Restorative Justice
A Re-entry Ministry
For Those In Jail & Prison
Friendship House
1829 South Burdick St.
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
(269) 552-4728
Restore
Our Mission: In harmony with the restorative work of God, Restore seeks to become an instrument of Grace through a ministry of healing and growth for individuals and their families as they face the transition from incarceration to community life.
The central focus of Restore is on developing a support base through contact with the faith community in Kalamazoo. The first expectation is for the participant to select a church home and from this faith family the resources needed are identified. A special friend, a mentor, is invited to form a Very Important Partnership with the brother or sister returning home. At this point a covenant form is completed by the mentor and the returnee defining the goals for working together.
Pre-release: Restore can provide information and support. We are not a pen-pal organization, but we make a good faith effort to respond to letters, especially letters requesting our assurance to the Parole Board that we are committed to helping those who want our assistance. We also provide birthday recognition and a one-year gift subscription to Mi-Cure News. The focus for pre-release participants is:
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Ticket Free
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R&GC Recommendation Completion
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Self Improvement and Educational Opportunities
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Most Importantly, Spiritual Development
Bible study, worship, and prayers are essential. We encourage you to keep us informed of your progress toward parole or release.
Post-release: Contact Restore at (269) 552-4728 after seeing your Parole Agent. We can help you select a church home and secure a VIP. Together with your VIP, Restore can assist you in obtaining Social Security cards, a state driver's license or ID and other documents. If you do not have an employment rèsumè we can help you create one.
Every Thursday evening from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Restore holds support meetings at Bethany Reformed Church, 1833 South Burdick Street (next to the Friendship House). Through these support meetings you and your VIP can connect with the resources you need.
Three times each year Homecoming Celebration Reunions are held. Your homecoming is something to celebrate and staying home is something to secure!
To help insure your success, substance abuse assessment is routine when you have agreed to be covenanted with a VIP.
What is a VIP? A Very Important Person in Partnership is a friend from your chosen faith community who has covenanted with you to become your mentor and helper. Your VIP will meet with you weekly; help you develop goals and then work with you to fulfill your goals.
You and your partner are Very Important Partners and together you form the heart of our ministry. Never underestimate what God can do through his people. When your covenant is complete we propose a service of recognition where you and your friend both receive certificates.
For More Information: contact Restore at restore@iserv.net or write us at 1829 South Burdick Street; Kalamazoo, MI 49001.