True Freedom and Prospera Experience Exponential Growth in 2023!
By every metric used in prison ministry and reentry, 2023 was an unprecedented year of growth for both organizations. While the number of services and programs offered by True Freedom increased by 52%, attendance in these programs more than doubled to 40,701! First time professions or rededications were also up by 86%! We served over 18,500 hot meals to the homeless on the streets of Cleveland. Here are the actual numbers:
Much of this growth can be attributed to our church plant partnership with Grace Church Middleburg Heights at Lorain Correctional Institution, under the leadership of Pastor Scott Lessing. Because of the early success of this model, we look to replicate this across the state.
Additionally, we have focused our expansion efforts at two facilities: Stark Regional Community Based Correctional Institution (SRCCC) and Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional. New staff member Jessica McCamon, who serves as our Director of Staff and Ministries, led the effort at both facilities, launching new classes and even developing new curriculum to meet the needs of residents. Director of Resources, David Sudnick, installed a complete reentry resource room inside SRCCC.
2023 was a humbling year as True Freedom was recognized by organizations across Northeast Ohio for the work we are privileged to do. In November we received the “This Is Jesus Legacy Award” in recognition of Christian Service in the community, presented by Michael W. Smith during a concert appearance in Cleveland. The Lorain County Chapter of the NAACP presented their Humanitarian Award to True Freedom for changing the culture inside the Grafton Correctional Institution, while Executive Director Michael Swiger was given their Martin Luther King Jr. Leadership Award. We were also honored to receive the Illuminated Hope Award from the Community West Foundation. “The award is named after long-time Community West supporters and philanthropists David and Martha Hessler,” said Martin Uhle, President and CEO of Community West, “and it was created to recognize a local nonprofit with a deep history and commitment to our community that is truly ‘Illuminating Hope.’”
Prospera Reentry also experienced 400% growth in 2023! Through our partnerships with both the Northeastern Ohio Reintegration Center and the Grafton Reintegration Center, we added four new work-release partners: Woodpeckers Precision Woodworking Tools, Brew Garden Restaurants in both Strongsville and Middleburg Heights, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries (Chopping for Change Workforce Development Program), and Lorain County. We now have currently incarcerated men and women working in fine dining, manufacturing, janitorial, and maintenance jobs out in the community. Program participants can make minimum wage with the money going to pay fines, court costs, child support, and reinstatement fees. Money left over goes into a secured account and will be used for reentry expenses. Over 65 currently incarcerated individuals became tax paying citizens in 2023.
Prospera Reentry continues to expand the screen-printing program. Men involved complete a 4,000-hour apprenticeship which incorporates classroom instruction, creative design, and on-the-job experience. Our clients produce thousands of T-shirts for non-profit groups across Northeast Ohio every year, including 5,000 shirts in 2023.
2023 was an exciting year at both True Freedom Ministries and Prospera Reentry. Because of your partnership, we have been able to hire additional staff, fund new programs, and purchase new equipment, enabling us to meet practical needs and touch more lives with the gospel of Jesus Christ.
On behalf of the Boards of Directors of both organizations, our staff and volunteers, thank you for supporting the work that we do. We are privileged to be your missionaries, God’s vessels for changing lives, saving souls, and equipping hands for eternity.