Origin:
The Life Learning Program was initiated by another jail ministry in Florida in the mid eighties. It began by gaining approval from the jail administration to designate a living unit (cell block) within the jail as what was then called the “Life Learning Dorm”. The ministry was given the authority to basically “run” that cell block. The Program was, and still is, an overtly Christian Program. In September of 1997, CPO, in conjunction with two other ministries at Cook County Jail, began a similar program in Division 11 called the Life Learning Program. Soon thereafter, for various reasons, CPO became the primary – and eventually the only – ministry involved in “running” the program in Division 11, where the Program first started. Since then, CPO runs LLP in Division 6 and there are now two other like Programs in other divisions at the jail.

Purpose:
To change the hearts of inmates through the work of the Holy Spirit and the minds of inmates through the practical application of the Word of God.

Goal:
To return men (and women) back to the “free world” with a Christ-like character; equipped to have a positive impact in their home, their workplace, their church, their neighborhood – the world.

CPO Strategy:
Create and maintain a structured environment in the Life Learning Program at the jail to achieve the above stated goal, which includes mandatory compliance with rules for godly living and mandatory participation in Program activities. To facilitate the Spirit’s work of heart change by sharing the Gospel. To develop a Christ-like mind through the practical application of the Word of God. This includes teaching what God’s Word has to say about issues such as: anger, forgiveness, guilt, loneliness, lust, greed, materialism, bad habits/addictions, relationships, finances, work, etc. This may also include educational opportunities such as basic math, reading/literacy, etc. (provided by CPO’s Outreach Christian School).