Through the years, Safer Communities Ministry (formerly Covenant Prison Ministries) has collected scores of testimonies of ex-offenders who have found new, productive lives beyond their mistakes. The challenge of life-long change is neither quick nor easy. But -- as one prisoner named Scott found -- personal motivation to change, together with step-by-step guidance and support, transforms people. He knows because his own life has been transformed. Here’s how the Safer Communities Ministry (SCM) team tells Scott’s story.

Tommy Belk, Lee Little, Clara Summerford,
Al Lewis and Terry Merrit

“I interviewed Scott just before he entered the Life Skills Program,” recalls Tommy Belk, SCM’s Programs Director. “To be admitted, a prisoner has to exhibit a desire to change his life and be committed to learning the skills necessary to be successful. Scott was ready.”

Over the course of seven weeks, Scott completed the rigorous five-day-a-week Life Skills Program. “So few prisoners have ever had a healthy role model,” shares Terry Merritt, Life Skills Program Case Manager and instructor at the Union County Jail. “This was Scott’s time to learn about areas that are key to productive living, such as character development, goal setting, anger and stress management, and family relationships.” Scott soaked it in.

Upon graduating from the Life Skills Program, Scott entered into the Total Care & Support (TC&S) phase. His information was input into the Social Solutions Data program for the purposes of supporting his progress. “We case-manage these clients,” explains Clara Summerford, SCM Administrative Assistant. Soon it was clear that Scott was ready to move to Restoration House located in Monroe, NC, where he began a 180-day program that would further his journey to becoming a responsible, contributing citizen.

“Scott took advantage of his second chance,” says Lee Little, Re-Entry Specialist and SCREEN Coordinator. “He graduated from Restoration House, which is a half way house and a SCREEN partner, and began going to school. He earned his GED with Honors, started a new job, and has since moved into his own place!”

“This is what we are about,” concludes Al Lewis, Jr., SCM Executive Director. “Rather than an aching heart, Scott has a new heart. Rather than taking from his community, he’s become a contributor and the kind of person we are all proud to call friend.”

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