Help CJM Drive Hope Home
This GiveSTL Day, join Criminal Justice Ministry (CJM) as we raise $25,000 to purchase a reliable van—a critical tool that will help us furnish apartments quickly and ensure every person coming home has a safe, dignified place to land.
Every move-in depends on more than just a roof—it takes beds, tables, chairs, and essentials delivered right when they’re needed. Your gift helps us equip each home with care and move people from prison to permanent housing with dignity and speed.
As we drive our mission forward, we’re also excited to unveil our new logo, updated housing program name, and a redesigned website that shows exactly where we’re going—and how far we’ve come.
Subscribe to our Newsletter Check out our updated Website Join us for Trivia Night on June 7!
Who We Are
Since 1979, Criminal Justice Ministry (CJM) has been a beacon of hope for individuals and families impacted by the justice system. With a mission to support, empower, and recognize the human dignity of those affected by incarceration, our dedicated staff and volunteers provide programs and services that help justice-involved individuals rebuild their lives, reunite with their families, and reintegrate into their communities.
Who We Serve
CJM supports justice-involved individuals transitioning from incarceration back into the St. Louis community. Our programs are inclusive and open to individuals of all backgrounds, providing tailored assistance to address the unique challenges they face.
What We Do
Housing-First Reentry Support
- Fully furnished apartments to provide safe, stable housing upon release
- Graduated rent model to ease clients into self-sufficiency
- Option for clients to Transition-In-Place (TIP), taking over their lease to remain in the same unit after CJM programming
Wraparound Support
- Daily case management
- Life skills training in areas like budgeting, cooking, and home maintenance
- On-site nurse & behavioral health care
- Peer support and mentorship
FIRST Services (Immediate Reentry Support)
- Backpacks of essentials (toiletries, clothing, personal items)
- Transportation assistance with bus passes
- Identification assistance for IDs and vital documents
- Short-term rental assistance for clients outside the R2R program
Pre-Release Services
- In-institution classes on reentry planning, life skills, and goal setting
- Volunteer mentorship connections
- Family reunification support
How We Impact
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160+ individuals housed each year, with 40% of those served being veterans
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500+ individuals receive basic needs assistance annually
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Recidivism under 12% among CJM clients — compared to over 60% nationally
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14,000 Start Here STL resource directories distributed each year
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Hundreds of volunteers engaged in classes, apartment setup, mentoring, and support
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Thousands of people impacted annually through our housing, ministry, and reentry support programs
This GiveSTL Day, invest in second chances. Help CJM Drive Hope Home.