Regional Criminal Justice Ministry Center of South Texas

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"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Then the King will reply, tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for me.

Matthew 25: 35,36,40 It is the goal of the Criminal Justice Ministry Visitor Center to provide a comfortable place to wait while visiting an inmate. We hope to alleviate some of the stress that is involved with this process. We should strive to be a living witness of what Jesus Christ has done in our lives and provides a loving and welcome environment for both visitors and TDCJ personnel. We will treat each person with dignity and respect regardless of race, color, nationality or religious affiliation.

1. Volunteers must be born again Christians and have a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Each volunteer must be a member in good standing with a local church.
3. No controversial, questionable doctrine or denominational persuasions should be taught.
4. Emphasize the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
5. Tracts, booklets, testimonials, study books, etc., Should focus on the simple gospel message of Jesus Christ and his saving power. All literature handed out should have the approval of senior chaplain from TDCJ.
6. Each volunteer must attend, Texas Department of Criminal Justice " volunteer training and orientation" provided by the criminal justice system and/or orientation provided at the center.
7. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.

Visitor Center Program objectives....

1. Facilitate family visits by constructing a facility outside TDCJ unit Garza units, Beeville, Texas that includes an indoor play area, a snack area, restroom facilities, counseling facilities, reading area, clothes closet and family waiting area. This objective was met on March 1, 1997 with the opening of the Family Visitor Center.
2. Facilitate visits and reduce stress associated with visits by maintaining a clothes closet for visitors that come inappropriately dressed and for families in need of clothing. This is being done on a weekly basis.
3. Reduce stress in children visiting the Family Visitor Center by providing appropriate outlets for children in a stress free environment. This is being done with indoor play area, volunteers who are available to read or visit with children and parents. Stuffed animals available to children to take home with them. Do Reduce stress associated with prison visiting by providing visitors with assistance in understanding visitation rules, obtaining proper clothing and provide support information to improve communications. Volunteers work in support of the TDCJ staff. Lines of communication are always open for ways to better serve our visitors.
4. Create a stress free and supportive environment to lessen the feelings of isolation and loneliness experienced by families and loved ones of inmates. At a later date we plan to have visitor evaluate the Center to see if we are in fact meeting their needs.

Family contact and support is extremely important during incarceration. It is prisoner's outside link to the free world. It is his hope for the future.

Strong family ties not only make a difference in their daily life and management of the prisoner on the inside, but in his future success on the outside as well.

You are all a blessing.

Regional Criminal Justice Center of South Texas -  Texas non-profit - 501 (c) (3) status by the l.R.S.