What We Do
Develop a program to reduce recidivism
We at the Genesis One Network (G1) believe that there is hope and life after incarceration. We believe in second chances, we believe in strengthening individuals, and we believe in reuniting families. Our goal is to help offenders successfully maintain a healthy, productive, and spiritually rewarding life upon re-entry into society.
Genesis One (G1) was established to work in conjunction with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to break the destructive cycle of recidivism. Our vision is to reduce failure and increase opportunities so that offenders may successfully and effectively assimilate into society as productive law-abiding citizens. This is done through both pre- and post-release programs.
Genesis One is a Christian, faith-based organization whose chapter membership is open to any offender regardless of race, age, gender, or religious preference. However, that offender must accept God into his or her life before continuing in the program. GENESIS ONE believes that without God this program will be of no value.
Build networks
- Connect the released member with an established network of available aftercare service providers in designated cities.
- Coordinates network service providers and mentors in their city of responsibility.
- Assists G1 members with mentors and service providers.
- Upon release, G1 mentors strive to assist each member in finding service providers in the following areas:
- Basic needs (food, clothing, and shelter)
- Vocational needs (job training, temporary employment, and employer contacts)
- Educational needs (academic and vocational)
- Life / spiritual needs (therapeutic, support groups, and churches)
Pre-release strategy
- Chapters are established within participating facilities throughout the state that utilize the resources already available within the Department of Corrections. For example several programs offered at participating facilities would be: Educational opportunities in literacy, adult basic education, GED, and vocational instruction. These facilities also offer such instruction as: anger management, thinking for a change, drug, and alcohol recovery support groups along with existing volunteer ministries that support several faith-based classes.
- Each new member is assisted in developing a customized Life Plan that uses existing resources that fulfill his or her needs.
- A leadership team is established consisting of offenders, the facility chaplain, and a Genesis One chapter volunteer – sponsor.
- The leadership team evaluates the progress of member’s goals and determines how they can assist them in accomplishing these goals.
- The leadership team grants final approval to members who have completed his or her program goals prior to their release.
- A life plan is developed and customized by the member in cooperation with the leadership team. The goal being a major step towards a seamless transfer from incarceration to a successful, healthy community life.
Volunteering
We always need more help when it comes to volunteering. The best way is to become a DOC volunteer. As DOC volunteer you would be able to help members who are currently incarcerated at a minimum-security, Work center, or Halfway house. Volunteers can serve as mentors, prayer partners, or real-time support systems to help them in the community when released. If you are interested in knowing more please contact Josh Gibson at Joshua.aaron.gibson@gmail.com.
Mentoring
Mentors are important to the Genesis One program because they help members transition back into society. Mentors stay in contact with members while they are incarcerated and when they are released. They stay in contact through letters, e-mails, phone calls, or just by sitting down with them over a cup of coffee. The key is to keep an open line of communication between the mentor and member. Mentors continue the accountability structure that members have learned and relied on while incarcerated and in society. For more information on mentoring please contact Josh Gibson at joshua.aaron.gibson@gmail.com
Stay connected with graduates
Oklahoma City has a potluck once a month for graduates to get together and share their successes and struggles. Some graduates have been out less than 30 days while others have been out over 10 years. This proven method of successful reintegration supporting and encouraging the newest graduates is not only rewarding but is an amazing experience to be a part of.
Proven Success!
Changed lives
Connections to faith community
Annual training