Welcome to Jonah Foundation

Jonah Foundation was founded by two Mecosta County jail chaplains trained as biblical counselors. Its mission is to disciple and provide accountability to men in our area who would give up everything to learn how to walk in free from the life-destructive bondages and attitudes that have held them captive.

Chaplain Randy Hahn recognized that although men received Christ behind bars, their immediate associations proved to be hostile to the gospel and aggressively lured these new believers back into the darkness upon their release from jail, resulting in reincarceration. “There has to be a landing pad for those who said, ‘I’m done,’” Randy determined.

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” – Jesus, John 10:10

After housing and discipling two recently incarcerated men themselves over the course of two years and witnessing the transformative power of Christ at work, Randy and his wife Amanda prayerfully decided to formalize and organize efforts to serve more men in the community. Jonah Foundation’s board was formed, the organization became a 501(C)(3) faith-based public charity, and work began to form community relationships and gain best practices knowledge. Jonah Foundation has formed its culture, practices and policies with three key resources: Scripture, The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors, and the Fletcher Group – a Rural Recovery Center of Excellence.

Jonah Foundation’s Scope of Services:

• Sober-living house – Staffed with a live-in house manager, the Jonah House is envisioned to exercise the proven peer-led social model for no fewer than six additional residents pledging to live according to biblical principles. Twice weekly drug and alcohol testing ensures sobriety of all, while twice weekly interactive community meetings allow residents to express concerns and issues challenging their walk of repentance. Peer support and accountability are leveraged to answer these challenges. Housemates share chores, meals, and life just like a single family. The 1–2-year program progresses with three phases: Phase 1 - Committing to the way, Phase 2 – Learning the way, Phase 3 – Teaching the way.
• Biblical Counseling - Each participant will receive one-on-one confidential biblical counseling weekly by counselors who have undergone formal biblical counseling training recognized by the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. Biblical counseling operates from the sufficiency of Scripture, targeting the heart – the “inner-man” - by dealing with past events, present attitudes and struggles with the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for healing from within.
• Employment Coaching – An employment coach coordinates skill assessments and personalized career matching services so that residents can find meaningful employment and/or necessary workforce development education. Taking time for career assessment rather than just job placement helps residents discover their vocational purpose – resulting in a steady income, marketable skills, relational skills and a career pathway.
• Probation Navigation - Accountability, prioritization, and developing an appropriate perception of persons in authority and seasons of diligent effort come into focus for participants engaged in probation and parole requirements. Probation navigators assist with developing a plan of action, continued encouragement and efforts specific to reducing recidivism.
• Men of Integrity Groups - Jonah Foundation residents are given the opportunity to nurture new friendships with mature and growing believers through common interest groups that support a healthy lifestyle, relationships, and community.

Donations can be made securely here online or mailed to P.O. Box 1554, Big Rapids, MI 49307.

For more information, call Amanda Hahn, Executive Director, (231) 527-8707 or email ed@jonahfoundation.com.