What we do:
The Noisette Foundation of North Charleston, SC has partnered with HIS Way Ministry to create a voluntary association of ex-offenders in the Lowcountry who gather to support one another, and to perform service projects in the interest of others. We call it the Civic Justice Corps (CJC). We believe that accountability groups of this kind are essential to keep ex-offenders from re-offending and going back to jail. Service promotes leadership skills, builds self-esteem, and creates positive connections in the community where these individuals live.

Recently, the Noisette Foundation formed an advisory panel of concerned stakeholders to address the issue of reentry of ex-offenders. This group, The Greater Charleston Prisoner Re-entry Advisory Committee, has met regularly since its formation in February 2006. The committee is made up of policy makers, judges, law enforcement, service providers, and neighborhood/civic representatives. Together, we are reducing recidivism in the Lowcountry and making the Greater Charleston Area a safer, healthier place to live.

What to expect:
CJC service projects are voluntary because each individual must choose their own path in life. The CJC makes no promise to solve every problem ex-offenders face upon release. We do offer a supportive environment with mentoring. Participation in service projects is comparable to the twelfth step of the AA program that calls on “giving back” to others.

How it works:
  • Referrals to food, shelter, employment, education, drug treatment, and other relevant community services
  • Mentoring opportunities for ex-offenders as mentees, and later as mentors to other recently released ex-offenders
  • Weekly HIS Way meetings that invite spiritual expression, encouragement, and accountability
  • The chance to participate in service projects in the cities of Charleston and North Charleston, SC

Past Service Projects:
  • City Clean Sweep: Gathered trash and debris
  • North Charleston: Emptied all damaged contents of a burned home
  • Danny Jones Complex: Landscaped around the gym, built flowerbeds
  • Liberty Hill Community Cleanup: Assisted the community in cleaning their neighborhood
  • Whipper Barony: Landscaped neighborhood entrance sign
  • Ferndale/Russelldale cleanup: Cleaned playgrounds in preparation for summer camp
  • Highland Terrace: Cleaned grounds of Garden of Prayer Holiness Church
  • Chicora/Cherokee: Assembled metal buildings for Metanoia, an organization that builds affordable housing