Our Beginnings

1982-1982

It was the first steps of one man’s personal journey that marked the beginning of this ministry. Al Lewis, Jr. was an ex-offender with a passion for bringing life-change to others who had made mistakes that led them to prison. He knew that if change did not come during incarceration, that most offenders would be back again and again.

Answering his personal call, Al began ministering to prisoners and working with those volunteers from area churches in Mecklenburg and Union Counties to equip them to do the same. He and a small group of men and women helped ex-offenders find jobs, housing, and financial training.

1982-1985

Lewis became the NC State Director for Prison Fellowship under Chuck Colson. During his three years in this role, Lewis was equipped with the leadership and executive skills required to start – and lead – a brand new ministry with a mission for impacting lives and building safer communities.

1985

The New Ministry is Organized

Covenant Prison Ministries (CPM) was formed as a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. Reverend Al Lewis was named Executive Director and his board was comprised of five men and women from the business community, together with five pastors. The board determined its Mission that would direct future growth of the ministry.

Lewis Made Chaplain

Al Lewis became a volunteer Chaplain at Charlotte Correctional Center and the Union County Jail in 1985. He served in that role at Mecklenburg County until 1987 and continues his Chaplaincy in Union County to the present.

1986-1989

CPM founded and operated Opportunity House – a half-way house facility.

1987

1987 CPM started conducting New Life Events that began holding services in North and South Carolina.

1989

Eagles Fellowships were introduced as a way of involving lay people in the lives of prisoners. Weekly small group meetings allowed group leaders and inmates to discuss character and spiritual issues while building relationships.

1992-1995

Community Alternative Punishment Program (CAPP) was initiated through a Governor’s Crime Commission grant. Youthful (18-25 year old) non-violent offenders were diverted from incarceration with intensive probation, life skills training, and employment assistance. Restitution to crime victims was part of every clients’ requirements.

1997

In the Union County Jail, CPM began an intense program called Life Skills to comprehensively equip prisoners to transition to productive lives upon release.

2001-2002

Another Governor’s Crime Commission grant documented a 50% reduction in the rate of return to Union County Jail for Life Skills program participants compared to those in the general population with no classes. The normal return rate of 60% was reduced to 28% for 35 inmates. (Taxpayer Cost Savings: $250,000 per year.)

2005

CPM hired an Ex-Offender Program Director who designed and developed the Total Care and Support (TC&S) program. TC&S is a case management follow-up program for the transition of inmates and the support of ex-offenders. TC&S began intensive effort follow up with Life Skills participants released into the community.

2006

CPM initiated the Second Chance Re-Entry Network (SCREEN), a countywide network for Union County. SCREEN started as a monthly round table discussion of agencies, non-profits, and individuals wanting to better assist ex-offenders. These meetings continue today as an important part of SCREEN's efforts.

2007

CPM received a Governor’s Crime Commission grant to hire a Re-entry Specialist / SCREEN Coordinator to assist with employment, housing, mentoring, and the coordination of services among the SCREEN partners.

2008

CPM began a concentrated effort to make all that SCREEN does in Union County into a portable toolbox for other North Carolina counties to consider. The CPM Board agrees to change the name to Safer Communities Ministry with a new logo and website in order to more effectively communicate our expanded scope. SCREEN has now become an adaptable menu of ideas, strategies, programs, tools, and services that are offered by Safer Communities Ministry. In Union County SCREEN partners utilize different parts of the toolbox according to their needs. Contacts in Mecklenburg and other surrounding counties have been initiated along with presentations and volunteer Life Coach training events. Contacts and collaboration with other re-entry ministries and community agencies across North Carolina are in progress.