Manasseh Ministry’s Youth Leadership program is designed to reach children of incarcerated parents, both in juvenile detention and grade school, who are grappling with trauma and challenging circumstances. Through this program, the team at Manasseh shares real-life, experiential insights to show youth the potential consequences of their actions and how they can change their path. Utilizing an evidence-based curriculum, the program focuses on emotional support, building resilience, and fostering healthy relationships. By developing leadership skills, these youths are empowered to overcome their current challenges and become positive, impactful leaders in their communities.

The Returning Citizen Mentoring program at Manasseh Ministry provides personalized support to individuals returning from incarceration, ensuring they have a strong support system during their reintegration process. Tailored to meet individual needs, this initiative pairs returning citizens with mentors who offer guidance, emotional support, and practical advice to navigate the pressures of reentry. The program also emphasizes family engagement, encouraging families to actively participate in the reintegration process as a source of strength and accountability. Without a solid support system, the challenges of reentry can be overwhelming, but through this program, returning citizens have the tools and community backing they need to rebuild their lives and avoid recidivism.

Manasseh Ministry’s Reintegration Programs are designed to prepare formerly incarcerated individuals for the realities of reentering society. These courses focus on Healthy Relationships, Employment Preparedness, and Parenting Skills, equipping participants with the tools they need to rebuild their lives and maintain positive relationships after release. But this program goes deeper—it confronts the hard truths of what life post-incarceration looks like, challenging participants to seriously evaluate how prepared they are to rejoin their families, communities, and the workforce.

As part of Manasseh Ministry’s Reintegration Program, the Healthy Relationships initiative is designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to maintain and rebuild positive relationships after incarceration. Certified facilitators lead training sessions that focus on healing, communication, and relationship-building techniques, helping participants navigate the complexities of relationships during and after their time behind bars.

The EXMAD (Ex-offenders Making A Difference) Award and Scholarship Event is Manasseh Ministry’s signature fundraising initiative. This annual event raises essential funds to provide scholarships for children of incarcerated parents, ensuring they have access to educational opportunities. The event also honors the achievements of ex-offenders who have made significant contributions to their communities.

The Healing Circle for Men is a series of workshops designed to provide a safe, supportive space for dialogue and healing among currently and formerly incarcerated men. These workshops encourage participants to share their experiences, support one another, and work towards emotional recovery and reintegration into society. The reality of incarceration can be devastating—many, like an incarcerated citizen whose spouse passed away while he was behind bars, face unimaginable losses without the ability to be there for their loved ones. The Healing Circle allows men to process such grief, trauma, and challenges while building a community of mutual support. Through these workshops, participants find strength in shared experiences and work together toward emotional healing and rebuilding their lives.

The Foundations of Care program at Manasseh Ministry provides vital support to families impacted by incarceration, offering essential resources such as food, clothing, supplies, and stipends. This program helps alleviate the immediate economic hardships these families face, ensuring they can meet their basic needs during difficult times. Through a referral system, families are connected with Manasseh Ministry or, when necessary, referred to trusted partner organizations like the Urban League and the Salvation Army. The Foundations of Care program ensures that no one is left behind, extending support to those in need when resources are available. By coordinating efforts with other community organizations, this program provides a holistic safety net for those most vulnerable.

The Spiritual Growth Program at Manasseh Ministry offers voluntary religious guidance and support to those seeking spiritual enrichment during and after incarceration. Centered around weekly Bible study sessions, held every Wednesday, this program provides a space for participants to explore and strengthen their faith. While secondary to the ministry’s core services, spiritual education plays a vital role for those who find comfort and direction in their faith. The program is currently expanding its reach to local jails, offering incarcerated individuals the opportunity to deepen their spiritual journey as they work toward reintegration.

The annual Partners in Resilience summer event hosted by Manasseh Ministry provides a healing space for women who have incarcerated partners, creating an environment where they can find mutual support, share their experiences, and build resilience. This event addresses the profound emotional and social challenges these women face, including navigating difficult decisions around loyalty, infidelity, and the long-term separation from their significant others. While their loved ones are incarcerated, these women must bear the weight of waiting, visiting, and determining how to move forward with their lives.