Damascus Way Reentry Center Inc.

Fiscal year April 1, 2002–March 31, 2003

This past fiscal year 81 men entered Damascus Way from prisons and jails out of 240 men who enquired about the program. The average stay was fifty-four days with an average of 8.5 men each week who were with us from prison on a state contract.  The men came form the following prisons and jails; Lino Lakes (41%), Faribault (16%), Moose Lake (12%), Stillwater (12%), Rush City (9%), St. Cloud (7%), Willow River (4%), Hennepin County Jail (3 men), Hennepin County Workhouse (1 man), Anoka County Jail (1 man).

The demographics of the men entering Damascus Way from prison this last fiscal year were 48% White, 47% African American, 4% Hispanic, 1% Native American.

Our income for this fiscal year from program fees was $309,827.  Our total income from Contracts with the Department of Corrections was $181,694.  Total income for Damascus Way for all area for fiscal year 2003 was $586,340, while our expense was $505,042.

Damascus Way’s total assets currently stand at $334,628.  The assets increased this year by $140,000 after a home valued at $140,000 was donated to the ministry.  Since the home was donated we have upgraded the electric from 30amp service to 100amp service and rewired most of the rooms.  The roofs on the home and garage have also been replaced increasing the value and serviceability as well as sell ability.

As the year progressed we made a swing from men on Supervised Release to men on Work Release.  Men coming to Damascus Way through the state Supervised Release program are mostly offenders against persons where Work Release men are predominantly property offenders.  Supervised Release men will stay 60 days on the contract and a limited time after the contract period ends which is absorbed financially by Damascus Way.  While Work Release men will stay from 6 to 8 months while state contract pay the costs.

Spiritually the ministry enjoyed a wonderful year.  We saw many men who came to us with little knowledge of the plan of salvation find Jesus and experience dynamic conversions.  We had some very exciting situations where men in the program who were themselves new converts while at Damascus Way lead other residents to Christ.  The monthly newsletters that Damascus Way sends out to our faithful contributors report several times a year the details of many of the conversions that the staff have had the privilege of witnessing.  

Thanks to all who had a part in assuring a successful year of ministry at Damascus Way.

Respectfully submitted,

Rev. Dick Harden, Director

Damascus Way Reentry Center Inc.