset about in the first place. I just feel that the majority of the programs the state has to offer are based more on what the state can gain from the federal government for having so many inmates go through those classes. I can't see where they support the fact that I've taken these programs to really better myself. I've went through one program after another, getting torn down more and more . . . as if I don't already know I made some mistakes in my life. I feel that when you keep a person on edge by helping the guilty feelings that are already there; well, I'll just say, with me, I've been so confused at times. The previous people running programs had me wondering if it was worth it to get a better life, or if I really could anyway, after being in here.

I just want to say that I have the up-most respect for you all, and I really, really appreciate the positive atmosphere you bring. You are among God's greatest creations and after seeing God's finest at work it really has encouraged me to seriously better my life and seek God more. Thank all of you for your time and I'd like to ask that you add me to your prayers as I have already done for you. I wish you great success in your future efforts to do God's will and to turn others to God. I'll miss you and may God bless you all.

Thank you from a grateful Re-entry graduate at Caldwell Correctional Center!! G.M.

Read a letter from a current student of Forgiven Ministry's Re-entry class.

Hi, my name is Gilberto R. and this is the story of how I turned my life around from the life of drugs, gangs, etc. to the life God wants me to live.

Since the age of 15, I have been in and out of jail because of the drugs that I was using. I started with sniffing paint and went on to harder drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, heroin, etc. This was something I hid from my family.

After a while the drugs didn't affect me as much so I started doing more of them and trying new things. I was even "huffing" gas at the age of 17. At that time, I felt like I had to have the drugs to be happy. If I didn't have any drugs, my mind and body wouldn't function right. This life of drugs led me to go to prison when I was 30.

Going to prison caused me to lose my daughters. It tore my whole family apart. I continued down the wrong road once I was in prison. I joined a gang. I was constantly getting in fights and riots. I cared more about my gang family than I did my real family.

I lost my mother while I was in prison. I looked at this the wrong way and began having a lot of hatred built up inside me. I never could have made it through this without the love of my wife, my best friend, staying beside me all the way.

Unfortunately, this wasn't enough. When I got out of prison I got back on the wrong road again. I began using drugs again. I began stealing to support my drug addiction. My wife was telling me I was doing the wrong things with my life, but I wouldn't listen. I was selfish. I wanted to do what I wanted to do. This is what drugs will do to you.

I moved to North Carolina to get away from the life I was leading. I tried to start over but I wasn't ready. I got right back on that same road of drugs and stealing. My life was going nowhere. Right before I lost my job, I met a man named K.C. He asked me to join his church, El Bethel. I started going to church with him, yet continued doing the drugs. I got caught and was once again incarcerated; this time, in North Carolina.

Once again, I hurt my family and friends. It took me coming to prison a second time to realize what I needed. I needed to open my heart and let God come inside me. Now that I have looked to God for help, everything is getting better. I don't want the drugs anymore. I don't want to hurt anyone again. I am a changed man. God is great and He does great things.

I have repented for all my sins in the past. My heart is full of love for God and there is no more hatred inside me. God helped me more than I ever could have imagined. If you turn to Him for help, He will help you just as He did me. You can't go wrong with God!

Gilberto R.
Current Re-entry Student

The goal of Re-entry is to teach decision making skills throughout the classes, equipping them to better examine every choice and decision.

Alexander Correctional Reentry Class
with Volunteers


Volunteer Bobby Elder with
Student of Re-Entry

Reentry class being taught at
Alexander Correctional Institution

Mail Call Time
(Written by Brad Wirt)

I listen up because it is mail call time,
But as the names are called, I don’t hear mine.
I don’t expect a letter every day,
But I listen up anyway.

Sometimes when I listen and don’t hear my name,
I wonder if I caused someone some pain.
But when I do get some mail, it brightens my day,
And picks me up in the best sort of way.

Prison is the worst place I have ever been, Sometimes I feel I’ve lost my family and friends.
So when I’m set free, I will try to forget my crimes,
But I will never forget Mail Call Time.

Loving A Convict
(Written by Brad Wirt)

Loving a convict is so hard they say.
Loving him is the price you pay.
It’s loving him with no one to hold.
It’s being young and feeling old.
It’s letting him whisper his love to you.
You’re whispering back that you love him too.
Then comes a kiss and a promise to wait.
Knowing the parole board now holds his fate.
It’s extremely painful letting him go,
While dying inside from needing him so.
Watching him leave with eyes full of tears,
Standing alone with his hopes, dreams and fears.
Although you are near, but so far away,
His love for you grows with each passing day.
Loving a convict isn’t much fun,
But it’s worth the wait when his time is done.
Remember, he’s lonely and sad from being away,
And he’s thinking of you every single day.
So love him and miss him
and please tell him so,
Because if you really love him,
he desperately needs to know!

Thank You 
(Written by Y. Brown)
11-21-05

When all of a sudden
Right in front of me goes a bright pink ball
I never thought a little girl would be behind it all
Then, all of a sudden, I heard a big thud
I looked in the mirror just in time
to see all the blood

The mother came running, screaming and crying
She held her daughter in her arms
Why she was dying!

So now I sit in my cell of concrete and steel
Not knowing from one day to the next
If all this is real
And I go to bed every night with this fear
That I'll never be able to forget the sound
of that mother’s tears.

Cocaine
(Written by J.M.)
I'll fly you as high as the mountaintop,
Then push you off just to watch you drop.
And on the way down, I'll whisper in your ear
You know I'm the only thing that you hold dear.
Stick with me kid, and I'll show you things that you've only dreamed,
Then snatch them away right before your eyes,
Then turn my back on your sorrow and cries.
But that's okay because I'll pick you back up
Dust you off just enough
So that you don't care about anything
Your family, your friends or even your dreams
So smoke me all up and snort me right down
I'll take you everywhere, including six feet underground.