Adult Life Skills Program

SCM staff and volunteers work within the local jails to equip men and women for reentry into society by providing Life Skills classes, spiritual guidance, Biblical support, and much more. 

Recovery Services

SCM staff and volunteers work with community partners by providing resources and support to ex-offenders, addicts, and their families who are transitioning back into society. SCM places our clients who are struggling with addiction into long-term, Christ-centered treatment programs that help meet their needs from the inside out.

“Shine” Children’s Program

SCM staff and volunteers provide children and caregivers impacted by parental incarceration and addiction; a safe and supportive environment to meet the emotional, social, academic, and spiritual needs unique to these families.

Annual Benefit Banquet

SCM will be hosting our only fundraiser on March 3.23.24 at 5 p.m.

First Baptist Church Indian Trail

732 Indian Trail Fairview Rd

Indian Trail, NC 28079


For over 35 years Safer Communities Ministry has invested in the lives of incarcerated individuals, ex-offenders, addicts, and their families to help promote spiritual growth and healing. It has been immensely successful and continues to impact communities with the reduction of recidivism, reuniting broken families, and transforming lives in Union and Stanly Counties. 

Our Services

1.

Life Skills Program

Our commitment starts within the jail system. Inmates have the opportunity to be changed from the “inside out” with the support of our trained staff and volunteers. Once enrolled, these men and women are committed to 175 hours of instruction and can participate in our after care program once released to help them be successful by countinuing with a supportive relationship. 

2.

SCM Aftercare Program

Life Skills graduates have the opportunity to participate in our case management program that follows them after they are released back into the community. This community-wide project is where partners, staff, and trained volunteers meet with our clients regularly to pursue job readiness, job placement, and housing opportunities. In addition, the SCM Aftercare team works together to help our clients set and reach goals for education, substance abuse challenges, finances, spiritual growth, and restored relationships. 

3.

Addiction Recovery 

Safer Communities Ministry connects individuals struggling with addiction and their loved ones with Christ -Centered Meetings where hope and change is possible. Many volunteers establish relationships within the walls of the judicial system and extend the same compassion and spirit-filled encouragement throughout their recovery process. Our clients are given the opportunity to enter long term Christ centered recovery programs at no-cost. 

4.

GED/HSE for Inmates

Union County Jail through Safer Communities Ministry, Sheriff Cathey and his staff, and the collaborative efforts of South Piedmont Community College celebrates the first graduate this past April of GED/HSE program offered to women and men inmates. Stay tuned to see how God uses this program to help inmates reach their educational goals. 

5.

Spiritual Guidance

While SCM offers various needed practical supports, our foundation is built on the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Each instructor and volunteer endeavors to share the love and mercy through God’s word. Chaplaincy services, Bible studies, prayer groups, and spiritual guidance is made available to those who receive it willingly. 

6.

“Shine” SCM’s Children’s Program

SCM knows that when a child experiences a parental incarceration and addiction they are at a higher risk for emotional trauma, social stigmatism, and financial hardships. Our trauma informed trained staff and volunteers provide a weekly program that gives these children impacted hope, structure, and support. We also support caregivers with practical support such as parenting and spiritual guidance. 

Transforming Lives

We have the privilege to work with these precious souls each week and see God transform their lives through Safer Communities Ministry.

Client testimonials

  “I would like to thank Safer Communities for all they have done for my family,
  Safer Communities have been beside me the whole time.
  Today I sit here reunited with my family.”      Josh L.
    After Addiction Recovery

“I don’t worry about things so much anymore, because I think of all the fun stuff we do here.”

Reghan, Age 10
Shine Particpant

“Let’s Shine Together”

Why we invest in the lives of children

Experiencing a parent in incarceration can have an impact on a child’s:

• Mental Health • Social Behavior • Educational and Economic Outcomes –

Parental incarceration increases risks for emotional trauma, social stigmatism, and financial hardship that occurs with loss of household income.

These children are more likely to face other adverse childhood experiences, including witnessing violence in their communities, or directly in their household, or exposure to drugs and alcohol abuse..