Our Story – Then, Now, and Future Vision
Founded by Executive Director Dennis Shawhan, Broken Chains Ministry has been a successful example of Restorative Justice in Summit County for 20 years.
One in six people in Ohio have a felony history and about 2,000 people return to the Akron area from incarceration each year. Clients of the ministry face many barriers to successful reentry and recovery, and the ministry’s programs were developed to overcome these barriers.
What started as a jail and prison ministry has expanded to include a workforce development program and a certified women’s residential recovery home. These Restorative Justice programs emphasize community collaboration, support services, identity restoration, accountability, and restitution.
The Vision That Started it All
Dennis Shawhan saw a desperate community need and heeded a spiritual calling. At the time the ministry was established, prison ministry services were disappearing. Dennis had come to faith through the outreach ministry in Summit County Jail and he wanted to share the love of God with other men and women. In studying The Great Commission highlighted in Matthew 28:18-20, he realized that his calling was to foster personal transformation through the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Summit County.
The Roots, The Vine, and the Branches
Until 2011, the ministry was rooted in prison ministry and focused on spiritual support but lacked practical support. It was time to expand the vision to include a workforce development program and Urbean Café was launched through a special opportunity with the Robert K. Pfaff Metro Transit Center.
In 2017, the ministry expanded to include Lydia’s Home. This unique residential recovery program provides women with a safe, supportive environment where they can heal and rebuild their lives. The program utilizes a holistic form of individual case management that goes beyond sobriety to embrace support in the areas of family reconciliation, financial literacy, life skills, health and wellness, and church-family connections.
The Joys and Heartaches
When asked what he wishes someone would have told him before he got started, Dennis said, “I wish someone could have talked to me about the path of victories and heartaches that pave this kind of ministry, and how to persevere during times of trial.”
Future Vision
Plans for expanded outreach through regional correctional facilities are in development, the vision for Urbean Café is growing, we want to see Lydia’s Home consistently at capacity, and we see a surge of volunteerism. We believe that with God and community supporters, all things are possible.
Meet the Team
Meet Tamela Shawhan, Director of Lydia’s Home here, and John Wiseman, Business Manager for the ministry and Urbean Cafe here.
Learn more about the dedicated, experienced Broken Chains Ministry team on our contact page.