Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Lake County Jail Ministry. They go behind bars to meet inmates where they are in hopes that lives will be changed and communities transformed. And they participate in Community Life Groups that come along side a former inmate brother or sister to offer loving acceptance, practical advice and helpful connections.

The Lake County Jail Ministry is currently looking for volunteers to to serve on Community Life Groups. We believe in living out the restorative power of forgiveness and reconciliation as taught by Jesus Christ. We recognize that formerly incarcerated  individuals have paid the price of their crimes and deserve the chance to be fully restored to their communities. We coordinate community life groups of motivated volunteers to provide healthy, supportive relationships that inspire hope for a better life and decrease recidivism.

Community Life volunteers model genuine, family-like relationships built on trust. As part of a Community Life Group they are committed to helping formerly incarcerated individuals set achievable goals toward healthy family and community life. Community Life volunteers bring their own networks and life experiences to the group and work as a team to bring hope to an individual whose life has been interrupted by crime and  incarceration.

Each Community Life Group meets once a week for one year in friendship to help the former inmate achieve small steps to success in moving forward with their lives. Volunteers receive 10 hours of training to prepare for the experience. If you are interested in joining a Community Life Group and would like additional information, sign up for an upcoming informational session here: