Jail Ministry
BLOC’s outreach to male inmates is the primary focus of our Men’s Ministry.
This ministry attempts to build personal relationships with those who are searching
for another way. We provide relational
resources to help men learn more about living a Christ-centered life. The men’s
Jail Ministry works in partnership with Mary’s Bridge, The LIT Movement and
Celebrate Recovery, among others. Efforts are focused on the Warren and Butler
County jails, as well as the Ohio State Prison in Lebanon.
BLOC’s outreach to female inmates is an extension of the Weightless Anchor
day shelter, a first-line intervention for women in prostitution, trap houses, addiction and sex-trafficking. Jail
time is sometimes a blessing, as it leaves our ladies clean and able to think
clearly for the first time in years. When one of our ladies goes to jail, we
have women pastors specifically authorized to visit and counsel them.
Being an
encouragement through face-to-face pastoral visits, being present at court
hearings and providing the ladies we first met at Weightless Anchor with Bibles
and devotionals while they are incarcerated gives them a real and lasting hope for the future.
Through relationships with courts and local judges, we work together to move women from jail to probation with the necessary supports, services and interventions to keep them safe and drug free. From there, we offer them the opportunity to become a part of
BLOC’s Redeemed House and long-term programs placing them on the road to recovery, hope, well being and lifelong success.
How You Can Support Jail Ministry
For any further inquiries please contact: Joanne Stehura: joanne.stehura@onebloc.org 513-238-0104 or Lisa Jones: lisa.jones@onebloc.org 571-344-3920 for women's jail ministry and Steve Fullam: steve.fullam@onebloc.org for men's jail ministry.
"I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." - Matthew 25: 36-40