Joyful Harvest, a Christian-Based Prison Ministry, Granted 501(c) (3) Nonprofit Status

Joyful Harvest, a Christian-based prison ministry, has been granted nonprofit, tax-exempt status as a public charity under Section 501 (c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.  Founded in 2014 by its director, Doneetsa Anderson, a 21-year prison ministry volunteer with a Master of Divinity from Bethel Seminary, Joyful Harvest’s mission is:  “Proclaiming the gospel to the imprisoned to bring about transformation in Christ.”

“Gaining tax-exempt status will enable the ministry to more efficiently raise funds, which means providing more spiritual impact and support to more men and women prisoners during and after their incarceration,” says Anderson.  The ministry is geared to those in the judicial system, including Minnesota prison inmates, those awaiting sentencing, and men and women post conviction.  More than 9,000 men and women are in the state prison system.

Funding goals for Joyful Harvest include:

·      Printing and mailing a teaching newsletter, called “Joyful News,” to disciple Christian inmates to help them grow in their faith.  With additional funding, the newsletter can be expanded on a monthly basis and reach more inmates in Minnesota prisons.  Prisoners not currently on the mailing list can request to be included.

·      Development and maintenance of a Joyful Harvest web site to communicate opportunities and news to volunteers and supporters.

·      Purchase of Bibles, clothing and other basic needs of released prisoners.

·      Mileage and support for Anderson as she conducts Bible studies in correctional facilities.  She also is involved with local programs to help newly released inmates to find jobs and churches.

·      Mileage for volunteers who meet with the prisoners’ spouses or significant others who are in the hospital or need prayer support.

According to Anderson, “Bible study makes a big difference in lowering the recidivism rate.  The “Joyful News,” which I prayerfully write, may be the only mail a prisoner receives.”  She reports tracking 300 released inmates since starting the newsletter in 2010 and finding 87 percent of newsletter recipients have not re-offended.

Anderson is also seeking contributions from businesses that would cover the cost of printing and postage for the newsletter for one recurring month each year, a $250 contribution.  If desired, companies would receive recognition in the issue they support.  Companies who tend to hire ex-offenders may want to consider this opportunity, including those in the construction, food and recycling industries, as well as warehouse/distribution businesses.

About Joyful Harvest Ministry

Joyful Harvest is a Twin-Cities-based prison ministry with ties to Prison Fellowship (national), Union Gospel Mission (St. Paul), R3 Collaborative: Recovery, Re-entry, Renewal (St. Paul), and various Minnesota churches. Its mission: “Proclaiming the gospel to the imprisoned to bring about transformation in Christ.” Members of its board have backgrounds in prison ministry, business and prison experience. All financial donations given to Joyful Harvest Ministry are tax deductible. Donations can be made through www.givemn.org. For more information, visit Joyful Harvest Ministry on Facebook.