Chaplain Joe Kolb Retired

Chaplain Joe Kolb volunteered almost 11 years at the Mobile County Metro Jail. He was a volunteer from We Care Ministries. Before working at Metro, he was a supervisor at Timothy House, a transitional facility in Atmore Alabama.  MAIC is grateful to Chaplain Joe for offering his knowledge, caring, and dedication to help those incarcerated in Metro Jail.

The Promises of Life: Bill Founds Award

On October 10th, our very own Chaplain Alan Singleton received The Promises of Life "Bill Founds" Award. This award is given each year to an individual for their outstanding work in prison ministry and the community. Well deserved, Chaplain Singleton.

Religious Services Return to Metro Jail

Religious services returned to the Chapel after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The first service started with the female inmates. The ladies entered the Chapel with hands raised and tears in their eyes. The joy of being in the Chapel again was overwhelming for them. 

Metro Chapel Christmas Distribution

More than 6805 items were given to the inmates.  Items included were white socks, underwear, eyeglasses and postcards.

Kelly Master, Author of the Book "Shine" Visited the Chaplaincy Office

During her visit to the Port City, Kelly Master, author of the book " Shine" visited the Metro Jail Chaplaincy Office on May 10th. Ms. Master donated hundreds of her books to the Chaplaincy ministry for the female inmates. It is one of the most requested readings from the ladies. Ms. Master met with the female inmates and shared some words of inspiration.

Mission Day at Luke 4:18 Fellowship

Chaplain Alan Singleton and Chapel Administrator Trinitius Jackson attended the Mission Day at Luke 4:18 Fellowship. Luke 4:18 is one of our supporters and partners that minister to the incarcerated inside Mobile Metro Jail. MAIC is grateful to them for their support.

New Day 4 U Radio Show Interview

Check out our interview with Ms. Gwendolyn Windham-Darty our very special guest on "A New Day For You" Radio Program. This interview was recorded on December 3rd 2022 on Nspire U On Air "The New Beat of the Bay".

MAIC Brings the Reentry Simulation to the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation Conference at the Orange Beach Event Center

The MAIC staff and volunteers had the opportunity to perform the Reentry Simulation for a group of law enforcement officers from north Alabama at the Correctional Peace Officers Foundation Conference at the Orange Beach Event Center. This exercise simulates the struggles and challenges faced by individuals who are transitioning from incarceration back into society. Many of the officers felt and demonstrated the frustrations our neighbors feel when trying to get their basic needs and life responsibilities taken care of. If you are interested in bringing the Reentry Simulation to your church or event call us today 251-308-8725.

Meet Kaitlyn Gray

Kaitlyn Gray began her career at Mobile Area Interfaith Conference as a social work intern in August of 2021. She went on to graduate from the University of Southern Mississippi in May 2022 with her masters degree in social work. Upon graduating, Kaitlyn became the full time case manager in The Neighbor Center. In this position, Kaitlyn was responsible for the housing and direct services programs. She was the main point of contact for all clients who received TNC assistance. Her passion for social justice and commitment to decreasing the suffering in the world has led her into this field of work and continues to inform her interactions with the disadvantaged populations served by MAIC. 

Meet Ken Turner

Ken Turner has been an intern at MAIC since August of 2022. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Psychology, Sociology, and Gerontology from the University of South Alabama. Obtaining a master’s degree in social work has been a long-time dream for Ken, and in August 2021 he made the decision to pursue that dream and enrolled in the MSW program at The University of West Florida. He will graduate in December 2023. Ken is passionate about advocating for marginalized groups. He recognizes the injustices and inequities that formerly incarcerated persons experience when re-entering society.

This returning neighbor was living in her car. MAIC through The Neighbor Center placed her in transitional housing and helped her complete multiple job applications and resumes. She got a job, signed a lease in her name, and is doing very well.

This returning neighbor was living in a hotel with her daughter paid for by Family Promise. She was working 2 jobs (fast food) at the time and continued to until she got Covid. She was also a private duty sitter for most of the year 2021. She took the Certified Nursing Assistant course in 2021. COC paid for half of her school and her testing. She passed her CNA exam this month and received a job at a local nursing home full time.

The Mobile Society for Human Resource Management (MSHRM) and the Academy for Career Development worked together to invite local agencies and regional employers to attend an Open House to learn more about how to successfully hire returning citizens. As our world continues to rapidly change, so does the landscape of attracting and retaining employees. This event spoke to local employers and leaders to discuss their concerns about how to employ returning citizens to move their businesses forward in the future. 

MAIC welcomed Dr. Raoul Richardson as the Director of the Academy for Career Development. He has served with distinction on several boards. Dr. Richardson’s undergraduate studies began with his matriculation towards a degree in Business Communications from State University College in Buffalo, New York. Followed by a certificate in Human Resources and Labor Relations from Cornell University School of Management. A lifelong learner, he received a certificate in Health Management from the New School for Social Research of New York. Subsequently followed by a Juris Doctor Certificate in Community Legal Advocacy from Columbia University of New York. Dr. Richardson is also the recipient of a Doctor of Humane Letters from Virginia University at Lynchburg. Most recently he has completed a course of study at the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at the Morehouse School of Medicine.

National Community Development Week

MAIC was recognized as a nonprofit partner during the Mobile City Council’s meeting during National Community Development week. This annual event was established to help educate public officials and residents on the importance of the Community Development Block Grant and other federal grant programs. In Mobile, these kinds of federal funds have played a significant role in programs related to affordable housing, public services and expanding economic opportunities

Welcome to New Academy Case Manager

My name is Ashlee Cote’. I am from Mobile, AL. I am an Army veteran; working for three years in the Human Resources and Finance Departments. From 2017-2020, I attended the University of South Alabama. I earned my Bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice. Afterwards, I attended the University of Southern Mississippi to obtain my Master’s in Social Work in the Spring of 2022. During my internship at MAIC, I worked with The Neighbor Center to assist with case management and housing placements. During this time, I learned more about the difficulties and hardships that individuals and families experience during their transition back into society after incarceration. I requested to stay with MAIC and be transferred to the Academy for Career Development in the Case Manager role to assist our neighbors in securing education and employment opportunities. Given my background, I will also help with financial literacy classes and teach Academy participants budgeting skills. Hopefully, I will contribute to assisting MAIC in its efforts to stop the cycle of the revolving door.

Hired a Jobs Trainer

Sandy Delchamps went to the Art Institute of Atlanta where he studied interior design and architectural drafting. He learned to be an advocate for the marginalized through his family's business, Delchamps Supermarkets, as they were community partners for many agencies throughout our city. Thus, he worked for 12 years as Pastor and Director of the City of Refuge for Men where he helped men as they struggled with addiction. While at the City of Refuge, Sandy was nationally recognized for his work. Now, he will be working as the jobs trainer for the Academy for Career Development.

MAIC Lunch and Learn

MAIC hosted a Lunch and Learn with Dr. Raoul Richardson, the MAIC's Academy Director. This event brought together multiple agencies and employers to learn about how their businesses can benefit from hiring our returning neighbors. The guests also got to hear some great testimonials from a few of our neighbors, who with the help of the MAIC, have been able to secure housing and more. To learn how your business can benefit from this great opportunity email Dr. Raoul Richardson at rrichardson@mobileareainterfaith.org.

ROAD TO REDEMPTION Expungement Clinic

Legal Services of Alabama, the League of Women Voters of Mobile, the Campaign Legal Center, and the Mobile Area Interfaith Conference helped our neighbors get assistance with criminal record expungements, pardon applications, and voting rights restoration at The Neighbor Center. The workshop was free to those in need and will be held again in a few months.

Senator Figures has always been at the forefront of MAIC’s mission. She was involved when MAIC was working to start the homeless coalition and served as chairperson on Project Hope forming a strategic plan to reduce the recidivism rate in our community.

Commissioner Merceria Ludgood has been a staunch supporter of MAIC and especially The Neighbor Center for the past six years. Commissioner Ludgood has faithfully supported all MAIC's endeavors.

Mr. Ralph Hargrove of Hargrove Engineers and Constructors has been a faithful supporter of our reentry programs. Without people like Mr. Hargrove, community projects like ours would not be possible. 

MAIC honored the memory of Pastor Fred Wolfe. MAIC had planned to give Dr. Wolfe this award in 2020 at our annual luncheon which was canceled due to the pandemic.  Unfortunately, he passed away in 2021, but we want to honor his memory and good works. Pastor Fred has always supported MAIC's programs especially the jail ministry. He was present at every function. Pastor Fred genuinely cared about people.

In memory of Sr. Judith Smits, one of our founding members, MAIC presents an award to an outstanding person who emulates her steadfastness and tenacity to serve those who are marginalized and in need. The 2022 award went to Mr. Jim Backes for his outstanding service to our community. Jim is a past Board President, contributor, and volunteer for the jail and The Neighbor Center. He was one of the grant writers for the Department of Justice grant. He has served inside Metro Jail seeing to the spiritual needs of the inmates for many years. MAIC is grateful for his contributions.