FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do you have ministries in other states?
A: Not yet. CORM is a regional ministry, serving only Washington, DC and the surrounding jurisdictions.

Q.  What is your mailing address?

A.  Our mailing address is PO Box 41493, Washington, DC 20018-0893.

Q. I am not located in Washington, DC.  Do you know of any ministries such as yours in my area?
A. We sympathize with the many people who have loved ones in prison who need a ministry such as ours, and we recognize that not many of these ministries exist.  Although we are a criminal justice ministry, we are a regional ministry and therefore do not have information on other ministries in other states.  Our advice is to try to contact the chaplains of the institutions in your state (not just the one in which your loved one is incarcerated) and ask them if they know any any ministries that can help.  Another good place to check would be Prison Fellowship Ministries (www.pfm.org) at 703-478-0100, or the Corrections Connection at www.corrections.com.

Q: How does an inmate request services through your ministry?
A: Contact CORM for the latest information.

Q.  What are the requirements for inmates to become a part of your program?

A.  Inmates must be convicted of DC code violations and be incarcerated in a prison either directly operated by or contracted through the Federal Bureau of Prisons or the DC Department of Corrections.  Inmates must be 18 years of age or older and have at least six months before their anticipated release date.

Q.  Do you give financial support to inmates or ex-offenders?

A.  On a limited basis, based upon funding, provided the inmate or ex-offender has completed our application procedure.

Q. Do you have positions available?

A. Any positions we have available will be posted on the web site under the link "Employment." If that link does not appear, it means there are no paid positions available at this time. You can, however, contact us for a list of our volunteer opportunities.

Q: Does your ministry work with violent offenders, or sex offenders?
A: Our ministry will work with anyone who desires a new start in life.

Q: When was your ministry started?
A: Our ministry was started in December 1995.

Q: What prisons do you work with?
A: Currently, D.C. code felony offenders that are housed in prisons operated by or contracted by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the DC Department of Corrections.

Q: Specifically how do you help your clients?
A: We interview our clients to determine what their needs will be upon release from prison.  We then design a comprehensive action plan, in consultation with the inmate and with the inmate's case manager.  Once the inmate is released, we meet with the inmate regularly to update his action plan or to work with him toward achieving the goals set forth in the action plan.  As a part of the action plan, we will attempt to locate housing for the inmate, as well as clothing, job location assistance, job preparation assistance, and other services.

Q: Do you maintain a database of employers who will hire ex-offenders?
A: Yes.  Employment opportunities in our database are available only to clients of our agency.

Q: Do you work with all inmates, or just Christian inmates?
A: As a Christian ministry, we believe the love and mercy of God extend to all men, regardless of religion.   We believe that our work is a outworking of the love of God.  While we are a Christian ministry and we seek opportunities to minister the gospel wherever possible, we do not require that one be a Christian to receive the majority of our services.

Q: How is your ministry supported?
A: Through donations from churches, corporations, foundations, and individuals. In light of recent efforts by the Bush administration to increase government funding to faith-based organizations, our agency is open to government funding that does not conflict with our mission. We are also on the United Way/CFC campaign #8809.

Q.  I want to start a ministry similar to yours in my area.  Can you give me advice on how to do it?
A.  Our ministry publishes a manual called "Equipping Your Church to Minister to Ex-Offenders."  This manual contains practical information on how to start such a ministry in your area.  To order this manual, click here.

Q.  I have a product or publication which may be useful in your ministry.  How can I determine if you are interested in this product?

A. CORM will be glad to evaluate any product or publication which benefits either ex-offenders in their transition into society, or at-risk youth in their development.  A sample product or publication should be sent to us at CORM.  Please note, however, that we are not currently in the position to purchase any products or publications from third parties, nor will we serve as an agent to sell these products to others.  If you are offering the product or publication for free, we will consider it.

Q. I have questions about your ministry's finances.  How can I get these questions answered?
A.  Check our Donations Frequently Asked Questions page.

Q.  What are your office hours?
A.  Office hours are 9 am - 5 pm.  If you wish to visit our offices, it is best to call 202-723-2014 and make an appointment.