About Us

Stepping Out Ministries primary mission is the reduction of recidivism through a proven program model centering on accountability, personal enrichment, cultivation of integrity, and restoration through community outreach.

The impact of crime in our communities is felt two fold: both in the pain suffered by victims and the cost incurred by the state as justice is carried out. High recidivism rates place a burden both on our communities as well as our government.

Our program model has an internal funding rate of ninety percent, paid for by the clients through program services revenue, resulting in a very cost-effective means to reduce repeat crime, thereby freeing tax dollars for other purposes such as education and human services.

Stepping Out Ministries has been providing transitional services to Marion County for over ten years. During this time we have served over 800 people. With a strict policy of nondiscrimination, Stepping Out Ministries provides transitional services to many individuals who fall through the cracks of community corrections and other social service networks.

Our transitional housing program provides safe and drug-free temporary housing along with case management, job search assistance, referrals for social services, help with clothing, and food.

A corrections model encouraging continued rehabilitation after incarceration has been emerging in recent years. During this time, there has been a significant reduction in overall recidivism rates in Oregon since 2000 (ODOC Report on Recidivism Trends of New Parolees - Updated May, 2011). With statistical information confirming this trend is successful in reducing the amount of repeat offenders, programs focusing on successful reintegration back into society are an essential part of the rehabilitation process. Program models that are mostly funded through their own program services revenue, are ideal for reducing cost to the public in both the short-term and long.

Carefully guided reintegration back into society as a law abiding contributing member is one of the most effective means of reducing recidivism; for every year a person in Oregon is incarcerated by the state in 2009-2011 it cost an estimated $30,660 dollars to maintain them in a facility (Legislative Fiscal Office - Budget Information Report on Correction Spending Trends).

In comparison, Stepping Out Ministries serves on average eighty people per year, at an average cost of $2500 per person, ninety percent of which is self-funded through program services revenue paid by the client themselves, resulting in an overall cost to the community (through donations) of $250 per person served (annually).

For those clients who make it past the 90 day mark (the majority do), 3 out of 4 participants successfully transition back into the community as self-sufficient, productive citizens.

Two measures are used to gauge the success of our program: successful transition rate (of clients who have been in the program longer than ninety days - currently 75%) and the percentage of the overall program budget that is funded from within - acquired through program services revenue - currently 90% (Annual Report 2010).

Our ministry is made up entirely of volunteers; there are no paid staff positions. Many of the successful graduates of our program over the years have become staff members and volunteers in our organization. They have become the backbone of our program, dedicating their time and energy into making our program as successful as it is. Without their dedication and unwavering support, our ministry would not be possible.