FAQS (Frequently Asked Questions about FreedomWorks)

Who does FreedomWorks work with?

We work primarily with men who have come out of prison. When we can, we also help the families of those men.

Former offenders participate in our activities and services and some also choose to move into our housing facility. The activities and services are a very crucial and make up the major portion of our ministry.

How long can a participant stay in your residential facility?

We ask the men entering to make a commitment to stay at least six months. We prefer them to--and have seen the most success when--they stay at least for a year.

Is there a cost for the housing?

Once the men have found work they are required to pay a rental fee of up to $400, depending on the room. This rental fee includes heat, electric and an Internet connection. The rooms are furnished, including a TV, dishes, pots and pans.

For our non-residential events and activities, we often have a free-will offering or charge a small fee to cover our expenses.

What is the most important factor for a former offender’s success in staying out of prison?

Relationships. Our staff has found that relationships are the most important factor determining success or failure after prison. If a former offender goes back to old relationships, he often will go back to his old behaviors.

At FreedomWorks, we find the mentor-mentee relationship is crucial. Also important is involvement in a church. We have found that the men who stay connected stay crime- and prison-free.

How can I get an individual involved in your program?

If he is out of prison, invite him to attend a Thursday evening fellowship dinner, which take place at St. Andrew's Church in North Minneapolis. It is a fun, low-key time when we share a meal together, sing a few songs and have a short discussion-oriented class. This is an opportunity to get to know us and for us to get to know the new participant.

If the individual is still in prison, please give us a call at (612) 522-9007 and one of our staff will contact him.