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RITAS Ministry’s
services and programs have proven that with the
right kind of holistic community re-entry assistance
ex-offenders can become productive citizen. Our
unique way of working with ex-offenders emphasizes
the human element of crime. Crime is about people –
not laws!
Click on the program or service listed below that
you would like to view additional information about.
RITAS Ministry “Keep
It Real” Speaker’s Bureau
The RITAS Ministry
“Keep It Real” Speaker’s Bureau consist of current
and former clients who have been to prison and are
currently working very closely with our agency in an
effort to reach the at risk youth and troubled
individuals.
These volunteers
have agreed to take the time out of their lives by
attending seminars given by the Kane County Court
Services, area churches, schools, universities, and
community agencies. Hoping to touch maybe just one
person by telling their story, the clients hold
nothing back. Click on link below to read letters
sent by students expressing how the Speakers had
touched them.
The “Keep It Real”
Speaker’s Bureau volunteers have helped RITAS
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 RITAS Ministry “Keep It Real” Speaker’s
Bureau to talk at your organization or agency please
email us at
info@ritasministry.org
(click
here to view our letters)
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3 Phase Substance Abuse
Program
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 RITAS Ministry
3 Phase Substance Abuse Program consist of
One-On-One Sessions, Group Sessions and Follow-up
Recovery Groups.
An
initial assessment helps to determine the depth of
the counseling that is needed, and a
substance abuse counselor facilitates all of the groups.
If individualized
sessions are needed an appointment can be scheduled
with a substance abuse counselor.
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RITAS Ministry’s “New Directions” Support Group
The RITAS 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. 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.
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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 RITAS
Ministry office.
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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.
RITAS 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.
Numerous volunteers
give their valuable time by organizing, picking up
donations, wrapping, and the fun part of delivering
to the children.
We can show them
that not only do their parents love and remember
them, but that they also belong to a 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
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Total Aftercare
RITAS 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 RITAS 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 RITAS
Ministry staff. Through the actions of RITAS
Ministry and the support of many, these individuals
will be able to actualize their potential to live
with dignity as productive citizens.
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Spiritual Mentoring and
Services
Spiritual
counseling plays a major role in a client’s life
changing experience. Ministers, deacons and priests
are always available for those individuals. RITAS
Ministry and their volunteers are actively involved
in providing religious services, T.R.E.C. weekends,
and other spiritual needs individually and at
various correctional institutions.
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Transitional Job
Program
Employment is an
essential part of feeling self worth. Clients are
required to attend a ten day class teaching resume
writing, values, attitude, punctuality,
communications, on the job conflict resolution,
obstacles, interviewing skills and much more. Upon
graduating the 10-day class, based on their skills,
clients are given referrals for employment
opportunities with businesses that are willing to
overlook the backgrounds on these individuals and
give them a second chance.
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Transitional Housing Program
RITAS Ministry
provides transitional housing for men coming from
institutions and/or currently on parole who are
seeking housing assistance for the transitional 90
day period while working closely with there parole
officer and the Illinois Dept. of Corrections.
This provides these
men with the ability to focus on securing
identification and employment to become a productive
part of society.
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