The Laymen Brotherhood Second Chance Outreach Center Inc. was started by the Rev. Adren Bivins Sr. and his wife, Sylvia J. Bivins. This vision was given by the Lord to help young males who were in trouble, who had discipline problems or those who just needed a mentor before they get into trouble. Most of these young men come from broken homes or from families without a father figure in the home.

This ministry was started in the home of the Bivins as they opened their home to those at-risk youth who needed help and a place to stay temporarily, although the Bivins have two sons of their own who are now in college. Their belief is love starts at home first then spread to others. They have kept young males from ages 7 years of age to 19 years of age. They gave their love to those who were in need of a hot meal, clothing, shelter, discipline and spiritual mentoring.

In July of 2007, Rev. Bivins addressed the Decatur County Board of Commissioners about a meeting place for the young men. This outreach ministry extended out from their home to a local church annex, the Bainbridge Church of God, where Pastor Daniel Tomberlin heard Rev. Bivins’ plea. He offered the use of the church’s annex to hold his meetings every first, second and third Sundays from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

There they are able to reach more young men and offer them more services such as Bible study, one-on-one mentoring or counseling, motivational speaking by different speakers, seminars, man-to-man talks, recreational basketball, educational and religious trips and serving hot meals or refreshments. The outreach ministry gives out clothes, shoes, school supplies, Bibles, food baskets and personal items when available. These services are available to all races that are in need of help and are free of charge. Donations are accepted and are tax deductible.

Rev. Bivins receives telephone calls from single parents, grandparents, the school system, social services, referrals and he goes to juvenile court, city and state court in search of those youth offenders who can use his services. A lot of time the judge finds favor with some of those who are in trouble that this organization is trying to help by giving them a second chance as Rev. Bivins acts on their behalf. This is found to be very rewarding when this happens.

He also evangelizes in the streets, projects and the ghettos to gang members, drug dealers and to anyone who need help to turn their life around. He tells them that Jesus is the only way.

Rev. Bivins can relate to these offenders because he has been where many of them are. His dad died when he was 9 years old and he needed mentoring to help him become and develop into a man. Although his mother was a strong Christian woman, he still needed a male role model to help him to grow and mature and there were plenty available at that time such as, neighbors, preachers, deacons, coaches, teachers and community support. This outreach organization for at risk youth is operated by donations and contributions from supporters.