Outreach Prisoner Reentry And Mentor Program

For newly released prisoners, entering back into society can sometimes be difficult, but with the help of one local pastor that may become a little easier.

On Sunday,  an installation ceremony was held for the Outreach Prisoner Reentry and Mentor Program, in Guntown, where it has now become established as the headquarter for North Mississippi.

Giving a second chance is what the Outreach Prisoner Reentry and Mentor Program is all about.

For newly released prisoners, it can be tough when they first get out, and know one knows that better than Pastor Tony Sanford who started the program.

“I was a crack addict, I was on the streets, had no where to go. I’m from Memphis Tennessee, and at that time programs like this own wasn’t available to help,” Sanford said.

Sanford has now been sober for over 25 years. But from his past experiences, he know the challenges former inmates face when getting out.

“The biggest obstacle is finding a job,” he said.

That’s why Sanford decided to take it upon himself to start this program.

“This program consists of fatherhood initiative, job skill training, anger management, G-E-D, and soft skills classes,” he said.

Since Sanford has started the program he has seen a 98 percent success rate.

Billy Wall is a recipient of the program, and said he was headed for self destruction until he began the program.

“Well it enhanced my skills as far as learning and knowledge, it enhanced my skills to do right and to do better, to further my education, the more you know the further you can go, cause if you not educated, you can’t really do anywhere,” Wall said.

In the end, Sanford says he wants to change the perspective on how people look at former inmates, and he has a message for those who may be struggling to get on the right path.

“This Ministry is here for you, we represent Jesus Christ and we represent the whole total man, sometimes all men and women need is a second chance to know I can do something better with my life,” Sanford said.

Classes for the Outreach Prisoner Reentry and Mentor Program will begin the second week in January.

If anyone is interested in signing up for the program visit vineyardstreetministry.com