Starting Over On The Inside Endorsements
In Pastor Jeff’s observation, the model of prison ministry is changing before our eyes. Instead of teams from churches that go into a prison to hold weekly services, we need peer-based ministry in prisons that allows churches to focus on supporting the successful transition of individuals back into our community and significantly decreases recidivism. Mark Skalberg’s expertise and experience as a chaplain has developed a peer-based ministry that transforms inmates and their relationships – from the inside!
Anything you can to do to assist and expand Chaplain Skalberg’s opportunity for service and impact will greatly benefit prisoners and their families, the Colorado Department of Corrections, and our local neighborhoods."
“It is our privilege to support Starting Over on the Inside’s efforts, and love your approach of building self-sustaining programs by sustaining and empowering leaders and facilitators, helping them help themselves and others. We are proud to be on your team.
Blessings to you and all those you serve."
Founder of Colorado Springs Private Economics and the Colorado Forum
“Starting Over on The Inside is one of the programs that we are proud to offer at our facility that afford men the opportunity to grow in each of these areas.
Classes led by Chaplain Skalberg, the group discussions led by inmate facilitators challenge participants in healthy ways, promote accountability, and transparency. Starting Over on The Inside is a unique program in that it comes alongside men as they begin to prepare for re-entry back into society and the specific areas that they need help in."
"I have known Mark for many years in many different capacities but for the past two years, I have had the privilege of partnering with him through Starting Over on the Inside. Over the past 30 years his course has helped thousands of people when they hit a wall, and when the program was brought into Colorado’s Department Corrections statewide Mark was needing support to help him scale the program by training others to teach it.
This opportunity came when the course was approved for all Colorado State Prisons. Through my role as Program Officer at The Schuck Foundation, we have granted Mark for the past year and a half and been amazed by the results. Mark not only prepares these men to re-enter society, but stays involved in their aftercare to help them get settled in stable housing and employment. I recommend Starting Over on The Inside without reservation. We need more of what they are offering those who are coming out of our prisons."
"Mark Skalberg is the real deal! I have known Mark for over 20 years, so I have had a chance to observe his life and his ministry. I have a deep appreciation for his passion to serve and meet the needs of those individuals who are incarcerated in Colorado prisons.
In an effort to reduce recidivism, and to give those individuals the skills that they need to begin life anew (whether in prison for years or soon to be released), Mark has developed a course called “Starting Over on the Inside.” Hundreds of men have already graduated from this program and are living out the principles that they have learned.
So many want to lock up prisoners, throw away the keys, and forget about them – but not Mark. His heart’s desire is to effect meaningful change in men’s lives. I so appreciate what he is doing and would highly recommend him to prisons that could benefit from his work."
"When sent to prison, men and women can lose many things—their friends, their family, their dignity, even their hope. They often feel rejected by society and wonder how they will adjust if, and when, they are released. Most are willing to make some changes, but they’re just not sure where to start.
What a blessing it is to have a program like Starting Over on the Inside which declares to them their irreplaceable value in the eyes of God. Through this eight-lesson course, these prisoners are challenged to confront their identities, their responsibilities, and even their faith, all while acknowledging the ongoing struggle with loss.
At Trinidad Correctional Facility, I have personally seen the impact this program can have on men, helping them to put aside ‘old’ ways of thinking and take on a new vision for their own futures. I highly recommend Starting Over on the Inside to every inmate who is ready to begin again and to every facility desiring to provide effective opportunities for making positive changes."
