Our Story

We are a 501 c3 ministry that was founded in 1977 by Jesse and Edith Mathes. New Beginnings Aftercare Center became what it is now in 1997. JITW was created to provide chaplain support to the correctional facilities in Douglas and Ford counties as well as the 3 Champaign county facilities at that time. They would hold regular services in 6 of the 26 State of Illinois prisons. Jesse traveled all over the country and the world to correctional facilities bringing the gospel and being a willing vessel to change lives. Truly an example of “here I am Lord, send me”