Inside prison groups
THE EAGLES NEST JOURNAL MEETING is a cornerstone of the Montana Re-Entry Program. It is designed to provide participants with a safe and supportive environment to explore personal growth, faith, and practical skills for reintegration into society. These discussions foster self-reflection, spiritual renewal, and the development of healthy habits and relationships, laying the groundwork for successful reentry into the community.
Program Details
EAGLES NEST JOURNAL
1. Purpose and Goals
Purpose:
To guide participants through faith-based discussions that inspire hope, personal accountability, and practical preparation for life outside of incarceration.Goals:
- Foster spiritual growth and character development.
- Equip participants with tools for navigating challenges post-release.
- Promote healthier relationships with family, community, and God.
2. Program Structure
Frequency:
Weekly sessions, lasting approximately 90–120 minutes.Group Size:
Small groups of 8–12 participants to encourage open dialogue and personal connection.Location:
Inside the prison facility’s chapel or designated group discussion area.Facilitators:
- Volunteer mentors trained in faith-based counseling.
- Members of the Montana Re-Entry Program team.
- Occasionally, guest speakers, including community leaders, pastors, or former participants who have successfully reintegrated.
3. Session Components
Each session is divided into key segments to maximize engagement and impact:
a. Opening Prayer and Check-In:
- Start with a prayer to invite God’s presence and guidance.
- Allow participants to share updates, concerns, or victories from the past week.
b. Faith-Based Discussion:
- Focus on a selected Bible verse or theme, such as forgiveness, redemption, or hope.
- Example topics:
- Ezekiel 36:26: “Renewing the Heart and Spirit”
- Jeremiah 29:11: “God’s Plan for a Hopeful Future”
- 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Becoming a New Creation in Christ”
- Facilitate discussions around how the theme applies to participants’ lives and choices.
c. Character Building Activities:
- Journaling exercises to reflect on personal growth and goals.
- Role-playing scenarios to practice conflict resolution and healthy communication.
- Group discussions on overcoming adversity and building a positive mindset.
d. Closing Reflection and Prayer:
- Summarize key takeaways from the session.
- Invite participants to share their reflections or prayer requests.
- Conclude with a group prayer focused on strength, hope, and transformation.
Engage
Annual Reentry Success Summit
1. Program Structure
Pathways to re-entry is a three day class. The Department of corrections recognize the class as a course of study that is vital to guys getting ready to re-enter into society.
We have 15-20 volunteers. Some of them teach the sessions at the class while others sit at small group tables with participants to coach through the materials being taught.
2. Session Components
There are 9 critical sessions that are taught over the three days.
- Hopes and Challenges
- Choices
- Friends and support groups
- Stress
- Relationships
- Forgiveness
- Goals and self-worth
- Budgeting
- Employment
3. Additional Details
- Each student receives a student manual with all the above sessions for personal note taking.
- Each session is geared towards teaching, group engagement and table exercises for the session being taught.
- Lunch and dinner are eaten together
- The group shares throughout the days with each other their struggles, hopes, and goals for when they are released.
- The unity formed is a lifelong investment that continues to yield benefits well beyond the conclusion of the class.
- At the end of class on day three each student that attended and participated in class receives a certificate with the director of programing signature along with the director of MT re-entry’s signature. Each student gets a photo with said leadership.
Support and Participation
# 01
Volunteer:
Serve as a mentor or workshop facilitator to guide participants through this critical transition period.
# 02
Donate
Contributions fund program materials, transportation, and mentorship opportunities.
# 03
Partner
Collaborate with local businesses, churches, and housing providers to expand resources for participants.
