Recently awarded a $13,024 grant from the Jackson EMC Foundation, Barnabas Ministries, Inc., is a faith-based organization that gives newly released inmates a second chance at life.

In addition to providing encouragement and support to inmates in prison, Barnabas Ministries also operates a transition house in Norcross where newly released men receive temporary housing, take classes, make new friends and gain the support they need to successfully transition back into society. The ministry also provides clothing and personal hygiene products, along with temporary bus fare for transportation to their jobs. In exchange for this support, the men share household duties such as painting and mowing the lawn. They also cut wood to sell; fulfill their probation and financial obligations; get jobs; and learn to save money.

Dr. Terry Buice, president of Barnabas Ministries, says the grant allows the ministry to continue their service. "The grant gives us the ability to house and pay for the rent on our center. Without it we would struggle to keep the services going to help the men in our program. "

For more information on Barnabas Ministries, please visit their Web site at  www.barnabasministriesga.org.