R.I.T.A.S. Ministry “Keep It Real” Speaker’s Bureau

The R.I.T.A.S. Ministry “Keep It Real” Speaker’s Bureau consist of individuals who have been to prison and are currently working very closely with our agency in an effort to reach the at risk youth. These individuals have volunteered to take the time out of their lives by attending seminars given by the Kane County Court Services and area churches, schools, and community agencies. Hoping to touch maybe just one juvenile by telling their story, the clients hold nothing back. In doing so, these individuals have helped R.I.T.A.S. Ministry receive the award for Dedication of Services from the Kane County Court Services numerous times.

With the help of the “Keep It Real” Speaker’s Bureau, the Ministry will strive to enhance and expand the program so that we can continue to be a positive influence to individuals traveling down the wrong road. If you need additional information or would like to schedule the R.I.T.A.S. Ministry “Keep It Real” Speaker’s Bureau to talk at your organization or agency please email us at info@ritasministry.org

Substance Abuse Recovery Group

There is a definite correlation between substance abuse and crime. Studies have shown that criminal offenders have a significantly higher level of drug use that non-offenders. In addition, an increase in drug use appears to result in an increase in the potential to commit an offense. Morals and values are compromised through the use of alcohol/drugs and replaced with self-centeredness. Counseling provides an opportunity for the offender to gain an increased knowledge of addiction and explore his criminal thinking patterns and appears to reduce the potential for future criminal behaviors and drug use.

The R.I.T.A.S. Ministry Substance Abuse Recovery group meets once a week. A substance abuse counselor facilitates the group. An initial assessment helps to determine the depth of the counseling that is needed, if individualized sessions are needed an appointment will be made.

R.I.T.A.S. Ministry’s “New Directions” Support Group

The R.I.T.A.S. Ministry “New Directions” Support Group is a gathering of clients and/or their families who are currently on parole and/or probation which meet once a week at the R.I.T.A.S. Ministry office. In the groups, discussions occur based upon the hardships that the individuals are facing. We focus on a holistic approach and give possible solutions to these hardships.

Self Esteem – Who Do I Think I Am?

This program is designed to help individuals better understand themselves and the factors that may have contributed to low self-esteem in their lives. As with all aspect of self-improvement, growth comes one step at a time and is measured by how hard we are willing to work on change. If we are committed to growth, we will change for the better and our self-esteem will grow. This program meets once a week at the R.I.T.A.S. Ministry offices.

Grief & Crisis Mentoring

When there has been a loss of some kind, for example, a death, a feeling of abandonment, a fire, people sometimes find it difficult to deal with the many different emotions they are experiencing. These emotions might be present for days, months or longer. When the grief is intense, people sometimes find that they are actually in a state of crisis and having feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. At these times, whether the grief has led to a crisis or not, mentoring should be considered. Grief and crisis mentoring are available for individuals, couples, and families.

Child, Couples, Individual & Family Mentoring

When someone is released from prison the individual as well as the spouse, children, parents, and other family members face many complex issues in dealing with the social stigma of incarceration. Often there are emotional problems that people find they are not able to handle on their own. These might include depression, anxiety, worry, past experiences, and divorce. Families of ex-offenders deal with difficult issues such as the embarrassment of having a loved one who has committed a crime. Most ex-offenders lack self-esteem. Mentoring can help people deal with their issues. It is often beneficial for the entire family to be mentored.

Anger Management Class

The Anger Management Classes focuses on helping individuals come to terms with their anger problems and suggest different coping mechanisms. Preference will be given to clients that are mandated for treatment. Prospective clients will be assessed to determine the level of treatment that is appropriate. Group sessions will consist of both educational and process activities. The classes are offered once a week at the R.I.T.A.S. Ministry office.

Angel Tree Program

Crime impacts every community in this country. The children who have an incarcerated parent are the forgotten victims. They suffer the stigma of having an incarcerated parent. They have no tangible way of knowing that they are still loved and remembered by both of their parents. R.I.T.A.S. Ministry Volunteers and clients, in joint efforts with Prison Fellowship Ministry, in the past years at Christmas time, has let these vulnerable children know that they are loved and not forgotten.

We can show them that not only do their parents love and remember the, but that they also belong to community who cares. Christ asked us to feed, clothe, and protect the least among us. Through the ministry of Angel Tree, we can be representatives of Christ in our own communities. If you would like more information for donating to the Angel Tree Program please contact the ministry at info@ritasministry.org 

R.I.T.A.S. Ministry’s “Turning the Corner”

Prostitution – often called the victimless crime by those who want to legalize it - has many victims. The neighborhood where the prostitution takes place; the “Johns”, the families of the Johns; the community and the prostitute herself are naming just a few of the many victims. R.I.T.A.S. Ministry’s staff works with the client setting up an individualized plan of action. For further information on this program please contact the ministry at info@ritasministry.org

Total Aftercare

R.I.T.A.S. Ministry’s purpose is to extend restorative justice to prison / jail inmates (both adults and youths) returning to American society by providing the resources for these individuals to make measurable gains in educational, vocational, social, civic, and other competencies that enhance their capacity to function as productive citizens.

Inmates and their families face many complex issues in dealing with the social stigma after incarceration. Most ex-offenders lack self-esteem, affordable housing, food, clothing, education to find decent employment, etc. Some ex-offenders return to criminal activities just to survive.

Families of ex-offenders do not have the support from the church and / or communities to deal with the difficult issues such as the embarrassment of having a loved one who has committed a crime. After the initial assessment given to a new client of R.I.T.A.S. Ministry, an individualize plan of action will be designed for a twelve to eighteen month period. This plan will be referenced, modified, and completed to the best of the ability of the client with the help of R.I.T.A.S. Ministry staff. Through the actions of R.I.T.A.S. Ministry and the support of many, these individuals will be able to actualize their potential to live with dignity as productive citizens.
 

Spiritual Mentoring and Services

Spiritual counseling plays a major role in a client’s life change experience. Ministers, deacons and priests are always available for those individuals. R.I.T.A.S. Ministry and their volunteers are actively involved in providing religious services, T.R.E.C. weekends, and other spiritual needs at various correctional institutions.