Next Chapter Reentry Project

10/13/2026

At Next Chapter, weekly Bible study has never been optional. It is part of who we are.

We have always gathered around God’s Word, and we always will. Our mission is not only to provide housing and support, but to walk with people spiritually, emotionally, socially, and physically as they rebuild their lives.

The work continues. The Word remains central.

Next Chapter Reentry Project is the leading reentry program in Rochester, Minnesota.

10/06/2026

At Next Chapter Reentry Project, every gift helps create a stronger path forward for individuals and families impacted by incarceration across Southeast Minnesota.

Your generosity supports practical, hope-filled reentry services, including:

✅ Gospel-centered mentoring and jail outreach
✅ Transitional housing and reentry support
✅ Family support, life-skills resources, and community connection

Together, we are helping people rebuild stable lives, restore relationships, and step into a new chapter with hope. Visit our website to learn more about our programs, volunteer opportunities, and ways to support our mission.

10/04/2026

What a beautiful evening at our RESTORE Gala.

Throughout the night, we were reminded of Lazarus’s story. When Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, He also told the community, “Take away the stone” and “Loose him, and let him go.” That is what restoration looks like. God brings new life, and the community helps remove barriers, unwrap what has bound people, and make room for them to walk forward.

That is why we gathered. That is why this mission matters.

Thank you to everyone who attended, gave, served, and helped make the evening so meaningful. We are especially grateful for our generous sponsors: Homestead Arts Farm, Stewartville Laundromat, Eagle Rock Bank, Mount Olive Lutheran Church, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Christ Community Church of Rochester, H2 Real Estate Solutions, Van Straten Law Firm, Scheels, and a very generous anonymous donor.

The highlight of the night was celebrating our honorees: Michelle Williams, Cindy Valencia, and Al Smith. Their stories gave witness to courage, perseverance, restoration, and the power of a community that refuses to give up on people.

At Next Chapter Reentry Project, we believe no life is beyond restoration, and every story deserves the chance to begin a new chapter. Thank you for standing with us in this sacred work.

10/02/2026

We are looking forward to seeing everyone tonight. Our social hour begins at 5 pm, with our service starting at 5:30 pm. We look forward to seeing all our guests, including special guests Powers For Mayor and Dr. Jess Garcia for Mayor

In the hands of a redeeming God, no past has the final word, no failure is beyond grace, and no life is too broken to be made new.

On October 2, we invite you to join us for the 2026 RESTORE Gala—an inspiring evening celebrating courage, transformation, and the power of second chances.

You will hear powerful stories from individuals who have overcome incarceration, addiction, homelessness, and seemingly impossible barriers to begin building a new chapter. You will also learn how Next Chapter Reentry Project walks alongside individuals and families as they move from surviving to stability, purpose, and lasting restoration.

Your presence matters. When a community chooses to believe in restoration, lives are changed, families are strengthened, and the prison-to-homelessness pipeline can be broken.

📅 Friday, October 2
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
📍 Rochester Art Center within the Mayo Civic Center

Space is limited. Please reserve your seat by September 18: https://forms.gle/CDzA9cKEeCb8Dz5t9

Come celebrate our residents—their courage, perseverance, and unfolding testimonies—and witness what becomes possible when grace meets determination, community makes room for hope, and those once counted out are empowered to walk boldly into the future God has prepared for them.

09/28/2026

We are deeply grateful to recognize Homestead Arts Farm as a longstanding Platinum Partner for our annual RESTORE Gala.

Year after year, Mark and Lori Grimes have faithfully stood with the mission of Next Chapter Reentry Project. Their generosity has helped make this gala possible, but their support goes far beyond one evening. They have also opened their alpaca farm to our children each year, creating memories, joy, and moments of belonging that mean more than words can fully express.

NCRP is grateful for Mark and Lori not only for how they give, but for how they live. They are a blessing to our residents, our children, and this community.

Thank you, Mark and Lori, and thank you, Homestead Arts Farm, for your continued partnership and your heart for restoration.

09/16/2026

In the hands of a redeeming God, no past has the final word, no failure is beyond grace, and no life is too broken to be made new.

On October 2, we invite you to join us for the 2026 RESTORE Gala—an inspiring evening celebrating courage, transformation, and the power of second chances.

You will hear powerful stories from individuals who have overcome incarceration, addiction, homelessness, and seemingly impossible barriers to begin building a new chapter. You will also learn how Next Chapter Reentry Project walks alongside individuals and families as they move from surviving to stability, purpose, and lasting restoration.

Your presence matters. When a community chooses to believe in restoration, lives are changed, families are strengthened, and the prison-to-homelessness pipeline can be broken.

📅 Friday, October 2
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
📍 Rochester Art Center within the Mayo Civic Center

Space is limited. Please reserve your seat by September 18: https://forms.gle/CDzA9cKEeCb8Dz5t9

Come celebrate our residents—their courage, perseverance, and unfolding testimonies—and witness what becomes possible when grace meets determination, community makes room for hope, and those once counted out are empowered to walk boldly into the future God has prepared for them.

09/10/2026

At Next Chapter Reentry Project, everything we do is rooted in our mission to help individuals and families impacted by incarceration build stable, hope-filled lives through gospel-centered mentoring, practical support, community, and restorative relationships.

Through our faith-based reentry programs in Southeast Minnesota, we support returning citizens and their families with transitional housing, mentoring, life-skills support, jail outreach, family programs, and meaningful community connections. Our work is guided by a commitment to restoration, accountability, and the belief that every person deserves the opportunity for a new beginning.

With the support of our community, we can help turn second chances into lasting change. Join us by donating, volunteering, mentoring, or sharing our mission with others.

Learn more about Next Chapter Reentry Project and how to get involved: https://nextchapterrochester.org

09/08/2026

Join us tonight for a special Bible study led by the founder of Next Chapter Reentry Project!

Come ready to be encouraged, challenged, and strengthened through God’s Word by Andy Kilen. Whether you are part of the Next Chapter community, an alum, or simply looking for a place to grow in faith and fellowship, you are welcome.

We would love to see you there—all are welcome!

08/22/2026

Our Executive Director, Dr. Torianto S. Johnson Sr., was recently interviewed by ABC 6 News about the encouraging 57% decline in homelessness among Minnesotans leaving incarceration since 2021.

While this progress is worth celebrating, Dr. Johnson cautions that it must be balanced with the realities we witness every day at Next Chapter Reentry Project. Far too many people transitioning from incarceration continue to face the compounding challenges of housing instability, substance use disorders, untreated mental health conditions, and, ultimately, recidivism.

At Next Chapter Reentry Project, we see firsthand how homelessness, substance use, mental health challenges, and incarceration intersect. That is why effective reentry support must begin before release and continue afterward through strong community partnerships. When individuals are equipped with the resources and support necessary for a successful transition, we can reduce homelessness and recidivism while creating pathways toward stability, restoration, and lasting transformation.

Thank you to ABC 6 News for highlighting this important issue and including our Executive Director in the conversation.

More Minnesotans are finding homes after incarceration. A new report shows homelessness among people leaving jails and prisons is down 57% since 2021. ⬇️Click the link in the comments to read more

08/11/2026

What an incredible day!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, and supported the Next Chapter Reentry Project Community BBQ. Your generosity and presence helped make this event a tremendous success.

A special thank-you to Operation BBQ Relief for providing outstanding food and support, and to our entire staff for the countless hours of planning, preparation, and hard work that made the day possible.

And we have a newly crowned BBQ champion—Zane Malcolmson! Congratulations, Zane, on taking home the title this year!

To every sponsor, supporter, volunteer, competitor, and community member who contributed in any way—thank you. Your partnership allows us to continue walking alongside individuals and families as they rebuild their lives and begin their next chapter.

We could not do this work without you!