Jail & Prison Ministry

Community Re-entry Program

Ex-offenders can be some of the most vulnerable members of our society.  Individuals released from jail or prison often return to their communities with no employment, home, or support system and need to overcome the social and psychological challenges of incarceration. 

Through a vast network of volunteer mentors and support groups, Catholic Charities’ Jail & Prison Ministry program strives to prepare and support ex-offenders as they work toward positive re-entry into family and community life.  Mentors meet with offenders in prison or jail as well as after their release to provide the needed support to resist relapse into old habits and lifestyles. 

The program helps ex-offenders establish positive relationships, experience healthy social activities, and connect with community resources that can aid in finding work, affordable housing, and meeting basic needs.

The Jail and Prison Ministry program is available throughout the Archdiocese, with Area Coordinators in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Marshalltown, Mason City,
rural Northeast Iowa, and Waterloo.