Operation Starting Line

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - An effort to reduce recidivism and save taxpayer money is getting a boost in several Tennessee prisons this week. For the first time, a partnership of volunteers from local congregations and 36 national faith-based organizations will visit two Tennessee prisons as part of the Operation Starting Line program.

The event is sponsored by Prison Fellowship of Tennessee and Wings Ministry. The groups will reach out to hundreds of incarcerated men and women to offer mentoring, post-prison assistance, bible studies and life-skills training. Their hope is to reduce the number of repeat offenders.

“We appreciate their efforts in assisting inmates in dealing with life issues that will ultimately help us reduce recidivism,” said Jim Cosby TDOC Assistant Commissioner of Rehabilitative Services.

The media is invited to attend scheduled events.