Transforming Lives from Jails to Jesus
Join us in offering inmates a chance to rebuild their lives by providing opportunities for spiritual and educational growth.
We work with various agencies throughout our community to help inmates prepare for their return to society with the tools they need to thrive, and provide continued guidance for those who have been released.
Men’s Ministry
Our men’s ministry consists of two main parts — hope for those incarcerated, and guidance on the outside.
For those incarcerated, Chaplain David visits prisons five days a week for prayer, counseling, and Bible study. Whether one-on-one or in a group setting, our goal is to bring hope into some of the darkest times in the men’s lives.
Once an inmate’s time is served, we continue guiding the men through connecting them to the right support services, checking on them throughout their journey, and being a trusted advocate with the legal system.
Women’s Ministry
Our women’s ministry is all about relationships. For those incarcerated, Chaplain Gina goes into the jails two times per week (soon to be five days a week) to support, counsel, and bring the light of Jesus to women in the prison system.
Once released, we continue guiding the women as they begin their post incarceration journey. We help women connect to vital services and groups, navigate the legal system, and maintain the support they need to keep going into a brighter future.
Hannah Casillas & Samantha Miller
ACE OVERCOMERS VOLUNTEERS
ACE Overcomers
ACE Overcomers supports Merced County Jail Ministry by delivering a proven, evidence-based, and biblically grounded curriculum directly to incarcerated individuals. This partnership ensures participants receive both practical life skills and spiritual guidance as they prepare to reintegrate into their families and communities.
Our shared goal is to break cycles of trauma, reduce recidivism, and empower individuals to build healthier, more stable lives upon release.
Program Spotlight:
Overcoming a Difficult Childhood
This powerful course helps participants understand how early life experiences shape thoughts, behaviors, and emotional responses. By combining trauma-informed science with biblical principles, the program provides a clear pathway toward healing and transformation.
Participants will learn to:
Understand how childhood stress impacts emotional, physical, and spiritual health
Retrain the brain and reset the nervous system
Overcome nervousness, depression, and self-pity
Build healthier coping strategies and life skills
Develop deeper, more meaningful connections with themselves, others, and God
Preparing for Life After Release
Our programs are designed not only for the time spent inside, but for life beyond incarceration. Through continued guidance and connection to community resources, we support individuals as they transition back into society with confidence, resilience, and hope.
Together with the Merced County Jail Ministry and our community partners, we are creating pathways to healing, restoration, and lasting change.
Our Latest Newsletter
July 2026
Do you love helping others thrive?
We hope you’d consider joining us in this ongoing endeavor. Your donation goes toward:
Bibles are purchased and distributed to inmates who are interested in learning about the love and transformative power of Jesus in their lives.
BIBLES
Lesson studies on anger, trauma, grief, self-help, or any other mental health topic are provided to inmates who want the resources to grow in and outside of jail.
MENTAL HEALTH
From printers, paper and pencils, to books, puzzles and reading glasses — all supplies used to minister to inmates are covered through your generosity.
SUPPLIES
“The Merced County Jail Ministry changed my life. The Chaplains bring hope and light into one of the darkest places someone can be. My testimony shows no matter the situation you find yourself in, God can turn it around for good in his plan and timing.”
— Kathleen