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Navigating The Four-SevenFirst off, we’re stoked you even came to this page!
The life-change that we witness and experience in this ministry is fueled by people like you. We know the idea of volunteering inside a prison may lead to questions you didn't even think to ask. We've got you covered! We've included FAQs below with some insight. Don’t see an answer to something you are wondering? We're happy to answer it... just submit it below! |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I volunteer?
So you’re interested in volunteering? Thank you for leaning into that little nudge from God and saying “yes” – even if you don’t know where that “yes” will lead.
First and foremost, even if you are considering being a volunteer, you need to attend a training. Why? Well, it’s required by the state of Ohio, but also so you know exactly what is being asked of our volunteers. And, hey, if you go to the training and decide this isn’t for you, that’s totally okay too.
Sign up for training right here.
First and foremost, even if you are considering being a volunteer, you need to attend a training. Why? Well, it’s required by the state of Ohio, but also so you know exactly what is being asked of our volunteers. And, hey, if you go to the training and decide this isn’t for you, that’s totally okay too.
Sign up for training right here.
Can I volunteer if I have a criminal background?
Yes you can! In fact, if you’ve been previously incarcerated, you have a powerful story that men and women on the inside can immediately connect with. To join us on the inside, you cannot be on parole or probation.
If you have a criminal record, the prison’s Warden will have the final say. Though, with that being said, we have dozens of returned citizens serving in prison with us. The States in which we serve greatly value released individuals returning to prison as volunteers.
Have questions? Let us know. Or sign up for training and we can walk you through it!
If you have a criminal record, the prison’s Warden will have the final say. Though, with that being said, we have dozens of returned citizens serving in prison with us. The States in which we serve greatly value released individuals returning to prison as volunteers.
Have questions? Let us know. Or sign up for training and we can walk you through it!
What can male volunteers wear inside?
- Approved Four–Seven attire such as t-shirts, collared shirts, jackets with Four-Seven logos are acceptable.
- Please avoid wearing blue denim shirts or neon orange/green shirts.
- Collared shirt with sleeves, preferably plain, but a small logo is acceptable. No cut-off shirts are permitted.
- Jeans without holes, no shorts and no sandals.
- No camouflage or sports logo clothing.
- Business Casual attire is the preferred standard.
What can female volunteers wear inside?
- Approved Four-Seven attire such as t-shirts, collared shirts, jackets with Four-Seven logo are acceptable.
- Please avoid wearing blue denim shirts or neon orange/green shirts.
- Limited and simple jewelry.
- Conservative top with sleeves. No sleeveless, low cut or transparent tops will be permitted. On shirts, a small logo is acceptable.
- Dresses, skirts, shorts, yoga pants/leggings, tight fitting pants, capris and high-heels are prohibited.
- Due to the sensitivity of the metal detectors, undergarments should not contain any metal or underwire.(Sports bras are highly recommended)
- Jeans without holes and close-toed shoes (no sandals).
- No camouflage or sports logo clothing.
- Business Casual attire is the preferred standard.
What can I bring inside?
- Must have driver’s license or state issued photo ID.
- Can bring in one car key/with key fob.
- If you have received a procedure that will set off the metal detector (such as an artificial hip), you must provide a letter from your surgeon/physician paperwork to present upon each entry at the institutions. Without this paperwork, you will be denied entry.
- Permitted to bring in one notebook and pen (notebook cannot have a zipper).
- Sealed bottle of water only.
- Other drinks, such as fast food beverages and coffee, are prohibited.
- All other materials (including cell phone, fitbits, smart watches, wallets, etc.) must be left in your locked car.
Can I volunteer in a prison of the opposite sex?
Absolutely.
We encourage men to volunteer alongside women in female prisons and women to volunteer alongside men in male prisons.
Why? Simple – we want to replicate our communities to those behind bars. It’s important for men to have healthy interactions with women. And for some men, that means modeling their behaviors toward women based on what they see from our male volunteers.
For women, we know that roughly nine out of ten who come to prison have had some form of abuse from men in their past. It is important for them to experience safe, healthy relationships with our male volunteers.
With all of this being said there are two important details – men serving in female prisons will always be accompanied by a female volunteer and females serving in male prisons will always be accompanied by a male volunteer.
We encourage men to volunteer alongside women in female prisons and women to volunteer alongside men in male prisons.
Why? Simple – we want to replicate our communities to those behind bars. It’s important for men to have healthy interactions with women. And for some men, that means modeling their behaviors toward women based on what they see from our male volunteers.
For women, we know that roughly nine out of ten who come to prison have had some form of abuse from men in their past. It is important for them to experience safe, healthy relationships with our male volunteers.
With all of this being said there are two important details – men serving in female prisons will always be accompanied by a female volunteer and females serving in male prisons will always be accompanied by a male volunteer.
Can I volunteer if I have a loved one in prison?
Yes, you can. However, there is a big stipulation – you cannot volunteer at a prison that houses your loved one, or an inmate that you visit, correspond with directly (JPay, email, mail, phone, etc.), or are in communication regularly with their immediate family.
Have questions? Ask us and we’ll be happy to help.
Have questions? Ask us and we’ll be happy to help.
How can my loved one get involved in Four-Seven programs?
First, check out the locations where Four-Seven is currently active right here. Next, if your loved one is at one of those prisons, encourage them to send a kite to their Chaplain and ask to be put on a pass for one of our programs (we suggest starting with Crossroads Anywhere ).
Should an individual need assistance, please encourage them to ask their Chaplain for contact information. Chaplains have information about religious services and how to contact The Four-Seven for reentry assistance.
If your loved one not at one of those locations... No worries, we have a team of letter writers who would be happy to connect with them from afar. Just drop us a line and let us know you’re interested.
Should an individual need assistance, please encourage them to ask their Chaplain for contact information. Chaplains have information about religious services and how to contact The Four-Seven for reentry assistance.
If your loved one not at one of those locations... No worries, we have a team of letter writers who would be happy to connect with them from afar. Just drop us a line and let us know you’re interested.
As a volunteer, can I have communication with someone once they are released?
We want to ensure we are helping returning individuals be successful upon their release from prison. Part of that means that it is important their success and their walk with Christ is not dependent upon just one person.
With that in mind, we ask our volunteers to refrain from providing assistance to individuals for six months after their release. That means no house visits, car rides, purchases, donations, etc.
However, many returning individuals join us at church, AA meetings, or even come back in to serve. There are ways for us to continue seeing them and building into them – we just want to make sure we are doing it in a healthy way.
Please email us for clarification, if you have a specific request or concern. These policies aren’t in place to hurt relationships, but instead are in place to ensure we are properly assisting our brothers and sisters.
Our reentry team is designed to provide thorough support to those leaving prison – that means finding housing, locating jobs, getting a driver’s license, etc.
Should you have questions, please reach out to our Reentry Coordinator , at [email protected]
With that in mind, we ask our volunteers to refrain from providing assistance to individuals for six months after their release. That means no house visits, car rides, purchases, donations, etc.
However, many returning individuals join us at church, AA meetings, or even come back in to serve. There are ways for us to continue seeing them and building into them – we just want to make sure we are doing it in a healthy way.
Please email us for clarification, if you have a specific request or concern. These policies aren’t in place to hurt relationships, but instead are in place to ensure we are properly assisting our brothers and sisters.
Our reentry team is designed to provide thorough support to those leaving prison – that means finding housing, locating jobs, getting a driver’s license, etc.
Should you have questions, please reach out to our Reentry Coordinator , at [email protected]
Can I have communication with someone in prison if I am an approved inside volunteer?
Simply put, no, you cannot have communication with an inmate who is incarcerated at a prison in which you serve as volunteer. That means no phone calls, no emails, no letters, no communication with inmate family, no financial support to the inmate or inmate’s family, no legal advice, and no written letters of support for parole or probation hearings. All current communication with an inmate at any facility will have to be disclosed on a Nexus form prior to your approval.
Can I still be a volunteer if I don't want to serve inside?
Absolutely ! We've a number of opportunities - like helping with the Christmas Miracle, GoLocal, Families, Re-entry and our newest ministry, HOPE Letters:writing to those incarcerated men and women who will be returning to society in the next year or so.