History of Release Ministries

Release Ministries began as a volunteer ministry in 1994.  A need was recognized for a faith-based program to juvenile offenders in the Juvenile Justice System throughout Metro Omaha.  Each week several volunteers went to the Douglas County Youth Detention Center to visit the kids and lead Bible studies.

In 1996 Bill Ellett left his full-time job to give more time to Release Ministries, working as the Chaplain at the Douglas County Youth Center and as the Executive Director for the Ministry.  As the ministry grew, additional staff was needed.  In 1999, Bill moved on to become full-time Executive Director of Release Ministries and was replaced by a full-time Chaplain at the Douglas County Youth Center.

In 2000, a Mentor and Aftercare program was born.  The mentoring program matches mature Christian adults with youth in the various centers to build relationships and then maintain those relationships after the child has been released.  In 2003, Release Ministries purchased a Boys Home and in 2004 began to receive boys into the Home.  This home is a Specialized Foster care home for youth recently released from the Juvenile Justice system who desire a deeper Christian life.  This home models healthy family living in a Christian environment while still offering the opportunity to practice and learn independent living.

The ministry continues to grow each year.  Through the dedication of more than 130 volunteers and ten full-time staff members, we now minister to youth in 28 different juvenile institutions in Omaha and surrounding areas.  We are reaching 4000 youth annually through Bible Studies, Mentoring and the Release Home.