​For all those who would ask, what do I do? As a Volunteer Prison Chaplain, I interact with men who are in their last stage of prison, and are about to enter the Free World. I am there to encourage, educate and inform them so that they are better prepared, and never go back to prison again!
I have received many calls lately from men I spent time with who said without Chaplains coming in and offering Hope, they would be back in prison.
Here is a picture of what I would call success! Richard is pictured here who just purchased a home. He did 20 years in prison and has been out almost a year, and is on the Right Track! If you ask Richard, who found God in prison, that is who gets All of the Glory. I am doing a job I did not seek; God pointed me to where I am. I am very proud of Richard, and very Thankful to God for Everything!! Here is a pic of his house:

“Be a Winner Program” By: Gary McNamara for Help One Save One
W – Wise
I – Instruction to
N – Negotiate
N – Never
E – Ever
R – Returning to Prison
 
Mission Statement: This program is being developed for men who have a strong desire to never return to prison! It will help guide and support the newly released in order to start and sustain a happy, peaceful, and productive life.
 
Objective:  This program is designed to help reduce the recidivism rate, which, based on differing models and measurements is anywhere from 60 to 75%. This program requires a 12 month commitment which starts the day of their release from prison. This is a no-compromise program; you’re either “in” or “out”. This program will require much effort, time, sacrifice and unconditional love from ALL involved, so consideration of such is paramount! Philippians 4:13: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength” (NLT). “No man is an island…..loneliness is a choice”
 
The Product/Program: The first 24 hours upon release are Imperative!

• Housing is provided through this program.
• First two weeks are FREE, and then the cost is $125.00 per week.
• Each returning citizen must meet with their parole/probation officer.
• Each person must contact their home church or establish a home church.
• Each person must set an initial meeting to establish their accountability team. The purpose of this team is to guide, support, and directs you in achieving your pre-determined goals.
• Items to be discussed with your accountability team will be: appointments, fines, driver’s license status, community service requirements, ALL stipulations of parole/probation, budget, transportation, job opportunities-employment, weaknesses, addictions, etc. Everything must be on the table!
• Each person must agree to attend daily/weekly AA/NA meeting, celebrate recovery. Do you have a sponsor?
• Each person must agree to a one year commitment to exclude any intimate relationships with the opposite sex.
• Each person must agree to stay away from, completely, from drugs and alcohol.
• Each person must agree that any major decision must be run by your accountability team first, at your weekly meetings.
• Each person must attend church once a week

 
This is a program of give and receive: Luke 12:48:
“When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been trusted with much, even more will be required”. (NLT).
 
As a result of a second chance at life, you will be expected to assist and help others whenever necessary.
Galatians 5:13: “For you have been called to live in freedom, not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love”. (NLT). “Glorify God through loving service to others”. (Commentary notes NLT).
 
The Issue: 60-75% recidivism in the state of Georgia: Why?

• No rehabilitation programs available in prison
• Drug use and abuse at an all time high
• Minimum/poor counseling due to the volume of inmates
• Very little guidance and direction
• Little or no accountability
• Little or no guidance available upon release

 
The Solution: Assist the inmate with an exit plan, and set-up a support system to help these men survive and succeed!
How: Implement a structured, organized, attainable goal oriented program by marrying released returning citizens with accountability partners and churches, mutually working together very closely for a minimum of one year after release, hopefully resulting in a lifetime of authentic, prosperous relationship with God first and then everyone else. The only stipulation to this program is the released, returning citizen must have a willing desire to do whatever it takes to get it right, and stay right.
 
 
 
Expectations of the accountability team:

• Review each exit plan, modify if necessary
• Assist in prioritizing responsibilities
• Help schedule and manage time
• Assist with transportation if needed
• Assist with finances and budget
• Encourage the men and help them stay focused
• Meet with each candidate weekly, more if necessary to ensure their goals are materializing smoothly

 
Giving back to the community: Mandatory for each candidate:

• Help around your home church whenever needed
• Help other members of the congregation with any needs
• Take time to talk to troubled teens who may be struggling or are headed down the wrong road
• Help promote the “Be a Winner Program”
• Help with some of the new releases coming to the church
• Become one of God’s children, witness to others and continue to lead as the Lord guides you and asks you

 
Initial needs of the ministry:

• Funding for a facility that will house 50-100 men
• 5 to 10 full-time employees
• 25 to 50 volunteers
• 3 to 5 vans that will be an initial asset for transportation
• 5 to 15 AA/NA coaches
• Counselors to help with potential mental issues
• Many partnerships with churches and ministries to share resources
• Partnerships with potential employers and staffing agencies  

I have been lax in posting this year. 2020 has been quite a year! I have been unable to go into prisons due to Covid-19. I do, however, stay in touch with many who are back in the Free World that I spent time with in prison. Many are doing quite well, and another one just bought a home after serving 20 years in prison! Praise God for guiding that man!

I am going to post an ask, which I rarely do. I am at a point that I can no longer work for Free! I need to earn an income, and, unfortunately, this ministry has not brought in enough for even a small salary. I do this ministry by myself. This does not help with going after grants. I don't have enough to qualify for most grants, nor do I know anyone who can help me write them. 

I have a housing plan, written by a man who was in prison and came to my classes at Clayton Transitional Center; it has his name on it. I will attach that plan for all to read. If I had a hotel or some housing, I could implement that program. God put another thought into my mind. If we had the donations and help, we could also advocate for those who get out and have a burden with a long probation period, as well as, those who are wrongly convicted. Every year we hear of many who are released that serve 20+ years that were innocent. Movies have been made about these men! That breaks my heart!!

How awesome would it be if we had housing and transportation for these men upon release. Wat if we also had mental health services, jobs, and whatever else these men would need upon release. Not only would it reduce the prison expense for Georgia, which runs about $1.5 Billion per year, but it may also help save a family! How can we want success for our own families, without wanting that for other families! I don't want to be called a Hypocrite. This work is the best job I have ever had. I don't want to stop, and we will soon be able to resume our prison work. I am asking all who view this website and my Facebook page to let others know so that we can raise the necessary funds to effect real Change for men coming out of prison!!  God Bless!   

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​As I was looking for a job today, I got a call from a man I spent a lot of time with at Clayton TC, his last stage of prison. He Thanked me for giving him a spirit of Hope! He has now been out for over a year, has written a book that is for sale, and he has taken it to Tyler Perry to see if he will make a movie out of the book.
One of our jobs as Chaplains is to give these men hope by helping them process and get past their mistake and look forward to what God has for their future. This ministry has not brought in enough to make a living on, so I am looking for a job. I don't want another job, I am doing what God wants me to do; this ministry was not my idea, I did not even come-up with the name. It all came about from a man doing a life sentence at Phillips State Prison!!
Right now we cannot go into prisons because of Coved-19, but I stay in touch with and counsel several men who are back in the FREE world. Many times we get together for a meal and discuss any issues and celebrate their successes!! One of which just purchased a home. He served 20 years in prison, and he found God while in prison. I would say that is coming full-circle. I pray that God will provide so I can continue to do HIS work!!