ARM Prison Outreach โ Organization Profile
ARM Prison Outreach is the public-facing name of American Rehabilitation Ministries (ARM), based in Joplin, Missouri, focused on bringing the message of Jesus to people who are incarcerated. Founded in 1973, ARM serves as a behind-the-scenes partner to chaplains, churches, and volunteers by providing printed resources and practical tools that can be used inside correctional facilities where access is limited.
At the heart of the ministry is getting Scripture and discipleship materials into prisons and jails. ARM supplies Bibles and coordinates Bible study materials that can be distributed in facilities. One of the ongoing emphases highlighted by the organization is helping provide a Bible for a prisoner at a stated cost of $5 (covering purchase, processing, shipping, and handling), and partnering efforts such as the โGod Sets You Freeโ project that expands access to biblical resources for inmates who want them but cannot afford them.
ARM also supports the day-to-day realities of ministry behind bars by offering greeting-card resources for incarcerated peopleโa practical way to help inmates communicate with family members and maintain relationships. In addition, the organization operates the American Bible Academy (ABA), a Bible correspondence approach that delivers structured courses directly to inmates (and makes online access available through ABARC.org). This combines lesson-based study with a process for completion and recognition, aimed at sustained growth rather than a single touchpoint.
Another distinctive area of service is baptistry support. ARM is known for providing portable baptistries designed for prisons and jails, making it possible for chaplains and prison-based church gatherings to practice baptism even in restrictive environments. Alongside prison-focused support, ARM also sells portable baptistries for churches (including communion-table models), with a stated goal of helping offset the cost of units provided for correctional settings.
ARMโs scope is nationwide across the United States and also international, serving incarcerated men and women through resource distribution and structured study options that can be implemented by local chaplains and ministry partners. Individuals, churches, and supporters can engage by donating, sponsoring specific resource needs (such as Bibles), praying for prison ministry, subscribing for updates, or volunteering through the organizationโs Joplin-based operations.
Key Links
- Website: https://www.arm.org/
- Who We Are / Mission: https://www.arm.org/mission
- Donate: https://www.arm.org/donate
- Contact: https://www.arm.org/contact
- Bibles, Cards & Bible Study: https://www.arm.org/bibles-cards-biblestudy
- Baptistries: https://www.arm.org/baptistries
- Interviews & Newsletter: https://www.arm.org/interviews—newsletter
- Blog / Articles: https://www.arm.org/articles
- American Bible Academy Resource Center (ABARC): https://www.abarc.org/
- Shop / Resource Store: https://shoparm.org/
Contact Information
- Email: in**@*rm.org
- Phone: 417-781-9100
- Mailing address: American Rehabilitation Ministry, PO Box 1490, Joplin, MO 64802-1490
- Physical location: 3605 North Main Street, Joplin, MO 64801
Socials
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/armprison
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arm_joplin
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@armprisonoutreach3453
Leadership
- Troy Nelson โ CEO / Donor Advisor
- Bill Blair โ COO
- Bill Wadell โ CFO
- Joe Welch โ ABA Director
- Heather Owen โ Director of Strategic Initiatives
- Bert Park โ Vice President of Prison Services
- Joe R. Garman โ Founder
