Project Connect
Through our Project Connect Program we reach out to men and women in prisons and jails throughout New York State. Over 50,000 people have received our newsletter, Liberation Voices, behind their prison walls. People who are interested in becoming part of a faith community “on the outside,” are able to join our church upon completing our 7 Part Correspondence Membership Course. On the third Sunday of each month, members of our congregation write letters to our 75 Project Connect Members. We also visit men and women in our Project Connect program, send them care packages, try to stay in contact with their families, and send letters of assurance to their parole boards. For more information please contact Chibueze Okorie, Minister of Evangelism, Director of Project Connect at (718) 499-6704 ext. 207.
Re-Entry Services
Referrals
Upon release, our Project Connect Members are welcomed home to their Church of Gethsemane family and are provided with resources for referrals for housing, health care, and job training. Presently, The Church of Gethsemane is collaborating with other faith communities and organizations to set up a job bank to assist in finding jobs for men and women re-entering the work force.
Direct Assistance
Food, clothing, Metro Cards and emergency funds are also provided as needed.
The Re-Entry Peer Support Group
The Church of Gethsemane Re-Entry Peer Support Group meets on the second and last Wednesdays of the month to provide much needed guidance and support to one another.
Spiritual Counsel
The Pastor and the Director of Project Connect also meet one on one with individuals to provide spiritual counsel and encouragement.