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The CMHS program uses the experiences of marginalized populations, particularly those based on race, economic status and gender, to help shape the curriculum. The Certificate in Ministry and Human Services program includes, but is not limited to:
        English Composition
        Introduction to the Hebrew Bible
        Introduction to the New Testament
        Contemporary Theology
        Introduction to Ethics
        History of Christianity I
        History of Christianity II
        Sociology of Religious Communities I
        Sociology of Religious Communities II
        Introduction to World Religions
        Introduction to Pastoral Counseling

Additional courses frequently offered include: Introduction to Social Work, Homiletics and Child Development. The total school year is 2 semesters of 15 weeks each. Generally, five courses are taken during each semester. Often, summer and winter inter-sessions are offered as well.

Student Admission Requirements

The program accepts applications from mature inmates who posses a high school diploma or it's equivalent and are engaged in some form of ministry or community service while incarcerated.

Since the program receives many more applications than we can accept, we select candidates who have the skills and attitude most consistent with successful completion of the program. Students are required to commit themselves to the entire program. No classes may be omitted.

The application process requires:

  • an application
  • a written essay
  • references
  • a written examination
  • a personal interview

A Poem By Paul S. Kim

Yesterday
I stood at the foot of a mountain
Overwhelmed at the sight of its majesty
I felt insignificant in front of this great giant
Almost inadequate
Never was I so intimidated by the obstacles ahead
Reaching the top was only a dream
Not the reality I wanted it to be
Continuously the voices reminded me of its impossibility
Everything became clear to me at that moment
Without the first step
My dreams would become dust
to be blown away by the winds
Never to reclaim the passion that was once mine
It was then I started my journey
One foot after the other
One step closer to my prize
I made my way up
Every step I took
Took with it the voices that told me to
Stop!
Turn back!
You won't make it!
Many times I felt hopeless
Ready to give in to what I thought was my life
At the bottom
But if I had stopped
How would I ever find something worth chasing?
So as I left my ghosts behind
Determined to finish what I had started
Determined to defy the odds
I continued on with every liberating step
Until finally as I looked up the prize was within the grasp of my hands
Today
I stand at the top of that mountain
Gazing down at the vast greatness of the world below
A maelstrom of emotions overcome me
I realize it was not the voices that kept me down
But it was myself
And never will I let myself be self defeated again
I know the ways that I have traveled
I remember the emotions that I felt
And as I look to the spot where I started
I recall where I had been and how much I have changed
How much I have grown
How much I have endured
Never to look at life the same again
Never to stop holding on to the things which I hold dear
I realize that there are other mountains in my life that need to be overcome
I believe I have the strength, courage, and heart to overcome them
Tomorrow
Is just another day for some
But to me it is another chance
To change the impossible
To fix the broken
To heal the wounds
To mend the hearts
I know where the winds are taking me these days
And I believe that now
I can change the direction of where it will blow

© Copyright 2006 Rising Hope, Inc.