Volunteer
Take the love and truth of Jesus Christ behind prison walls and into our community.
If you have a passion for sharing the Gospel and serving others, there is a place for you at The Encounter.
Feed Our Neighbors
Help prepare freeze-dried meals for families and neighbors experiencing homelessness at our kitchen in Holly Hill. New volunteers start with orientation on a Monday.
Volunteer in the KitchenGPS-Book
Help research and update the reentry resources in the Florida GPS-Book, covering all 67 counties.
Help with the GPS-BookPrison Yard Crusades
Join a team ministering on Florida's prison yards. You'll need a Florida Volunteer PIN first; the steps are below.
See Crusade DatesServing inside a Florida prison
Get Your Florida Volunteer PIN
Every volunteer who serves inside a state prison needs a Florida Department of Corrections Volunteer PIN. There is now one volunteer category: Regular Volunteer.
- Apply and log in
Go to the state volunteer portal at fdcbees.com/vms. Log in with the same first name, last name, email and Social Security number you used to apply.
- Follow your progress
The portal shows each step as it opens:
ApplicationPhase 1 TrainingFingerprintingBackground CheckCJIS TrainingPIN Issued - Get fingerprinted
Walk in to any participating Livescan location; no appointment needed. Bring a government photo ID, your Social Security card, and the completed Livescan form.
- Complete CJIS training
Click the CJIS Training button in the portal and finish the course. Close only the training window, not your browser, then return to your application and check the box confirming you finished.
- Receive your PIN
Your Volunteer PIN arrives by email after you confirm the training.
Need help? Email the state's volunteer PIN assistance at OPR-VolunteerServices@fdc.myflorida.com, or contact The Encounter at info@inmateencounter.com.