Eureka Ministry, Inc. offers M.E.R.G.E.,a wraparound program that addresses the educational and employment needs of ex-offenders.

Background: One of the most significant predictors of ex-offender success is gainful employment. Without stable, gainful employment, ex-offenders are at higher risk for homelessness, substance abuse and reoffending. Ex-offenders face many challenges when seeking employment.

Their record discourages employers from hiring them. They are often given low wage, menial jobs that do not support the ex-offender and his family, and don’t offer a path to move out of poverty. Employment for ex-offenders is frequently short term (ex.construction jobs that move away, restaurant help and temporary jobs). Additionally, many  ex-offenders do not have the soft skills needed to help them navigate workplace challenges, manage conflict and advocate for themselves. 

The following are recommended trade careers participants can enroll in as students:

• Heating & Air Conditioning

• Facility Maintenance

• Welding

• Carpentry

• Collision Repair & Refinishing

• Residential Electrical Systems Technology

• Plumbing

 MERGE is designed to give participants with court records another chance to succeed in life. The program provides a tutor and a mentor to assist the participant in getting a trade diploma from Forsyth Technical Community College (FTCC) and Goodwill.

Participants with general reading ability who do not have a GED will be enrolled in a 6-month GED completion program followed by enrollment in trade school at FTCC for 12 months. Persons who do not have general reading ability and therefore cannot complete a GED in 6 months ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​are not eligible for the program.

Individuals who have completed high school or who already have a GED, will spend 12 months in trade school. Tuition & books are at no charge.

Participants in M.E.R.G.E. wraparound services will receive support from the time of admission to graduation from trade school at Forsyth Technical Community College. Support will continue as they enter the workforce or pursue entrepreneurship opportunities.

Eureka Ministry, Inc.has more than two decades of experience working with ex-offenders and is uniquely qualified and positioned to guide ex-offenders to gainful employment.​

The total number of participants enrolled in the program will be limited based on funds availability. Tuition and books are covered by MERGE. After graduation MERGE will assist its graduates with obtaining employment. 

Additional requirements for MERGE include:

• Must not have been incarcerated within the past three years.

• Must not have a felony less than three years old.​

• Must not have a conviction for a sex offense, child abuse or violent offense.

• ​Participants must live in the Winston Salem/Forsyth County area.

• Participants must be willing to work hard to achieve a better life for themselves.

Trade school is one of the brightest paths available to ex-offenders to improve their employment status. Earning a trade school certificate or diploma typically requires 6 months to 1 year with classwork and hands on training. The job opportunities for skilled tradespersons are extensive because there is a shortage of skilled tradespersons. The job market for several trades is tolerant of candidates with low to mid-level criminal offenses in their background. It is often difficult for ex-offenders to find and navigate the path to earning a trade school certificate or diploma. Some must start with earning a GED, while others need assistance applying  to trade school and functioning in the college environment. Many ex-offenders need to learn new skills and replace behaviors that hinder them from succeeding.