1. The Allendale Correctional Worship Center is a non- profit 501(c)(3) organization established to raise money, create, and support a worship center within the confines of Allendale Correctional Institution, thus helping reduce re-offending and saving taxpayers money.
All of our donations are tax deductible and all funds are administered by the Board of Directors of the non-profit corporation.

2. Our Ultimate Mission
Re-Shaping Spiritual Lives… helping strengthen the bonds needed for a more stable life as these men are released back into society.
We have one singular purpose: “Re-Shaping Spiritual Lives” …. Helping strengthen the bonds needed for a more stable life as these men are released back into society”

3. Why Do This?
The answer is simple. We believe that religious instruction is one of the most powerful tools in the transformation of human lives.
Faith-based programs work.

4. U.S. Department of Justice findings show that inmates who participate in faith-based prison programs…
…“are motivated to make changes in their lives and are seeking their way in a religious sense.” SOURCE: “An Exploration into Participation in a Faith-Based Prison Program”, Camp, Scott et. al., Federal Bureau of Prisons, Office of Research and Evaluation, Washington, D.C., 20534,
Studies prove they work

5. This Is a “Win-Win”
Study after study also show that men and women who participate in such activities do not return to prison after release in the same numbers as those who do not participate.
We can re-shape spiritual lives and reduce the prison population

6. Simply Put, Meaningful Religious Activities Reduce Recidivism.
For every 5 percent we reduce recidivism in South Carolina, 1135 inmates will not return to prison. Using what it costs to keep an inmate in prison, this translates into a savings of over $16 million a year.
The numbers don’t lie.

7. A recidivism reduction at ACI of just 5 percent will prevent an estimated 65 inmates from returning to prison and save almost $1 million a year.

8. Research on recidivism (repeat offense rate) has one consistent theme:
“Religious programs … remain an important source of programs in modern prisons.”

9. Programs Need Space …but no building dedicated to worship
For as long as Allendale Correctional Institution has been in existence, there have been active and robust religious programs inside the fence.
…but no building dedicated to worship
This is where we come in…

10. A Typical Worship Service in the Gym
This is what it looks like when volunteers come to lead worship services.

11. New Programs Have Increased the Need
Faith-based programs at ACI have become a significant source of new programs and increased volunteers.
These programs place a greater demand on space that is already at a premium inside the fences.
Allendale Correctional has done a great job of recognizing the value of faith programs.
As a result, they need more space and it currently does not exist.

12. Volunteers and Inmates Gather in the Gym to Worship
We can turn this into a comfortable, dedicated multi-use worship center for faith programs

13. There is so much more that can be done, but there is no space dedicated exclusively for religious programming.
……Having a worship center will change that.

14. Future Worship Center Site
This is where the worship center will be built. It is visible from the parking lot and adjacent to the visitation room.

15. Re-Shaping Spiritual Lives
A building dedicated exclusively to the enriching of the spiritual lives will enhance both the quality and the quantity of what’s available to them.
What we really are about is helping these men re-shape their spiritual lives.

16. Helping Men Help Themselves
This Worship Center at ACI will provide opportunities for inmates to leave the institution as men more able to live life on the outside with integrity and purpose, and to break the cycle of offending.

17. The Vision and Support From Within ACI is Strong and Dedicated.
Warden John R. Pate
The Vision and Support From Within ACI is Strong and Dedicated.
ACI is blessed to have a strong vision and strong leadership through Warden Pate and Chaplain Stokes.
Chaplain Cleveland Stokes

18. There is Strong Inside Support
Strength comes from within and they need your help

19. Support from the Community
John Abrams, Waccamaw Indian Tribe, Medicine Man, Director of Prison Programs, and Christian minister
“I hope many, many people will donate to this worship center because it’s really, really needed…”
“Native American is a culture and it includes all faiths…
… what the worship center embodies…”
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Mr. Abrams is an example of a volunteer from the community who sees the direct benefit to the men he ministers to, and in this case, promotes worship as part of a unique culture.

20. And A Partnership with the Community
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These are some shots from our fundraising kickoff, which was a great success at ACI. It is just one example of how everyone—both inside the fences and from the community—came together to help the cause to build a much needed worship center.
Leaders recognize the benefits of faith based programs

21. Brother Pookie Smith, who has a gospel radio show and Ricky Henderson meet with religious coordinators from the inmate population.

22. "Many Hands Make Light Work"
We need volunteers
We need individual contributions
We need church contributions
We need foundation and grant contributions
We need corporate contributions
We welcome your ideas!
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How can you help?

23. Contributions Can Come In Many Different Ways.
Cash
Checks
Credit Cards or PayPal via our Website
Word-of-Mouth or Developing Potential Donations
Time
In-kind contributions such as
Building materials
Supplies
Furnishings
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We need all types of contributions.

24. "Many Hands Make Light Work"
Community programs and leaders are needed to help us to develop a network of support within existing sources.
Agencies such as United Way, Urban League, Salvation Army, Cooperative Ministries, shelters, halfway houses, independent programs, government, and quasi- government sources—are all a vital links for community support.
Community programs will be positively impacted when men who are rooted in good character, strong faith, and healthy relationships are released into the community. With their help, we can help provide a place where the men can re-shape their spiritual lives.

25. We Need Faith Organizations’ Support
Faith organizations at ACI are well represented and supported--Southern Baptist, Independent Baptist, Evangelical, African Methodist Episcopal (AME), United Methodist, Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Presbyterian, House of Yahweh, Jewish, Muslim, Rastafarian, Native American, Buddhist, Wiccan and others will be supported by an ACI Worship Center.
Many different faiths are represented at ACI, and with dedicated space even more can be nourished.

26. Help Us Build Support
The leadership of each faith is crucial in helping us build a facility that will accommodate and make worship services and programs more effective.
If you know a contact within your organization--local, state or national--please let us know.
Many churches and organizations have outreach and missionary programs. Building a mission church at ACI will help further their goals and provide an opportunity to put faith into works.

27. Commitment is Key
Allendale inmates have already been contributing to the building fund and thus far have collected over $1,000. While the amount may be small, the commitment is huge.
In addition, members of the community have contributed in various amounts before this kickoff. Large or small, all donations represent tremendous support for this project.
The ball is rolling and every donation helps us get this project off the ground.

28. It Starts Now!
It must start now!

29. We Want A Partnership With You
Now it’s time to put faith into works.
We appreciate your help!
Thank you for your concern!
Thank you for your time and thank you for your willingness to open your hearts to this worthy cause.