In November, we often talk about what we’re thankful for, and I’m so grateful for friends like you. Your support continues to deepen our impact across the country, and our ministry is spreading to places where we’ve barely had a presence before, like the Pacific Northwest. It’s amazing that we’re already hearing powerful stories from those who live and work behind bars in states like Washington.
Take Duprea for example. Duprea is part of the Prison Fellowship Academy at Washington State Penitentiary. After he landed in prison in 2016, he knew he needed to make "dramatic changes" in his life.
Duprea speaks openly about having low self-esteem before joining the Academy. He was "easily influenced" and sought acceptance from others, which led to some poor choices. But as he began to recognize his worth, he saw himself as "a leader, a trendsetter, an uplifter." The Academy is playing a crucial role in helping him build confidence, embrace vulnerability, and live at peace with others.
Now, Duprea values how the Academy encourages people to step outside their comfort zones and develop new skills. He is thankful for supporters like you and the donors who fund the program.
“I'm very grateful for this opportunity. I can't wait for an opportunity to be released and show the donors all the hard work that's been invested in all of us.”
—Duprea
Prison Fellowship recently heard from Superintendent Rob Jackson from that same facility. With more than 30 years of experience working in corrections, he’s seen a lot of things. He didn’t hold back when he shared his thoughts on programs like the Academy.
“[The Academy] is changing culture one person at a time. The more people that start to see the change, the more they start to believe the change, and it becomes contagious. Whether it’s staff or an incarcerated population, each time they move someplace else, they take a little bit of this program with them.”
—Superintendent Rob Jackson
They take the program with them—don’t you love that? This is a high-level prison official who sees the impact of the work you make possible, for the good of not only those who are incarcerated, but also the staff.
P.S. To continue receiving these ministry updates in your inbox, please add prison_fellowship@email.prisonfellowship.org to your address book or safe list. Learn how here.
