As a 9/26/23 graduate of the Faith and Character Based (FCB) program here at NWFRC, I wanted to take a moment to talk about my experience within the program. To begin with, I believe it's important to understand that I have been in prison more than 30 years. This, in itself, generally works against being a productive member of society. The “convict mentality” is real and does not produce people likely to fit well into the rest of the population. The idea that removing decision-making and responsibility from a man will teach him to make good decisions and become responsible when his sentence is over is ridiculous. I write all that because it was “where” I was when I entered the FCB program. While there, I began to evaluate my decisions in light of Biblical principles. When I actually read and began to understand the Bible, I was able to finally accept that there IS right and wrong, and choosing the right actions based on the right values changes how others see and react to you. Even more importantly, it changed how I thought about myself. I can truthfully say my values changed, and I came an enormous step closer to being ready to leave this environment and return to the outside. In other words, I realized there IS a God, God doesn't change, and I can choose to change myself and learn from Him, or continue to do things my own way, which honestly never produced the benefits I sought. FCB changed my life forever. Thank you for allowing me to share this.
Albert
The Faith Based program is the best thing that ever happened to me. That is the truth. It reinforced many lessons I learned growing up, but more importantly, gave me the beliefs and tools I needed to actually WALK what I believed. The classes and meetings there, not to mention the day-to-day community involvement, taught me that I actually can make it in this world. With Jesus and what I have learned in the Faith Based program, I am doing the best I have ever done and have a peace that is way beyond my ability to put into words. I went from a guy getting by in life to someone able to relate to and lead others. I entered as a loser and came out a winner. I can now hold my head up and focus on a Father in heaven and a future that is brighter than I ever imagined was possible.
Jessie
I was asked to share a testimony about my experience in the faith based program here at what used to be Washington C.I. I graduated on Valentine’s Day, 2023, and can say that my life will never be the same. One of the first things I experienced was people willing to listen to me, allowing me to talk through much of what I was holding inside. The next thing that comes to mind is that the positive people around me helped me realize I could be a positive influence, first in that community, and later wherever I go. I also learned that boundaries matter. In this atmosphere of encouragement, I soon became an NA Facilitator and was able to start helping others. This, too, helped change me forever. Basically, the program built a bridge between what I knew was right and what I believed was possible in my life. It brought me back to the Bible and right values. It is almost impossible to explain how much effect this program had on and in me.
Kristopher
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Jubilee Road is changing lives by pouring love, hope, and education into the hearts of men and women behind bars who desperately need a reason to believe again. Through faith-based guidance, compassionate mentorship, and practical teaching, Jubilee Road helps prisoners discover their worth, renew their minds, and build a foundation of hope in God.
CLICK LETTER TO EXPAND
I would like to start off by thanking you for allowing betterment programs into the prisons for inmates. The programs can be used as a tool for inmates to become the men and women that is needed. I myself am a graduate of the Faith and Character Based Program. When I first became a participant in the program I was a handful. I was lost, hurt, angry, and extremely self-centered. All of my days in prison was because of someone else, not by my actions. Before the Faith and Character Program I blamed everyone else and would not take responsibility for my own actions. Just another typical inmate blaming others for my circumstances. I originally attended the Faith and Character dorm at Appalachee Correctional Institution, where we helped build up the new program.
That is where my experience started. We were the first to graduate. In 2021, I was transferred to N.W.F.R.C. Main Unit, where I was placed into the Faith and Character Based dorm a week later. I was moved into the dorm only because I was in an ADA bunk in a different dorm. Signing up for the program was farthest from my mind at that time. I even tried to be removed on several occasions. I talked to several inmates as well as the program’s director. I wanted no part of the program, but they all kept telling me to give it a chance. Well, as you can see, I did! Since I was a graduate at a different program, it was suggested that I become an Encourager over a family. That means that I would be responsible for a group of guys ranging from 8 to 10. That was my starting point to becoming something resembling a “Man.”
During the next few years of being in the program, I learned that through teaching classes I could reach certain individuals and show them that they were not all of the bad things that we have been labeled. Betterment programs change lives! I'm a living testament! After nine years of incarceration, I was able to see my two daughters and cried like a baby when they left. They asked so many questions about prison, but one thing that shocked me is when my oldest asked how can she volunteer to help. That blew my mind! My daughter wants to help prisoners find Christ. Coming to prison has not only changed my life but those around me as well. How is it that I am in the “worst place to be” and yet be so blessed? Because of supporters like you for betterment programs in prisons. Thank you for your support.
Justin