Dear John,
We often share stories of lives being transformed through the Prison Fellowship Academy, but it’s been some time since we took a step back and shared some of the history of this great program and why it’s essential to our mission at Prison Fellowship.
More than 25 years ago, our founder, Chuck Colson, opened the very first Prison Fellowship Academy (formerly InnerChange Freedom Initiative) at the Carol S. Vance Unit in Richmond, Texas, with the help of former President George W. Bush. Chuck knew that people change in the context of community, so we built the Academy on a foundation of six biblical values, with community at the core.
Anyone can apply to be part of the Prison Fellowship Academy, but every participant must commit to 12 months of intensive study based on those six biblical values: community, affirmation, productivity, responsibility, restoration, and integrity. This journey takes people up a steep path to transformation that roots out the brokenness that leads to criminality, resulting in lasting life change.
Why are we so committed to sharing about the Prison Fellowship Academy? Because it works! Every day we receive letters from Academy participants and graduates thanking everyone who makes this powerful program possible. They tell stories of who they were before—and who they are now. I want to share a few excerpts of some of those letters so you can read for yourself how lives are being changed.
I actually see men helping men better themselves in the Academy. The community that we have is just remarkable. I've actually never seen so much unity like I do when I'm in the Prison Fellowship Academy. And that is the most beautiful thing that I can taste and actually be part of, being incarcerated. Well, the most important thing that I can say is that we have six core values. And these six core values in the Prison Fellowship Academy mean very much.
—Carlos, Florida Academy participant
The lessons we covered were so deep they allowed me to pinpoint and evaluate exactly the things in my life that needed to be changed. I was able to navigate all of this territory among a group of women who also worked diligently day by day to become better women. There were so many tears shed. At the end of the day, we all formed a community of women who brought smiles to the people around us. We discovered our worth.
—Kelsey, Florida Academy graduate
The Prison Fellowship Academy has made a powerful impact in my life. At first, I was torn whether to take this class or to take a job in another part of the prison, but God had plans for my life. Since being in attendance of this class, it has been opening doors and pouring out blessings. I am learning more about my emotions. I am learning about my self-worth and potential. The instructor has been a big help with activating my voice, my willingness to speak up, and willingness to evolve. Thank you, Prison Fellowship, for this opportunity to grow and better prepare for my release.
—Eulie, Florida Academy participant
Those are just a few of the amazing letters of transformation we get to read every day, and all of it is made possible through your
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support. Lives and generations are being changed every day, and with each new work of the Spirit, the Lord is being glorified. Thank you for being a part of the mission the Lord has given us. We’re grateful for your partnership!
In His name,
JAMES J. ACKERMAN
President and Chief Executive Officer
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