Orange County Jail Ministry Inc

The Orange County Jail Ministry Inc is a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading the teachings of Christianity within the jail system of Orange County, California. Established over 75 years ago, the ministry has evolved significantly from its origins, now operating under the name "Orange County Jail Ministry" to better convey its mission.

History

The ministry was founded in 1930 as the "Gleaners" for inmates of the old Orange County Jail in downtown Santa Ana. The initial vision was led by Lem Green and Brother Walenous, both members of Calvary Church in Placentia. The early efforts involved organizing teams from several churches to conduct Sunday services and distribute Bibles and Bible study materials during weekly follow-up meetings.

Mission

The Orange County Jail Ministry's primary mission is to lead inmates to Christ and foster Christian growth through the study of the Bible. This mission is carried out by a team of volunteer chaplains and hundreds of volunteers from numerous evangelical churches across the county.

Operations

Today, the ministry operates across five jail facilities in Orange County, including Men's Central Jail, Women's Central Jail, the Intake and Release Center, Theo Lacy Branch Jail, and the James A. Musick Facility. These facilities collectively house over 5,000 inmates. The ministry aims to provide spiritual guidance and support to both inmates and correctional officers.

Structure and Finances

Orange County Jail Ministry Inc is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, registered under the tax exemption status with the EIN number 59-2406715. The organization files annual tax returns with the IRS, providing financial and operational details, which are publicly available through databases like GuideStar and ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer.

Community Impact

The ministry reports that thousands of lives are transformed annually through its programs, underscoring its significant role in Orange County's correctional system.

Activities

Apart from its regular services and study programs within the jails, the Orange County Jail Ministry also organizes events like annual banquets to raise awareness and support for its activities.

As of the available data, the organization continues to grow and adapt, expanding its reach within the county's correctional facilities.

[1] https://ocjailministry.org/about/ [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/592406715 [3] https://www.ocjailministry.com [4] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/592406715/201642259349301874/full [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/59-2406715