Local

Church pays $120K to bail out first-time offenders for Easter

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A local church made sure some people who were in jail could spend Easter with their families.

New Birth Missionary Baptist Church paid $120,000 to bail out first-time, non-violent offenders.

The church said what started as a $40,000 local challenge within the New Birth congregation quickly grew into a $120,000 regional movement.

They were reunited with family members Saturday through the church's bailout initiative.

“Just for finding the courage to start their life again is worthy of giving God glory,” said New Birth’s pastor, Dr. Jamal Bryant.

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The program helped first time offenders in DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties.

“I could not be prouder of my New Birth family for answering the call and affirming that everyone deserves a second chance. I could think of no better way to celebrate the resurrection of Christ than to provide these young men and women with an opportunity reunite with their families, resurrect their lives and get back on the right path,” Dr. Bryant. “We are working to dynamically and dramatically change these individuals’ lives by providing complete wraparound services during an eight-week support program.”