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Frequently Asked Questions |
1. Does your facility accept sex offenders?
Yes. Our ministry deals exclusively with sex offenders.
2. Besides having a sexual offense, is there any other criteria to qualify for being a guest at the New Name Home?
Yes. The criteria is:
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- I have a Parole review scheduled or will be discharged within six months.
- I agree that Christ has forgiven all my sins.
- I have committed my life to Jesus Christ.
- I am a single adult male 25 – 65 years old.
- I have been alcohol/drug/nicotine free for at least 6 months and commit to stay free.
- I am willing to submit to the leadership of the Ministry.
- I will uphold all Godly boundaries set forth by the ministry.
- I do not have a history of MHMR (Mental health / retardation).
- I have not been diagnosed with a personality disorder(s).
- I do not have a wheelchair bound disability.
- I will seek, accept and keep full-time employment.
- I will attend NNM's covering church.
- I will commit to a minimum of one year with the ministry.
- I will develop and maintain a budget.
- I have support for the initial $650 and then $350 + Pro-Rated Utilities/mo fees.
- I will provide two written character references with my request for an application.
- I will attend and pay for treatment regardless of being on supervision or not.
3. What is needed for references?
Two written references are required. One reference must be from a non-family member (i.e. church pastor, prison Chaplain, volunteer, etc.). References should address your character, accomplishments while incarcerated and your walk with Christ. Applications for acceptance at New Name will not be sent without references.
4. If your facility accepts me, will you write a letter of acceptance to the parole board on my behalf?
If you are accepted by New Name Ministries, we will send you a letter of acceptance. It is your responsibility to see that the parole board receives a copy.
5. How long has your ministry been in operation?
New Name Ministries has been in operation in Texas since 2004.
6. Is your facility approved by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles?
Our facility is on the State of Texas Alternative Housing List.
7. What fees are required to be a guest at one of the New Name Ministries homes?
The initial fee is $650. This includes a $100 deposit refundable upon completion of the program and a $50 administrative fee that is non-refundable. The remaining covers expenses for the first month. After the first month, monthly reimbursement fees are $350 plus Pro-Rated Utilities/mo and any accrued personal travel expenses.
8. What does the base fee cover?
The monthly base fee covers the cost of bulk food, paper goods, cleaning supplies, ministry related transportation, (excluding lines for monitors) and administration costs.
9. When do I have to pay the initial fees?
Fees need to be paid two weeks prior to your arrival at New Name Home.
10. What if I can’t pay the initial fees?
As much as we’d like to help everyone that is accepted to New Name, we cannot accept individuals unable to pay fees. We are a self-supporting ministry. Our ministry gets no governmental funds and is supported by donors and fees. We suggest contacting family, friends, mentors and other organizations for support. If it’s God’s will it’s God’s bill.
11. How do I pay parole and treatment fees right after I get out?
For the most part, both parole and the treatment providers know you will be “strapped” for money when you first get out. They will work with you (within reason) until you secure a job. Some men have used their gate money to cover parole fees until a job is secured.
12. Where is New Name Home located?
Our home is located in south Fort Worth Hospital District near downtown. We are right off major bus lines allowing access to many parts of the city and the DFW metroplex area.
13. Are any churches nearby?
Yes. There is a Church of Christ, Presbyterian, Catholic and Episcopalian church within walking distance from the home. Baptist churches are within one mile from the home. We require all new guests to attend our church Open Door City Church for a minimum of 90 days. The ministry provides transportation to our church.
14. May I have visitors come see me after I am released and moved in to New Name Ministries home?
Yes. Adult family members and friends are welcome. No children (under the age of eighteen) are allowed. A visitor’s policy will be reviewed with you during orientation. The guidelines are as follows:
Visitation is allowed Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. All visitors must sign the Visitors Log. Visitors are welcome to stay during Sunday fellowship. Visitors are not permitted in bedrooms. All visiting must occur in common areas (i.e., living, dining and kitchen).
15. Are there any items not allowed in the home?
Yes. The following items are prohibited:
- Cameras
- Cell phones with cameras
- Firearms and/or ammunition
- Pictures of children
- Pornographic pictures or media of any kind
- Toys or anything that could be construed as a child’s toy or that could be used to entice a child
- ‘R’-rated movies or movies with primarily child actors
- Any tobacco products and alcoholic beverages
- Any prescription or non prescription medications not approved by staff
16. Are meals provided?
Food is provided to prepare meals. Guests generally take turns preparing meals in the morning and evening. They usually prepare their own lunches for work. Attendance to Sunday evening meals is mandatory.
17. Will I have my own bedroom?
No. There will be one to two other men sharing a bedroom with you. You will have closet and drawer space for limited personal belongings.
18. Does New Name Ministry provide jobs?
At the present time we do not have ministry industries to put individuals to work. We will, however, assist you by providing a list of employers hiring ex-felons, including sex offenders. We will help you prepare a resume and coach you regarding interviews. We will assist you initially by providing transportation to appointments for job interviews. (Note: You should look for jobs near the bus line or by car pooling). Also, seek day shift positions. 2nd or 3rd shift hours are unacceptable since the times conflict with ministry and treatment provider group meeting times.
19. Does New Name Ministries accept individuals that are required to wear electronic monitors?
Yes. However, you, a family member or friend must coordinate having a telephone line installed for the monitor and are responsible for paying the monthly fees.
20. Does New Name Ministries provide transportation from the Walls Unit?
No. You will need to arrange your own transportation through family or friends. If you take the bus to Fort Worth, we will pick you up at the bus station upon your arrival. Be sure to call ministry staff to let them know you have been released and ETA.
21. How long does it take to install a telephone line for the monitor?
It generally takes 3 to 7 working days. We recommend having the line installed about a week prior to your release.
22. What are the costs associated with the telephone line installation and use?
If you go through AT&T, the cost is approximately $100 for the installation which includes a deposit and $25 per month (if the basic service is ordered). We ask that you coordinate the installation through our ministry staff. You will be responsible for covering the costs.
23. Does your ministry provide sex offender counseling?
Yes. A Christian RSOTP conducts an Intensive Treatment Group (Parole approved) in our home on a weekly basis. Treatment is required even for those who will be off paper upon arrival. Cost is $120/month.
24. Is attendance to ministry meetings required?
Yes. After graduating to Phase III you may choose to not attend one meeting weekly. Our current schedule of meetings is as follows:
- Tuesday 7:15 – 8:45 pm. - Intensive Treatment Group
- Wednesday 7:15 – 8:45 pm. - Budgeting / Kingdom Culture Classes
- Thursday 7:15 – 8:45 pm. - Rotating Relationship Classes / Activities
- Sunday 6:30 – 8:30 pm. - Family Meal & Fellowship.
25. Does your ministry go out to minister to others?
Yes. Pastor Jon Cordeiro speaks at local and national conferences related to re-entry and transitional homes. In addition, he speaks at churches and other organizations providing information about sex offenders and the myths surrounding the issues of sexual offenses. Ministry staff coordinates and conducts Bible studies in local federal and state prisons. Residents, as able, are encouraged to attend sessions that would be appropriate.
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