Saving Souls at Underground Ministries, Ep #67

In this episode of UPThinking Finance™, Chris Hoke shares the story behind Underground Ministries, an organization dedicated to helping incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society. Also joining us is Corrina Lozano, a former participant whose journey of struggle and redemption highlights the transformative power of the ministry’s support. Through their key programs—gang outreach and One Parish, One Prisoner—Underground Ministries is making a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.

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LISTEN IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN…

(00:00) Underground Ministries with Chris Hoke and Corrina Lozano
(01:30) How the organization Underground Ministries got started
(05:30) Corrina Lozano’s story, from being served to serving others
(13:36) Barriers people getting out of prison face with housing
(22:18) Are barriers and stigmas changing?
(22:18) Intentional giving, telling your money where to go
(25:20) How Underground Ministries gets its funding

How Underground Ministries Got Started

Underground Ministries is dedicated to fostering relationships of trust and mutual transformation between the incarcerated and their communities. Chris's journey began as a child of missionaries in Southern California, where early exposure to church sparked a desire to live out Jesus's teachings. Disillusioned by the church’s social nature, Chris sought to help outcasts in more tangible ways.

This quest led him up the West Coast, where he studied with a theologian in Skagit Valley, WA, and worked alongside undocumented migrant farm workers and incarcerated individuals. Over time, Chris became a pastor for gang members, supporting their reintegration into society. He realized that reentering the community meant facing significant barriers—legal, financial, housing, and social—and that a supportive community was essential for overcoming these challenges.

Underground Ministries runs two key programs:

Gang Outreach: Led by former participants, including Alex, Corrina, and Finado, who now serve as reentry navigators, helping individuals rebuild their lives.
One Parish, One Prisoner: Mobilizes churches to form supportive relationships with incarcerated individuals. This program has launched 75 teams in Washington state and is expanding to new states.

Underground Ministries believes that relationships are the key to long-term success. By investing in these connections, the organization fosters a positive feedback cycle that empowers individuals—especially in housing—by providing a sense of purpose and belonging.

Investing in Relationships

Much like investing in the market, Underground Ministries understands that setbacks are part of the journey but don't define a person’s potential. The organization stays committed, knowing everyone has untapped talents and purpose.

Community support is crucial in this transformation. Just as market dips don’t determine an investor’s success, setbacks in life don’t define a person’s worth. With the right support, individuals can overcome obstacles and achieve remarkable success.

Corrina Lozano shares her story of struggle and redemption. Influenced by her father's gang involvement, she experienced juvenile detention, school expulsions, and incarceration. After having a son at 18, she was imprisoned while he was placed in CPS care. Upon release, lacking a support system, she struggled to reunite with him and reintegrate into society, eventually returning to prison for drug offenses.

After being released to a re-entry program, Corrina found support through Underground Ministries, which helped her reconnect with her son, access social support, and navigate legal challenges. Her involvement led to a job at Underground Ministries and housing through a church member, providing the stability she needed to rebuild her life.

Chris Hoke and Corrina Lozano are not affiliated with or endorsed by LPL Financial or Capital Investment Advisers.

Securities and Advisory services offered through LPL Financial. A registered investment advisor. Member FINRA & SIPC.

The financial professionals associated with LPL Financial may discuss and/or transact business only with residents of the states in which they are properly registered or licensed. No offers may be made or accepted from any resident of any other state.

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RESOURCES MENTIONED

Checking in with Charles Hugh Smith, Ep #54: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp7iUoYk6JQ
Thoughtful Giving by Peter C Cavelti: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thoughtful-giving-peter-c-cavelti/1146027264

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CONNECT WITH CHRIS HOKE AND CORRINA LOZANO

Underground Ministries: https://www.undergroundministries.org/mission
Chris’s Website: https://chris-hoke.com/

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CONNECT WITH EMERSON:

Website: www.CIAdvisers.com