Abe Brown Ministries gives back to society

The economy continues its assault. Just ask anyone who works for a charity.

Last week, the Chronicle of Philanthropy announced an 11 percent drop in donations to the nation's 400 biggest charities - the worst decline in two decades.

If the late Rev. Abe Brown were here, he'd probably say in his distinctive, soothing voice: "Don't panic. Stay the course. Trust in God and he will provide."

Abe Brown died Sept. 11 at age 83 after his third battle with cancer. He will be remembered for a lot of things - his work in education, church and community. Mostly, he will be remembered for prison evangelism and the nonprofit that bears his name.

Abe Brown Ministries, launched in 1976, now operates outreach programs for ex-offenders and their families. It also runs two transitional homes for men getting out of prison, with a third one soon to open. Residents take part in a 12-month comprehensive faith-based program that helps them establish a firm foundation in spiritual, personal and life-skills growth.

The ultimate goal is to give them a safe haven while they work on changing their minds and hearts, and send them back into society as law-abiding productive citizens.

If ministry staff has six or seven success stories a year, that's good. "We've been called a dirty ministry," says Robert Blount, president and son-in-law of the late Brown. "It's not necessarily a popular one."

But for those who hesitate to support a program like this, consider: Of the estimated 102,000 men and women currently incarcerated in Florida's prisons, about 3,500 will be returning to Hillsborough County this year. And that doesn't include those in jails.

If you think the 12 percent unemployment rate among the general population is high, it's around 60 percent for ex-offenders. People sitting around with no money, no transportation and no hope become a danger.

"Desperate situations make people do desperate things," Blount says. "It can put all of us at risk."

The ministry lost its face with the passing of Brown. But its work must go on. The program has a $125,000 deficit, and is dipping into its reserve funds. When the money runs out, there will be few options for men with two strikes against them.

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Tony Dungy got involved after Brown extended an invitation to join him on a prison visit to speak to the men. At first hesitant - after all, who wouldn't be a little nervous about going behind bars and mingling with hard-core criminals - Dungy got a surprise.

"I saw Abe's passion and I caught the fire," he says. "The reaction by the men was something I didn't expect. And the stories I've heard and the changes I've seen are amazing."

Some 14 years later, Dungy calls his work with Abe Brown Ministries "one of the most meaningful things I've done in my life." That says a lot, coming from a man who has done much for others.

That's why Dungy will be at the helm at a benefit concert Thursday. The event is free; all donations will go to support the ministry. Like so many charities, it will depend on the kindness and support of others to move forward in its work.

Ron Jones, 39, just graduated from the year-long residential program. He had served 12 years in prison for robbery and violation of probation. He says he spent most of his life ducking the law or getting into trouble; without this program, Jones is sure he would have repeated the same mistakes after his last release from prison.

"If I had been on the same road, I'd probably be dead by now," he says.

Instead, he has a job with The Fechtel Co., a Tampa-based builder. He's learning carpentry and other skills, and earning high praise from his supervisor for his diligent work. He and his wife have a baby daughter. Every day, his self-confidence grows and his faith life deepens.

"They welcomed me with open arms and open hearts here," he says. "If you really want to change, this is a good place to do it."

Abe Brown believed in men like Jones. That's why he dedicated himself to a ministry that isn't always popular with the public. He believed that with God, all things are possible. And he lived long enough to hear the testimonies and see results. "He always said to be a giver, not a taker," remembers Blount. "To live and lead by example. I think that's a powerful message to keep before the people. So we're committed to keep his legacy alive."

IF YOU GOWHAT: Transforming Lives Benefit Concert featuring host Tony Dungy, worship leader Charles Billingsley and two-time Dove Award winner Babbie Mason.

WHEN: 7 p.m. ThursdayWHERE: Idlewild Baptist Church, 18333 Exciting Idlewild Blvd., LutzADMISSION: Free; register for a ticket at www.abebrown.org or call (866) 440-7880. Donations are encouraged, with all proceeds going to Abe Brown Ministries.