New Mornings Reentry Services
Just one transformed life is a stepping stone to a transformed community...
It is our mission to break the cycle of incarceration in our community through the transforming love of Jesus Christ.
We provide information, practical services, and mentoring to incarcerated and previously incarcerated people, offering hope and help where possible.
We also connect members of the Body of Christ with our clients to better meet individual needs and to edify our community as a whole.
Please check out our latest newsletter here, and sign up to receive future ones: New Mornings eNewsletter.
In Prison Ministries
Prison is an adult “time out.” It takes away the constant noise of the world, allowing its residents to see the consequences of their poor choices and reflect on what and WHO really matters. We have the privilege of coming alongside them during this time, providing hope and sharing the unconditional love of God. Since the Pandemic hit in March 2020, Chester County Prison (CCP) remains closed to all outside groups, which means, no Bible studies, AA or NA, GED classes, or even Chapel services.
However, we to continue to minister through correspondence, cards and more! Personal mail is TREASURED in prison. Knowing this, Scripture-based Cards of Encouragement are an integral part of our ministry. We send them weekly based on names given to us by the Chaplain's office. We also send them to men or anyone who requests them, regardless of the prison in which they're currently incarcerated. In addition, dedicated members of our team personally write to inmates and, when allowed, we send in Bible studies for the women to complete in their cells. While not the same as face to face, all of this helps us feel connected and let the women of CCP know they are not forgotten.
We eagerly await and pray for Chester County Prison's reopening so we may resume the following services in person...
Women’s Discovery Group, led weekly by a team of New Mornings volunteers and staff inside CCP's work release center. During this time, we focus on God’s Word in a small group environment. Because it's a small group, we're able to foster caring relationships with those who attend through One-on-One Mentorship and then continue those relationships when they return home—where they must learn to balance the noise of the world with their new found clarity in Christ.
Fresh Start, also led weekly by a team of New Mornings volunteers and staff inside CCP's work release center. Fresh Start is an 8-week life skills course--something which was requested by the women as they prepare to return home. Through practical guidance, prayer, and foundational faith-based principles demonstrated in Scripture, this course teaches those who are incarcerated to think differently. It also prepares them to make positive choices when they return to their families and communities.
Reentry / Community Ministries
Through the generosity of individuals in our community and local churches, we offer Men’s & Women’s Grace Bags to our clients when they are released from prison or come to our office for assistance. These reusable bags include toiletry items, a devotional and a few clothing or luxury items to demonstrate God’s grace and provision while starting fresh. If you are interested in helping meet this ongoing need, click Grace Bags List to see what goes in each bag and review the instructions. (Please note, we also happily accept individual items on the list.)
At Christmas, we partner with local church congregations and the Chaplain’s office to provide gifts to the children of women at the Chester County Prison through our version of Angel Tree. We encourage personal interaction between sponsors and our Angel Tree families, and make sure that each family receives a Bible for their child(ren), in addition to gifts. This year, we want to take it even a step further, raising money to bless those caring for the children with gift cards. If you are interested in participating or learning more, click HERE for Angel Tree 2022.
Prison Volunteer Training
Did you know that 68% of ex-offenders return to prison within just 3-4 years? The barriers they face are overwhelming. Having a mentor to serve as a friend, accountability partner, guide and cheerleader is key to a successful reentry. Recognizing this, we’ve partnered with ReTURNing Hearts under the Chaplain’s office to develop and offer Prison & Reentry Mentor Training to ALL religious volunteers at Chester County Prison as a first step toward addressing this need. Our trainings are currently on pause along with the prison, but once it's ready to reopen to volunteers, our trainings will resume again in earnest. We are also actively researching and preparing for additional trainings to better equip our volunteers on needed areas, such as, the effects of trauma, maintaining healthy boundaries, and addiction.
Get Involved
Stay informed... Like us on Facebook and sign up to receive our quarterly New Mornings eNewsletter. We also have a downloadable New Mornings Brochure available to print.
Volunteer... See our LTM Volunteer Application , and email our Prison Ministry Coordinator, Michelle Manthey, HERE.
Partner Financially... As a faith-based ministry, we rely on financial partners to keep our ministry going. Our missionaries (Heather Albrecht, acct #25, & Michelle Manthey, acct #38) must also raise support. If you feel led to partner with us, you can donate securely through our website using the button at the top of this page--just make sure to designate your gift in the drop down menu. If you plan to give monthly, consider setting up an automatic monthly withdraw using this form: ETF . Want to give by check? Make your check payable to LTM and send it to: LTM, PO Box 29, Coatesville, PA 19320. Write "New Mornings" or our missionary's account number in the memo line or on a separate piece of paper.
New Mornings Reentry Services | 645 E Lincoln Highway | Mail: P.O. Box 29, Coatesville, PA 19320 | Phone: 610.384.5393