Rescue Mission staff and supporters, after much thought and discussion the board and I have decided to spin off a department of the Rescue Mission, the Jail Ministry at the Pierce County Jail. Our hope is that the Jail Ministry will continue to serve at the Pierce County Jail, but as an independent ministry or as a part of a larger Prison Ministry.
In anticipation of some of the questions you may be curious about, let me give you some information about how the process will work and the factors that led to the decision.
1: The Rescue Mission has for the past 5 years been seeking to continually focus on those services that are fundamental to the core purpose: Providing help, hope and healing for the homeless. The Jail Ministry is definitely a life transforming program, but it is also a very specific kind of ministry which is not exactly in our core services. There are however, several local organizations that focus solely on reaching those who are incarcerated. If we can find such a partner, it would afford the Jail Ministry better growth and collaboration opportunities. The Rescue Mission will continue to be a resource for the Jail Ministry in the future.
2. We have had several conversations with other agencies about a potential partnership, but have no solid plans at this time.
3. Chaplin Rich and his staff are a blessing to the Pierce County Jail and to the Rescue Mission and our hope is that any partnership would consider their faithful service.
4. We have spoken with Chaplin Rich about the Jail Ministry becoming independent and we remain open to this option.
5. The Rescue Mission will do all we can to make sure that there is no lapse of service at the Jail.
6. The Rescue Mission is in a contractual agreement with the Pierce County Jail and we will be working to resolve any issues that may arise from any future partnership.
7. There is no time-table for this transfer of responsiblity, our first goal is that we find an arrangement that will best suit the future growth of the Jail Ministry while allowing the Rescue Mission to focus on our core outreach to the homeless.
I hope you’ll all be prayerful and supportive of the great folks at the Jail Ministry and for the best possible outcome for future effective ministry. Please know that I’d be glad to talk with anyone who has any questions or concerns about this move to help you better understand how this decision was made. Please contact myself or Jann Sonntag to set up an appointment.
David Curry
