Curriculum Review of Preparing for Success on the Outside

Curriculum Review of Preparing for Success on the Outside

By Sarah Barton, FASTEN Editorial Staff, 2005

Preparing for Success on the Outside is a four-month, Biblically based course for inmates preparing for their release from prison.  Developed by Reverend John Leonardson, formerly of Exodus Ministries, this curriculum received the 2003 Texas Governor’s award for Most Innovative Program.  It provides instructors with teaching guidelines and handouts for participants.

This curriculum, which is intended to be adaptable and flexible, provides a suggested outline, but the instructor may determine the order of presentation.  This course, which is for groups of inmates meeting on a weekly basis, was developed to help them prepare for their transition back to society and family. It also seeks to encourage inmates to be positive and to recover successfully from the mistakes they made that led to their incarceration.  The course’s primary objective is to help inmates make plans for their lives following release, setting realistic goals. 

The first section, dealing with attitudes, prepares the instructor to present Scriptural teaching about stewardship, the danger of negative thinking, the consequences of compulsive and addictive behavior, the importance of honesty, anger management, being a Christian in prison, and good attitudes toward work.

Next, the manual provides instruction about finances and will equip the inmates to prepare a budget, determine the amount they will need to earn to support themselves, and to keep a checkbook.  Worksheets and exercises are provided to enable the inmates to learn these skills.

In the employment section, the manual provides instruction and handouts to help inmates learn how to create resumes, have a successful interview, use a pre-employment application, write a thank-you letter, and keep a job search chart.  Another helpful resource provided in this section is the “MentorCare Work Survey.” This tool enables inmates to understand themselves and their interests better, in order to aid them in choosing a job they will enjoy.

The next section addresses the need for inmates to set realistic, Christ-centered goals to help them live successfully outside of prison and to avoid returning.  The importance of having a mentor to support them while they pursue these goals is emphasized.  Inmates are guided through the goal-setting process and eventually develop their own “Action Plan.” 

The manual provides additional teaching materials, resources, and small group activities to promote discussion.  A CD containing all forms and other information is also available.  Preparing for Success on the Outside may be ordered from John Leonardson, MentorCare Ministries, 1808 Chattanooga Dr., Bedford, TX76022, (817)688-4044, www.mentorcare.org.