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Jumpstart prison‑ministry presenter asks council for volunteers; cites 96% post‑release success claim
Summary
Rob Whitner of Jumpstart presented to the Clinton City Council on June 3 about a faith‑based prison ministry that uses a 40‑week curriculum and seeks 8–10 volunteers to run programming at a local correctional facility.
Rob Whitner, a Jumpstart presenter who identified himself as a volunteer, addressed the Clinton City Council on June 3 to introduce a faith‑based prison‑ministry program and request volunteers to start classes at a nearby correctional facility.
Why it matters: Jumpstart (the presenter spelled the name as one word) says its program works with incarcerated people before release and supports reentry with employment, housing assistance and mentorship. The presenter asked for 8–10 volunteers to staff a 40‑week group that uses The Purpose Driven Life as core curriculum and includes homework and life‑skills assignments.
Program details and volunteer request: Whitner said Jumpstart began in South Carolina in 2008 and that "for those that successfully graduate the program, 96 percent, when they get out, they stay out." He described small‑group work on thinking patterns, purpose and reintegration supports after release. Whitner said the program will start at a local correctional facility pending volunteer recruitment and approvals and provided a contact email during his remarks.
Council response and next steps: Council members and other meeting attendees offered to sign up or provide contact information, and the clerk was asked to collect volunteer names. Whitner left brochure/contact details with the clerk and asked interested people to speak to him after the meeting.
Quote:
"Jumpstart is a way to impact how they return. It's making an investment in them while they're still incarcerated," Whitner said, urging faith communities and individuals to volunteer.
Contact: Whitner gave an email in the meeting (rob.whitner@jumpstartvision.org) and asked those willing to volunteer or learn more to meet him before leaving the chambers.
