In the classic rite of passage, first articulated by Van Gennep in 1909, three phases occur: 1) a separation from the old status, 2) a liminal or threshold period, and 3) anincorporation into a new status.
 
 In the first phase, people withdraw from their current status and prepare to move from one place or status to another. "The first phase (of separation) comprises symbolic behavior signifying the detachment of the individual or group ... from an earlier fixed point in the social structure." There is often a detachment or "cutting away" from the former self in this phase, which is signified in symbolic actions and rituals. For example, the cutting of the hair for a person who has just joined the army. He or she is "cutting away" the former self: the civilian.
 
The transition (liminal) phase or 2nd phase is the period between stages, during which one has left one place or state but has not yet entered or joined the next. "The attributes of liminality or of liminal personae ("threshold people") are necessarily ambiguous."
​
In the third phase (reaggregation or incorporation) the passage is consummated [by] the ritual subject." Having completed the rite and assumed their "new" identity, one re-enters society with one's new status. Re-incorporation is characterized by elaborate rituals and ceremonies, like debutant balls and college graduation, and by outward symbols of new ties: thus "in rites of incorporation there is widespread use of the 'sacred bond', the 'sacred cord', the knot, and of analogous forms such as the belt, the ring, the bracelet and the crown."
 
Both the Old and New Testaments contain numerous accounts of rites of passage:
 
John 3:5 states:
 
"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
 
Baptism is a Rite of Passage. We take on a responsibility to carry out Gods message wherever we can and to be obedient to His will through His Son Jesus Christ.
 
When I was incarcerated I made a detailed goal list for my first, third and fifth year out. Graduating was one of those things. Through Gods Grace I have accomplished that Goal. I noticed in prison how Rites of Passage are important for behavior modification when transitioning back into the social structure. Men who had no focus all of a sudden had accomplishment and became part of something, and they protected that. I found that there was something in that and how important it was for inmates to experience all forms of it to counter anti-social behavior. For us, as convicted felons who have just re entered society, we do not experience what Vann Gennep says:  "Having completed the rite and assumed their "new" identity, one re-enters society with one's new status." There is a hyper awareness that we suffer from that says no matter what rite of passage we go through society sees nothing but Felon. From what I have personally witnessed Gods grace penetrates that belief and gives us a new look on life. At CARE,  It takes time, focus dedication and patience to ensure that these men experience that which is reachable for them.
 
By Gods Grace, I am doing everything I know to show them that these goals are reachable....... with Honors.....
​
- Kerry

Care always goes all out when it comes to celebrating Christmas and giving our residents all we can is part of that celebration. Bob gave some spiritual guidance and history of Christmas while Mary also provided wisdom and kind words as she spoke during the celebration. We also would like to thank God, our management team, board members and participants for making this year at CARE a great one!.

We give thanks to Christ at CARE. It is in the celebration of Thanksgiving that we come together in fellowship to celebrate what we have to be thankful for. During the festivities Bob gave some spiritual guidance and history of Thanksgiving. We also enjoyed a great thanksgiving meal provided by the board, staff and participants. We would like to thank our management team Kerry, Lee and Walter  who always make sure CARE runs like a well oiled machine. CARE wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and with Gods grace we will continue to provide for those in need.

Today CARE was blessed with catering from Sonny's BBQ donated by the McBride Family. Bob gave a small history of Independence Day and everyone participated in the setup, fellowship and cleanup. We here at CARE are grateful to God for providing friends like the McBride's for giving us donations such as this to contribute to these types of celebrations which for some of these men have never been experienced due to family conflicts or no family at all. Gods grace gives us the opportunity to provide these men fellowship and a caring family environment. We thank Him for that.

Happy Independence Day!

     When I was incarcerated, I got involved with faith-based programs in prison. I started facilitating classes and at the same time was researching and studying behavioral psychology and philosophy. I was in a unique situation because I had questions and the answers were right in front of me. Through the grace of God, I was able to focus and develop a mindset that helped me to help others that were in the same situation I was. I observed and picked up on key insights that would help me reintegrate back into society. 

      At CARE we are in a unique situation because we are given the necessities like spiritual fellowship, community, shelter, food, water, transportation, and connection. It is those necessities that if used correctly can assist us in building back our lives and becoming stable citizens. When the staff here at CARE recognize achievement, we focus on that and encourage it. We want others to know how it was accomplished and what steps were taken to ensure success. This way a sort of "How-to" map can be developed by everyone who views these blog posts -from the classification officers at FLDOC looking to get some info for an inmate about to be released to those who are anywhere in the world and need to know what decisions they must make when getting out.  This month we focus on Richard Dwayne Lynch who has been with us since March 2021. I interviewed Richard for this post and would like to share his wisdom and insight. It is my hope that these posts find those in need of this wisdom and with Gods help make it through whatever tough obstacles they may face and know that someone does CARE.

Kerry: What steps did you take, once you were released, to get where you are today?

so I decided to put a little bit of my canteen money that my family sent each month while I was in prison aside to save for release. This way I could open up a bank account. Once released it was my hope to acquire a job within 3 - 6 months. I found that staying at CARE your mind is not clouded with stress and worry about probation stipulations, transportation, and shelter so you can focus on rebuilding. I found a job in 3 weeks. Normally CARE wants you to take a break for the first 30 days but they made an exception in my case because jobs are a next step, and its super tough for felons. Once I received my checks from work, I saved money and invested in things like a secured credit card and loan this way I could rebuild my credit. Once I had enough money saved, I purchased a used vehicle with high mileage for around 2300 cash. 

Kerry: So, you went from release to bank account, job, credit rebuild, and car paid for with cash in 2 1/2 months after release. That is Fantastic! What's your long-term goals?

Richard: I would like to get a truck so I can make money with it because I would like to start a small pressure washing and lawncare business. I am in the right geographical area for those services, so it complements my situation. I would also like to get a house and land, even if it’s something simple as a trailer it’s a start and that's ok with me.

Kerry: What advice would you give others who find themselves being released from prison or trying to rebuild their lives?

Richard: Do the right thing! You must have a level head and the right mindset. The only way to truly acquire that is to make a conscious decision to follow the Lord Jesus Christ. Let Him take control. Your willpower must be set in the Lord. It is Him that will carry you through. Get educated, learn what steps you need to take to be in compliance with probation and parole if you have it. Follow the rules - No drugs, No alcohol, No tobacco...No Vices....Just JESUS:)