WHAT IS FIT?
FIT is an abbreviation for the name of our 501.c.3 non-profit corporation, Family
Integrity Training Inc.
ARE CONTRIBUTIONS TAX DEDUCTIBLE?
The IRS has determined that we are tax exempt, tax deductible, and classified as a public charity.
WHO IS MOST INTERESTED IN OUR PROGRAM?
Most of our calls come from new ministries starting up or from existing
ministries wanting to strengthen their program. Both are
looking for the strongest educational program possible which deal with the most important
issues facing the incarcerated and those in recovery. They are attracted
to the practical, easy-to-use materials that combine life-skills
education and faith. They like the friendly, small-group,
non-preachy style that emphasizes listening and facilitating.
Several have told us that we have done the homework for them
concerning effectiveness of materials and strategies.
HOW DOES OUR MINISTRY DEAL WITH ADDICTIONS?
Much of sentencing is due to drug-related activity (alcohol included). Our emphasis is on unmet needs causing the addictions, not on the addictions themselves. A strong faith and purpose is what is needed. Our teaching in basic life skills is new to them many of them. We emphasize independent thinking and problem solving in all of our materials,
WHY DOES OUR PROGRAM EMPHASIZE 100 HOURS OF CLASS TIME?
This originally was done to satisfy the mandatory 100-hour requirement which was in place years ago for early release from the Florida State Prison System. Though changes for early release have changed over the years, FIT's commitment to that original intent has not changed. Our nine courses still reflect the well-thought-out goals and are the basis for the upgrading of our materials. Other nonprofits have since incorporated parts of our curricum for parts of their own.
For effectiveness as a program, FIT still requires a minimum of 100 hours of face-to-face time with a certified facilitator and completion of at least one course from each of the original six content areas. We also recognize indivdiual course completions with an official Course Completion Certificate for each course completed.
WHAT IS OUR SUCCESS RATE?
Our success rate is comparable to similar programs. Our focus is on the individual and how far we can bring them. See our videos on the home page for examples. For how we address best practices and evidence based,
click here.
WITH SO MANY PROGRAMS AVAILABLE, WHY IS A NEW ONE NEEDED?
So many others are lecture-based, reading-based, or memory-based. Our program is more verbally-based in order to get into individuals hearts and minds fast by establishing trust, listening to them, and getting them to talk. "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink" is an apt expression. We present a fast path into getting group members to want to open up and learn.
We cover topics in depth with many practical applications to promote the greatest engagement and interaction. Our specially-designed leader and group member course books make this an easy task. These books are provided free of charge to individuals in courses who cannot afford to pay for them. That includes nearly all of them because of the settings and situations of life they find themselves in. Most of them are incarcerated or in recovery. Donations to support this area of our mission are greatly appreciated as it represents one of our greatest needs.
Leaders are provided with training and special leader course books with notes on how to be most effective. This includes notes on expected class reactions, suggestions, and answers to questions.
The group member guides follow a simple format. The language requirement level is kept low. Each lesson usually has only three or four main sections for maximum comprehension, relevant discussion, and application. Deep, probing questions are interspersed throughout in a natural sequence. Finally, there is a short T/F test at the end of the lesson in most of our books.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A JAIL AND A PRISON?
Jails are run by counties to house offenders who have committed misdemeanors or to hold individuals until trial and/or
sentencing. First degree misdemeanors are sentenced up to a year and second degree up to a few months. More serious crimes, or felonies, are for more than a year and are dealt with in state and federal prisons. There are roughly 90,000 inmates each in Florida jails and prisons. Slightly more Florida inmates reside in jail as opposed to prison. FIT addresses the needs of both - for the offender soon-to-be released all the way to the offender who will never be released.
IS THERE A CONNECTION BETWEEN HOMELESSNESS, DRUG AND ALCOHOL REHAB CENTERS, AND INCARCERATION?
Professionals in this area are painfully aware of the connections. Many incarcerated are there specifically for drug offenses. Others are there for non-drug crimes related to their drug/alcohol problem. Incarceration and drug use both contribute to homelessness that draws in family members as well. It's a vicious cycle. Effective ministry must address all these aspects as well as the social, educational, and spiritual needs of the family.
WHY DO DETENTION CENTERS TRY TO LIMIT CONTACT WITH PRISONERS?
They are afraid of collusion or con artists taking advantage of religion or friendliness over time to get favors they could not get otherwise. Inmates sometimes band together to get an innocent person to commit a crime. It is a very serious problem but the need to rehabilitate the prisoner must be balanced against the need to protect by forcing total isolation from the outside world. There are all kinds of people in prison and we seek the ones who want to be helped.
WHAT IS RECIDIVISM AND WHY IS THERE SUCH A HUGE FOCUS ON IT?
Recidivism is the rate at which convicts return to detention centers. In short, prisoners are released and re-offend. It is very costly to both society and detention centers. The obvious cure is to rehabilitate prisoners so they won't come back. That takes effort and dedication and has been successful many times in programs like FIT. Institutions must balance their need to protect from collusion and to rehabilitate. FIT workers must gain the respect of the institutions and follow required procedures.
DOES FIT FAVOR ONE DENOMINATION OVER ANOTHER?
NO! Our by-laws require that the board must be composed of members from more than one Christian denomination. We have more than that. This is consistent with the needs of chaplains, jails, prisons, and halfway houses who must deal with people from all kinds of religious backgrounds, including none at all. We keep with the basics of Chrisianity and the teachings of Jesus and the Bible.
DOES FIT EXCLUDE OR COMPETE WITH EXISTING PRISON MINISTRY?
We exist to make a difference where we minister. Our facilitators often have other ministries they support as well as ours. Some ministries mix and match materials, using some of ours and some from other sources.
DO YOU HAVE TO HAVE TO HAVE A PRISON RECORD TO BE EFFECTIVE?
No. Most of our workers do not have a prison record. Most prisoners are lonely people who are desperate for attention. Some have no visitors. A prison record may or may not exclude you from prison ministry. We have both in our ministry.
WHAT IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE INGREDIENT IN YOUR PROGRAM?
Confidentiality and safety. With church people or prisoners, the confidentiality of the small group has been the number one reason given for personal growth and benefit.
HOW I DO I GET STARTED?
Attend a training session online or in person.
If you have an existing prison ministry, take our training to find out how to become even more effective through our focused program.
See our
Training Page for the next scheduled sessions or contact us if you have a group of 6 or more that you would us to work with at your location. The training fee is $55 the-day-of or $45 for adanced registrations and includes a Facilitator Handbook. If you are new but would like to start a ministry, come and bring a group from your local area to learn together. There are always staff and class members available to give you tips and help. Bring your pastor if possible. This is a team ministry and works the best when we work together.
Get a Starter Kit.
Order our materials and use them for reference or training your own staff before implementing them. You can
order any of the materials directly from us when you are ready. Pricing is kept as low as possible. We know we are dealing with volunteers and non-profits.
