Research
One-on-One Mentoring: Based on a Proven Record
Inside/outside mentoring is not a new or untested idea. We are reviving and expanding on a practice that began at Innerchange Freedom Initiative Lino Lakes (now Prison Fellowship Academy) in 2003 and continued there for more than 15 years. The effectiveness of this approach was documented in a peer-reviewed, published study conducted by the Minnesota Department of Corrections “examining recidivism outcomes among 732 offenders released from Minnesota prisons between 2003 and 2009.
| Revocation | Rearrest | Reconviction | Reincarceration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison Group | 36.3% | 51.1% | 34.2% | 13.1% |
| Completed Program | 23.6% | 33.0% | 17.9% | 2.4% |
| delta | 35% | 35% | 48% | 82% |
| Mentoring Continuum* | 19.1% | 29.8% | 14.5% | 0.8% |
| delta | 47% | 42% | 58% | 94% |
The monthly reentry alumni breakfasts that grew out of these relationships continue to this day and involve dozens of mentees, mentors, and network partners.
According to Lifeway Research, few churchgoers actively engaged with prison ministry
Churchgoers are more interested than involved in prison ministry, but most say they’d be fine sharing a street or a pew with someone who has been incarcerated.
A Lifeway Research study sponsored by multiple prison ministries surveyed U.S. Protestant churchgoers’ actions and attitudes toward inmates and those who have previously been in jail, prison or a juvenile facility.