“[We are] building safer communities by transforming the lives of inmates, ex-offenders, those struggling with addiction, and their families. Communities will be safer when the broken find healing, takers become givers, and tax liabilities become tax paying, law abiding citizens.”
~ Reverend Al Lewis, Jr., SCM Founder
Our mission to reform lives, rebuild families, restore communities and renew hope for justice-involved people began in 1985 by Reverend Al Lewis Jr. Since that time, we’ve evolved to expand our reach through the development of several effective programs. In 2015, Al appointed Reverend Daryl Oliver to succeed him as the Executive Director of Safer Communities Ministry.
Through God’s grace and our staff, volunteers, and community partners, these programs have proven to succeed in many ways—not the least of which is reducing recidivism to our current 2-year rate* of 11% (national average is 44%). We’re certain that our impact goes far beyond what we can ever know or measure.
And after nearly 40 years, we’re just getting started…
Reverend Alfred Lewis Jr. founded. CPM. Conducted weekend New Life Crusade events in prisons and youth detention centers in NC & SC.
Life Skills Program established for male inmates in Union County Jail. Program designed to equip inmates with the skills and resources to forge a better life upon release.
CPM initiated the Second Chance Re-entry Network. A formal network of government agencies, non-profits, churches and individuals eager to help ex- offenders transition to a happier, more productive life in society.
Covenant Prison Ministry officially becomes Safer Communities Ministry.
Life Skills Program for men proved successful in reducing recidivism, so it was extended to include female inmates.
An outreach program for children with an incarcerated or drug addicted parent was beginning to develop, starting with annual Christmas Celebration. The Christmas Celebration provides gifts to the children and ministering to the families.
The children's outreach efforts became a full-time program, called Shine: Designed to meet the emotional, social, academic and spiritual needs of children. Caregiver mentorship offered too.
Coming Soon! A central hub in Stanly County offering addiction, family, reentry and community engagement services.
*Current recidivism rate based on Union County Jail Life Skills graduates from 2022 – 2024 (YTD).