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About Us

Empowering Lives Through Community Support and Compassionate Reintegration. We provide holistic services to help currently and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families overcome challenges, heal, and thrive in a supportive environment.

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Holistic Support for Reentry

Manasseh Ministry provides comprehensive services to empower currently and formerly incarcerated individuals, addressing emotional, economic, and educational challenges through programs like leadership development and reintegration support.

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Community Impact

Since its inception, Manasseh Ministry has supported over 57,000 individuals and families, raising more than $5.9 Million in In kind Giving, showcasing the collective effort to break the cycle of incarceration

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Join the Mission

We invite community members to contribute through donations, volunteering, or advocacy, fostering a future where everyone has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive in a supportive environment.

Our Story

Manasseh Ministry is a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicated to empowering and supporting currently and formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. Founded in 1988 by Pastor Richard Jackson during his own incarceration, the ministry was born from a divine calling. Pastor Jackson, guided by a clear and undeniable message from God, recognized the profound need for a holistic support system for those affected by the criminal justice system. His personal journey through incarceration, coupled with his unwavering commitment to answering this divine call, drives the compassionate, faith-centered approach that defines Manasseh Ministry today.​

Incorporated as a formal nonprofit in 1991, Manasseh Ministry has spent over three decades providing comprehensive support services that extend far beyond immediate needs.

Rooted in faith and community, our programs address the emotional, economic, and educational challenges faced by families impacted by incarceration. From leadership development and advocacy training to community support and reintegration programs, we empower individuals to overcome the obstacles that incarceration places in their paths, giving them the tools to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to society. Over the past 26 years, we have supported more than 57,000 individuals and their families, thanks to the generosity of our community, raising over $5.9 million in funds and in-kind donations. However, our work is far from over. As we look to the future, our mission remains clear: to expand our reach, serve more families, and continue making a lasting impact on those affected by incarceration. At Manasseh Ministry, we believe in the power of divine purpose, community, and resilience. Our success is driven by the unwavering dedication of our leadership, volunteers, and supporters who work tirelessly to bring hope, healing, and restoration to those who need it most. Together, we are breaking the cycle of incarceration, fostering resilience, and building a stronger, more just community. We invite you to join us in this vital mission. Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—makes a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families impacted by the criminal justice system. Together, we can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive. Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. Please consider making a donation so that Manasseh Ministry can continue this essential work. God bless you, and remember: Until we help others, we are only helping ourselves.

Founder and CEO

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Pastor Richard Jackson is the Founder and CEO of Manasseh Ministry, dedicated to supporting formerly incarcerated individuals and their families. Inspired by a divine calling during his own incarceration, Pastor Jackson has spent over 20 years working to break the cycle of incarceration. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Pastoral Care and certifications as a Healthy Relationship Facilitator, Mentor, and Certified Substance Abuse Facilitator. Since 2007, he has taught re-entry classes in prisons and jails, and his leadership at Repairers of the Breach Church since 2010 has further expanded his impact.​

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Read more about Pastor Jackson’s story and the founding of Manasseh Ministry in the full article.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower currently and formerly incarcerated citizens, as well as their families, by providing comprehensive support that addresses emotional, economic, and educational needs. Through healing, leadership development, and community engagement, we work to break the cycle of incarceration and build a stronger, more resilient community. At Manasseh Ministry, we believe in the power of faith, responsibility, and compassion to foster real, lasting change in the lives of those we serve.

We envision a world where individuals and families impacted by the criminal justice system are empowered to heal, grow, and lead fulfilling lives. Guided by faith and a commitment to community transformation, Manasseh Ministry aims to create a supportive ecosystem that reduces incarceration, promotes family unity, and fosters leadership within returning citizens. By providing opportunities for education, employment, housing, and civic engagement, we seek to break the cycle of incarceration and build a stronger, more resilient community—one rooted in justice, hope, and lasting change.

Our Vision

We envision a world where every individual impacted by the criminal justice system has the opportunity to heal, grow, and lead a fulfilling life. Our goal is to create a supportive community that champions justice, reduces recidivism, and ensures that the children and families of the incarcerated have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive

Our Goals

Goals for the Next 20 Years

01

Legislative Engagement for Criminal Justice Reform

Engage with the Missouri State Legislature to advocate for policy reforms that reduce incarceration rates and promote alternatives to imprisonment. Pastor Jackson believes that while protests raise critical awareness, real change comes through direct engagement with lawmakers to influence policies that directly impact the lives of those affected by the justice system. The ministry is committed to building relationships with legislators and actively participating in the legislative process to advocate for systemic reforms

03

Expand Employment Opportunities for Returning Citizens

Build sustainable employment programs that offer job training, leadership development, and partnerships with local and national businesses, empowering returning citizens to thrive in the workforce.

05

Create Senior Living Facilities for Returning Citizens

Establish senior living communities that provide supportive services tailored to the needs of aging returning citizens, ensuring dignity, care, and continued community involvement.

07

Increase Local and National Collaboration:

Form partnerships with local organizations, governments, and national networks to expand the reach of Manasseh Ministry, share best practices, and work collectively toward justice reform and community support.

02

Unite Families

Foster long-term family unity by offering emotional, economic, and educational support that strengthens bonds between returning citizens and their families, ensuring stability and growth.

04

Build Housing for Returning Citizens
 

Develop affordable, safe housing for returning citizens, recognizing the critical role housing plays in reintegration and reducing recidivism. Empower returning citizens to lead and govern these projects where possible.

06

Empower Returning Citizens to Govern Businesses

Develop businesses that are operated for the benefit of returning citizens, offering them governance roles and leadership opportunities while fostering community-driven sustainability.

Meet Our Team.

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Manasseh Ministry Founder/CEO

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Tisha Dillard

Manasseh Board Members

Boyega Ajayi

Manasseh Board Members

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Manasseh Board Members

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Reginald Slaughter

Manasseh Board Members

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Manasseh Board Members

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In Honor of

Mr. Halbert Sullivan

Chief Advisory Board

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Dr Carol Jackson

Advisory Board

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Staff Member

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Staff Member

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Staff Member

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Staff Member

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​Jihad Mohammad

Staff Member

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Phyllis Backus

Staff Member

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Daryl Gray

Staff Member

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