Turning men's lives around

• Liferight

ictured is the in-progress expansion of the LifeRight Outreach center. The expansion is expected to be completed in October. (Photo by Leah Stinson)

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This Saturday, from 2 to 5 p.m., members of the community will have the opportunity to support a cause while enjoying live music, fresh food and good company at the LifeRight Outreach center in Alexandria.

LifeRight Outreach is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2007 by Mark Foss after his third time in prison. It is a Christian-based enterprise dedicated to helping men transition from their troubled past to society.

LifeRight provides housing and various programs in order to promote internal growth in its guests. Some of its programs include finance classes, anger management classes and addiction rehabilitation.

With the help of Jay Jenson, the director of ministry, LifeRight hosts weekly church services. These services are held Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the LifeRight center. They are open to members of the community.

LifeRight also hosts a church service on the first Sunday of every month.

Although LifeRight is very welcoming, it doesn’t accept just any applicant.

“We’re pretty selective,” said Foss. Foss prefers guests who are serious in their commitment.

If applicants are inmates, they apply to be part of LifeRight prior to leaving prison.

Since 2010, LifeRight has had 70 guests complete programs. These guests typically stay between four and six months.

Once their time with LifeRight is complete, guests become contributing members of society.

According to Foss, everyone who has left LifeRight has had a job or is going to school.

“They do much better,” he said.

Guests generally enter back into the community with jobs around the community: Alexandria Pro-Fab, Henry’s Foods, Garfield Truss Systems, Inc. and temp agencies are very welcoming to LifeRight graduates, according to Foss.

Due to its relatively large numbers subsisting in small facilities, LifeRight is expanding.

This expansion will encompass 6,300 square feet and will include 10 beds and office space and is expected to be completed in October of this year.

In order to raise funds for this expansion, LifeRight will be hosting its fifth annual hog roast at the LifeRight Outreach center. There is no price for admission, though a free-will donation will be accepted.

Firestarters, a Christian band based out of Otter Tail County, will be featured. There will be activities for kids, as well. It is open to all members of the community.

Tags: local news, news, liferight