Volunteers with a newly formed prisoner support group hope that better timing will keep local inmates from heading back to prison once released.
Chattanooga Endeavors CEO Tim Dempsey has worked with his staff and a growing list of churches to start Stephen’s Table — a prisoner intervention and support group that aims to better the lives of local inmates and their families in an effort to reduce recidivism.
“Most of the people incarcerated have no connection with the local communities,” Mr. Dempsey said. “They feel like they’re forgotten.”
While Chattanooga Endeavors has worked with returning inmates since 1997 and provided education, job placement and other programs, Mr. Dempsey said a more effective way to help prisoners is to reach them before they’re sent off to state and federal prisons.
That’s the goal of Stephen’s Table.