| FreedomWorks, located in Minneapolis at 3559 Penn Avenue North, is a reentry ministry to former offenders and their families upon release from Lino Lakes Prison. FreedomWorks has opened a Welcome Back Center with housing for men who would otherwise not have anyone meeting them at the “gate." "As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." Ephesians 4:1-2 |
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| Lord of Life collects personal care items for FreedomWorks. Please place the following donations in the bin in Fellowship Hall: *Cub and bus gift cards *Lotions *Deodorant *Shaving products *Nail clippers *Towels and washcloths *Shampoo *Laundry soaps *Dryer sheets *Socks *T-shirts (Large, XL, XXL) *Boxers (Large, XL, XXL) *Cleaning products *Single sets of pillows and pillow cases *frying pans and pots *bath and hand towels *bathroom rug sets *bathroom curtains and liners |
| According to founder Fred Peterson, over 650,000 men and women are released from state and federal prisons each year. Because of stricter sentencing laws and budget cuts, these individuals will typically have been incarcerated longer, be less prepared for life outside of prison and receive less reentry assistance than in the past. When released, former prisoners face huge barriers that hinder a smooth reentry into society. Their immediate needs include housing, jobs, transportation, food and clothing, spiritual counseling, and financial guidance. FreedomWorks mission is to provide reentry support by building caring relationships with former prisoners and their families during incarceration and by providing balanced programs and services to help their physical, spiritual and emotional needs upon release. Yes, FreedomWorks staff and volunteers begin to work with a select number of inmates long before release so the men have someone they trust as they leave prison with their $100 and new set of clothes. |
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FreedomWorks involves two ministry tracts: Welcome Back Center services and housing at the Freedom House. The Welcome Back Center is a safe haven and resource center that assists former offenders with their reentry needs, in one central location. Freedom House provides former offenders with housing options that meet their financial and social needs and place them in a healthy setting that eases their transition into society.
FreedomWorks is volunteer driven and in need of mentors to work with men before release and then follow up for one year after release (training available). Lord of Life members have volunteered in support of special events and hands-on work in the development of FreedomWorks’ first ministry facility.
Visit the website at www.freedomworksmn.org. For more information about volunteering with FreedomWorks' mentoring program, please contact Greg and Cheryl Myhr at 763.424.3537 or gcmyhr@embarqmail.com. Or contact Dave Sletten, Executive Director, at 612.965.4504 or info@freedomworksmn.org.