ONESIMUS
FOUNDATION
WHO ARE WE
WHAT'S IN A NAME
Onesimus is a Greek name, meaning ‘useful or profitable’, referred to in the small biblical book of the Philemon.
Onesimus is a runaway slave whose life has become ‘useless and unprofitable’ and he ends up in prison where he meets the Apostle Paul, and it is there his life is turned around. Paul sends Onesimus back to his owner,
Philemon, not as a slave but a ‘useful and profitable’ brother.
Phonetic Pronunciation of Onesimus
o-NEH-sih-muhs or own-ESS-ee-mus
WHO WE ARE
Onesimus engages with people with convictions, their families and the communities affected by imprisonment in Tasmania.
We recognise that imprisonment is a traumatic experience for the families of people who are incarcerated as it impacts on the social, emotional, educational and financial development of families and their communities.
We seek to lessen the harm caused to families through incarceration and to nurture healthy relationships while in prison.
We work collaboratively with government and community agencies to offer support for prisoners and their families during incarceration and on reintegration into the community.
WHAT WE DO
Our Vision
Creating Healthy Relationships, Transforming Lives, Changing Communities
Our Mission
We work with people with convictions, their families and communities to create healthy family relationships during incarceration so that on release from prison they will be welcomed home as useful, profitable and fulfilled members of society with a reduced risk of reoffending
Strategic Directions 2024-2027
In May 2024 the Onesimus Board approved the 2024-2027 Strategic Directions for the Foundation. A copy of this document can be downloaded from this link,