Twenty years, one
Tuesday at a time.

Founding and Early Development

In January 2006, Juli met Cheryl Tuck, then ministry leader of SISTER Connection in Tucson, Arizona. Inspired by the reentry ministry model, Juli asked for Cheryl’s permission and received her blessing to launch a similar ministry in Phoenix, naming it SISTER Connection II.

Partnership with Royal Palms Baptist Church (RPBC) — November 2006

Seeking godly counsel from Pastor Charles Lord of RPBC, Juli was encouraged to begin the ministry on the church campus. She later received the church’s official approval to move forward and was graciously provided a dedicated room to host the new outreach.

Juli’s gift for interior design, combined with her husband David’s expertise in plumbing and construction, proved invaluable. Over the next eleven months, they worked alongside volunteers to transform the space into a welcoming and functional suite for the ministry’s work. The new space celebrated its grand opening on November 4, 2006.

Grassroots Growth and Spiritual Foundation

With no budget, website, or marketing experience, Juli launched this grassroots ministry with the support of prayer partners Nancy Eads, Janet Miracle, and Diana Johnson. Diana later joined the team as the first Bible study teacher, followed by Shereen Lashua; together, they played a pivotal role in establishing the organization’s spiritual foundation.

Over time, many other dedicated individuals served in various capacities, each contributing to the growth of the ministry’s vision and mission. Their collective efforts helped shape the organization and move its mission forward.

Seeking Guidance and Embracing Change

Soon growing pains began to set in. While searching for God’s direction, Juli read in His Word,

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. The old skins would burst from the pressure, spilling the wine and ruining the skins. New wine must be stored in new wineskins. That way both the wine and the wineskins are preserved.”

Matthew 9:17 NLT

While meditating on this verse over several days, Juli discerned that the Lord was signaling a new beginning, leading her to conclude, “it is time!”

Transition to SISTER Ministries, Inc. — 2012

After several conversations with Cheryl about the ministry’s new vision, Juli received approval to continue using the acronym “SISTER” for the organization. With this endorsement, SISTER Connection also provided initial seed funding to help support the ministry’s growth and transition.

This support marked a pivotal moment: on April 25, 2012, SISTER Ministries, Inc. was officially formed as an Arizona nonprofit corporation. Shortly thereafter, the IRS recognized the organization as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation, establishing its legal and operational foundation for future service and outreach.

Growing SISTER Ministries

As the ministry grew, Juli remained committed to its core mission while expanding its vision as a reentry parachurch organization. She led the launch of the ministry’s website, created ministry materials, and developed comprehensive policies and procedures. These efforts advanced excellence in ministry by addressing both the tangible, physical needs of women through transactional ministry and their spiritual needs through transformational ministry.

This dual focus on physical and spiritual support remains central to SISTER Ministries’ work today. The organization also collaborates closely with community stakeholders and maintains a strong presence at Perryville Women’s Prison. These partnerships are essential to promoting the ministry and supporting women as they transition back into the community after incarceration.

As part of SISTER Ministries’ ongoing vision, Juli produced and self-published the SISTER Ministries Bible Study and Support Meeting Ministry Guide, along with the PenPal and GateKeeper ministry guides. These resources are designed to support churches interested in launching a support meeting or partnering with SISTER Ministries in its PenPal or GateKeeper mission work. Together, these guides reflect the ministry’s continued commitment to assisting women during the critical stages of reentry — whether in the first hours, days, weeks, months, or years following their release.

Spiritual Reassurance and Direction — 2016

As SISTER Ministries continued to evolve, another significant transition came into view. After Juli and David found a new church home at NPHX, Juli faced a difficult decision: whether to continue hosting SISTER Ministries at RPBC, where its roots had been established, or align the ministry with their new church community at NPHX, where she and David were now members.

During this season of uncertainty, Juli remained committed to seeking God’s direction for the future of SISTER Ministries. On July 19, 2016, while praying and searching for guidance, she experienced a profound sense of clarity. As she read God’s Word, she felt as though God spoke through the passage, giving her the reassurance and direction she needed for the ministry’s next steps.

“Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do. Besides, don’t forget that this nation is your very own people. And the Lord replied, “I will personally go with you Moses. I will give you rest — everything will be fine for you.” Then Moses said, “If you don’t go with us personally, don’t let us move a step from this place.””

Exodus 33:13-15 NLT

A New Chapter at North Phoenix Baptist Church — 2018

In the years that followed, SISTER Ministries continued to operate at RPBC while Juli and David became active members at NPHX. The arrival of Noe Garcia, a Texas native known for his street smarts, biblical wisdom, practical insight, and unwavering devotion to the Lord, brought new opportunities for both the church and the ministry.

After Pastor Noe accepted the role of Senior Pastor at NPHX, prayerful discussions began. In time, he graciously offered SISTER Ministries a suite in the Chapel at NPHX, marking a significant turning point for the ministry. Excited by this opportunity, Juli and David once again undertook an extensive eleven-month renovation, culminating in a grand opening celebration in November 2018 — exactly twelve years after the ministry’s first grand opening.

Looking Ahead

In 2026, SISTER Ministries celebrates its 20th anniversary, having served and reached for Christ more than 640 formerly incarcerated women. We are grateful for the progress God has made possible and look forward to continued growth as we serve both the SISTERs and Jesus honoring His Great Commission.