Next Chapter Reentry Project

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!

08/09/2026

As the executive director of NCRP, I am often invited to speak at churches and various organizations. This morning, I had the privilege of preaching “Christ Over Chaos” from Matthew 14:22–33 at Rochester Covenant Church, one of the most faithful supporters of the Next Chapter Reentry Project.

In Scripture, the sea is more than geography. From the opening pages of Genesis onward, the waters often symbolize chaos, disorder, danger, and forces beyond human control.

It is where Israel could not save itself.
It is where Job says only God walks.
It is where the Psalmist says God’s footprints cannot be traced.
The sea becomes the great biblical symbol of chaos—the place where creation seems to unravel, and human strength comes to its end.

That biblical imagery gives Matthew’s account even greater theological weight.

The disciples are caught on the sea, battered by waves and opposed by the wind. Yet Jesus does not stand safely on the shore and shout instructions into their chaos. He comes to them walking upon it.

And then He speaks: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

The Greek expression translated “It is I”—ego eimi, “I AM”—echoes the language of divine self-revelation. Matthew is showing us that the One walking upon the chaotic waters is not merely a miracle worker demonstrating extraordinary power. Jesus is revealing His divine identity and authority. The chaos beneath His feet is under His lordship.

That is why the story ends not merely with amazement, but with worship: “Truly you are the Son of God.”

What a fitting word for the ministry of Next Chapter Reentry Project.

Reentry often means navigating very real forms of chaos—broken relationships, addiction and recovery, barriers to employment and housing, lost opportunities, and the difficult work of rebuilding a life. But the gospel declares that chaos never gets the final word. Christ does.

Thank you, Rochester Covenant, for your partnership with Next Chapter and for allowing me to proclaim Christ among you this morning.

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

08/08/2026

🔥 TODAY IS THE DAY! 🔥

The grills are getting fired up, the ribs are getting ready, and Next Chapter Reentry Project’s Annual Community BBQ is happening TODAY! 🐷🔥

📅 TODAY — August 8
⏰ 4:30–7:30 PM
720 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN
NCRP Campus

Come hungry and bring the family! We’ve got:

🔥 BBQ Competition
🥩 Some of the best BBQ in town
🥧 Pie Auction
🎯 Laser Tag
🏃 Inflatable Obstacle Course
💦 Dunk the ED
🎉 Fun for the entire family!

STILL WANT TO DONATE PIES? 🥧

It’s not too late to donate a pie for the auction! Homemade or store-bought—we’ll gladly take them. Just make sure your pies are dropped off before NOON today.

Every plate, every pie, and every person who shows up helps support the work of Next Chapter Reentry Project and our mission of helping men and women successfully rebuild their lives after incarceration.

TODAY IS THE DAY. Eat. Have fun. Support a great cause.

🔥 We’ll see you at 4:30! 🔥

08/06/2026

🔥 The Countdown Is On! 🔥

Only a couple of days until the Next Chapter Reentry Project Community BBQ!

📅 Saturday, August 8
🕟 4:30 PM
📍 720 3rd Ave SE, Rochester, MN

Bring the whole family for an evening packed with fun, food, and community!

🍖 The best BBQ in town—for one day only!
🏆 BBQ Competition featuring local pitmasters and reigning champ, Phil Schouweiler
🥧 Exciting Pie Auction
💦 Dunk the ED (Yes...you can dunk Executive Director Dr. Torianto Johnson!)
🎯 Laser Tag
🏃 Inflatable Obstacle Course
🎈 Games and activities for the entire family

Every plate purchased and every dollar raised helps support the life-changing work of the Next Chapter Reentry Project, helping men and women rebuild their lives after incarceration.

Come hungry. Bring your family. Invite your friends. Enjoy incredible BBQ, have a blast, and support a great cause.

We’ll see you on August 8 at 4:30 PM!

07/23/2026

At Next Chapter Reentry Project, we believe supporting successful reentry also means investing in the children and families connected to the journey.

Here are a few pictures of some of the incredible children who are part of our NCRP community.

We have exciting plans ahead as we work to expand our children’s programming and create even more opportunities for learning, mentorship, connection, and fun. Our goal is to provide safe, supportive spaces where children can grow, build confidence, and know they are valued.

Great things are in store for NCRP’s children and families. Stay tuned as we continue building the next chapter—together.

Special shoutout to our volunteers and Mark and Lori Grimes at Homestead Arts Farm for always providing a wonderful experience for NCRP’s children and families.

07/18/2026

🔥 You’re Invited to Next Chapter Reentry Project’s Annual Community BBQ! 🔥

📅 Saturday, August 8
🕟 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Bring your family and friends for an evening filled with great food, fellowship, fun, and community as we celebrate the life-changing work happening at Next Chapter Reentry Project!

We’re excited to welcome the volunteers of Operation BBQ Relief, who will be serving alongside us throughout the event.

🎉 There’s something for everyone!
🔥 Annual Best BBQ Competition
🥧 Annual Pie Auction
🎯 Laser Tag
🏰 Inflatables for the kids
🤝 Campus tour
❤️ Meet our staff and residents
🙌 Hear how lives are being transformed through Christ-centered reentry

Think you’ve got the best barbecue around? Or are you known for baking an unforgettable pie?

Reigning champ Phil Schouweiler is already signed up.

We’d love to have you participate!

🔥 Sign up for the BBQ Competition:
🔗 https://forms.gle/5hwduxmc3KYGKyRF6

🥧 Sign up to donate a homemade pie for the Pie Auction:
🔗 https://forms.gle/eiJayGYVgZaFRP5E9

Every dollar raised supports our mission to provide Christ-centered reentry services that address the spiritual, physical, social, and emotional needs of individuals returning from incarceration, helping to restore lives, strengthen families, and build safer communities.

Celebrate with us, invite your friends, and experience firsthand the hope and transformation happening every day at Next Chapter Reentry Project.

We can’t wait to see you on August 8!

Transforming lives through faith-based reentry support, family healing, and community restoration in Southeast Minnesota and Wisconsin.

07/13/2026

⛳️ THANK YOU FOR AN INCREDIBLE FIRST ANNUAL GOLF FUNDRAISER! ⛳️

What an unforgettable day!

On behalf of everyone at Next Chapter Reentry Project, thank you to every golfer, sponsor, donor, volunteer, staff member, and supporter who made our First Annual Golf Fundraiser such an incredible success.

Because of your generosity, you are helping provide more than housing—you are helping provide hope. Your support allows us to continue our Christ-centered mission of addressing the spiritual, physical, social, and emotional needs of men and women returning from incarceration, helping them rebuild their lives and reduce recidivism.

A special thank you to our Gold Sponsors, Northwest Dental Group and First Alliance Credit Union, for believing in our mission and investing in second chances.

We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors and community partners, including K&M Glass, Christ Community Church, Home Depot, Chip Shots, Indoor Golf Center, Northern Hills Golf Course, Eastwood Golf Course, Rochester Athletic Club, Ken Pritchett, Pastor Andre Crockett, and the many individuals and businesses whose generosity made this event possible.

Most importantly, thank you to our amazing volunteers, Board of Directors, and the entire NCRP staff. Countless hours of planning and hard work went into making this day a success, and we could not have done it without you.

To everyone who participated: thank you for believing that people deserve more than a second chance—they deserve the opportunity for lasting transformation through Jesus Christ.

This was more than a golf tournament.
It was an investment in changed lives.

We are already looking forward to seeing you at next year’s tournament!

07/11/2026

Join us!