Renewing Homes ~ Renewing Lives!

For the last seven years, Daniel's thoughts were consumed with reuniting with his wife and two precious daughters. Even though incarcerated for seven years, Daniel would tell you he was absent from his family for nearly a decade. He would have never imagined that a simple dental procedure gone awry would lead to a deadly pain-pill addiction, the loss of his construction company, and his eventual imprisonment.

Thankfully, Daniel's cellmate invited him to sign up for a FOCUS Ministries class hosted at the Morgan County Correctional Complex. Daniel had attended church as a kid, but this experience was different. One day after class Daniel talked with Ben, a FOCUS volunteer who gave up personal family time each week to share the freedom one can find in a relationship with God. For the first time in years, Daniel felt hope for the future. This hope and newfound trust in God grew exponentially until his eventual release.

Daniel's home-plan required a halfway house program. He was approved to enter the FOCUS New Beginnings Reentry Program. After hearing about poor transition experiences from other men inside, Daniel hoped the FOCUS house would be different. Not only was it different, it was also exactly what he needed.

The FOCUS home felt just like that, a home. When he arrived, he discovered he had his own room and a welcome-basket filled with sheets, towels, socks, and more. FOCUS staff members encouraged Daniel's recovery, prayed for him and his family, and transported him to work until he could get his license reinstated. The community he found with men in the house strengthened Daniel's resolve to be the best husband and father possible.

Daniel later told a FOCUS mentor that during one-year's time he had gone from the cold institution of prison to the brotherhood of the FOCUS family. He confirmed it was the home he needed to prepare him to be a true leader for his wife and girls when he got home.

Because of generosity like yours, FOCUS has been able to provide dignified reentry housing that surpasses the simple roof and rent mentality. The goal will always be to provide a warm and safe, Christ-centered home environment where students can concentrate on faith, family, sobriety, and long-term success.

While FOCUS reentry homes aim to rise above halfway house standards, the buildings themselves are aging and much of the furnishings are showing a decade of wear and tear. Walls need to be painted, furniture needs replaced, and common spaces like living rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms require repairs and updating.

During this season of giving, would you please consider supporting the FOCUS Home for Christmas Project? Every dollar donated will be used to provide a quality home for others just like Daniel before they return home for good! This project is extremely important and we can not accomplish this task on our own. Your gift is needed! We thank you in advance for your prayers and continued support.

In Christ,

Shawn Stutz

FOCUS Ministries, Executive Director

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FOCUS MINISTRIES OVERVIEW

Thousands of men and women will enter an East Tennessee state or county correctional facility this year. On the inside, many will feel hopeless. Plus, upon release, many will not have the needed tools or support needed for long-term success.

A Vision of HOPE
FOCUS Ministries is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that fosters hope by providing a Pathway to New Beginnings for the incarcerated of Knoxville and East Tennessee.

Delivering HOPE
FOCUS Ministries leads the incarcerated on a Pathway to New Beginnings by:

Inspiring men and women inside the walls through strategic, values-based programming
Empowering men and women outside the walls through therapeutic community, assistive agency partnerships, and workplace reintegration
Reunifying families through intentional visitations and strategic long-term success plans

HOME for CHRISTMAS

By FOCUS Ministries

HOME for CHRISTMAS

A Reentry Renovation Project

Team Members