The Onesimus Group Milwaukee is a group of men and women who have come together to serve the interests of incarcerated citizens. The Onesimus Group is committed to Redemptive Re-entry solutions. Re-entry solutions are only redemptive if the intended results are to bring back and restore a person to an improved and better position.

In two words: liberation and restoration.

At The Onesimus Group, we believe in a different approach to re-entry solutions. Our mission is not about simply managing and confining individuals; it's about recognizing and nurturing the true potential within each person. We equip them with the necessary tools and skill sets to unlock their capabilities and create a positive impact.

Our vision extends beyond the individual, focusing on building a strong connection between returning citizens and the communities they come back to. We understand that they too are stakeholders in our city, and we strive to bridge the gap between them and their communities. By fostering connections and facilitating talent and resource contributions, we help create a thriving environment for everyone involved.

Justice and Mercy are the driving forces behind our work. We believe in the power of restorative justice, giving individuals a chance at redemption after accountability has been taken. Our advocacy for the incarcerated aligns with our core values and goals, ensuring fair treatment and support throughout their journey.

At The Onesimus Group, we take a holistic approach to serving the incarcerated. We address their spiritual, emotional, educational, and physical needs, recognizing the importance of a well-rounded support system. Through our efforts, we view not only the incarcerated but also their families and anyone who shares our philosophy and vision as valuable constituents.

To sustain our mission, the financial objectives, earnings, and revenue generated by The Onesimus Group are reinvested into maintaining and funding services and activities that benefit our constituents. Together, we can create a brighter future for returning citizens and their communities. Join us in our pursuit of justice, mercy, and redemption.

Travel back to Rome, Italy, around A.D. 62, where a remarkable story unfolds. Paul, a Roman prisoner, reaches out to Philemon, a dear companion in the faith of Jesus, on behalf of a fugitive slave named Onesimus. This brave act of compassion and redemption sets the stage for an extraordinary journey.

Onesimus had fled with stolen property, an offense punishable by death for a household slave. Paul and Onesimus crossed paths, and through the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus, a transformative connection was made. Onesimus embraced the faith and became a brother, finding hope in the midst of his past mistakes.

With confidence Paul sends Onesimus back to Philemon, armed with a heartfelt letter. In this letter, Paul implores Philemon to welcome Onesimus not as a slave but as a fellow brother in the faith. He even offers to take responsibility for any debts Onesimus owes.

The name "Onesimus" itself, meaning "profitable" in Greek, mirrors the journey of countless others who were once shunned from society due to their past crimes. Through incarceration and life-changing encounters, they have embraced a better path, eager to re-enter society as valuable assets to their families and communities.

Enter The Onesimus Group, a beacon of hope for this generation seeking redemption and second chances. Like the apostle Paul and Philemon, The Onesimus Group embodies the spirit of advocacy and acceptance. Some of our founders and board members have personally experienced incarceration or its impact, making our commitment even more profound.

Our logo, the ancient fish symbol of the Christian Faith, the ICHTHYS, with our name centered within it, symbolizes our dedication to shaping real and lasting solutions rooted in the teachings of Jesus. We strive to infuse our ideas and approaches with faith-inspired wisdom to bring about meaningful change.

Join us on this journey of redemption and empowerment as we embrace the legacy of Onesimus. Together, we can foster a future where second chances are granted, and individuals are welcomed back into society not as they left, but as valuable contributors and assets to their communities. The Onesimus Group: Where hope and transformation find their home.

Step into History

The Narrative of Onesimus and The Onesimus Group

A parallel narrative of why we call ourselves Onesimus (pronounced Oh-ness-e-mus) arises from an enslaved African in 18th century Boston who was named Onesimus.

His owner, Cotton Mather gave him that name based on the Onesimus of scripture. Onesimus purchased his freedom from Cotton Mather in 1716 and disappeared off the pages of history. However, before he disappeared, he taught Cotton Mather the procedure of inoculation which was unknown in Boston.

What Onesimus taught Cotton Mather became America’s first lesson on how to vaccinate itself against smallpox which was responsible for the deaths of at least 1000 Bostonians. In 2016 Onesimus was voted among the 100 Best Bostonians of all time for the development of inoculation in Boston and the United States.

True to his name Onesimus was an asset and made an invaluable contribution to society that many at the time were not able to see and appreciate. They could not get past his race and social status or non status. We believe this Onesimus also fits in the narrative of this organization. We see Onesimus (our constituents) as assets who are capable of making great and impactful contributions to society as we see past that which would normally stigmatize.

In the last five years alone the men and women in Wisconsin who have been helping change the landscape of re-entry becoming community stakeholders and power players paving the way for those returning home and establishing connection points for those waiting to return home have been men and women who were formerly incarcerated……. Onesimus.

Step into History: A Deeper Dive

The Narrative of Onesimus and The Onesimus Group

Our Board

Bro. Roy

Samuel White

Demetrous Elam, Jr.

Field Officer Ambassador

Founder and Executive Director

Youth Consultant

The Bridges

Executive Assistant & Treasurer

Sam White describes himself as a Kingdom man in captivity, flawed but faithful. Sam is a high-level communications and engagement strategist for The Onesimus Group Milwaukee. Held as an "Einstein of the Rhyme" Mr. White is a licensed barber cosmetologist, published author and songwriter who is passionate about following his convictions and speaking the truth to power and to the powerless. As our boots on the ground, the Field Officer allows us to have heat checks where it's hottest at. Sam will also coordinate our musical arm Onesimus-Asaph. Sam is an organizational treasure, a theologian in his own right with an urban exegesis unparalleled

Demetrous Elam jr is a Youth Leader at the Progressive Baptist Church in Milwaukee. He also serves in the capacity of musician and audio and video tech at the Church. Demetrous is committed to Jesus and has a profound love for the youth of the church and committed to providing wisdom on the issues that are pertinent to them. With a wisdom beyond his years Demetrius brings a much needed culturally relevant perspective to the table. This allows the Onesimus Group to stay balanced and relevant. In his down time He enjoys playing his saxophones, practicing his kickboxing and jujitsu, studying the word and gaming on YouTube!