By Brian Wilson
When I was initially incarcerated, I assumed my life was over.  I became severely depressed and considered ending my life.  It seemed like everywhere I turned I was being mentally and emotionally beaten down by other inmates as well as correctional officers.  Eventually, I found out about classes that were offered by True Freedom Ministries at the Hope Center.   This was perfect because I needed some hope.  And that’s exactly what I got!  The volunteers of True Freedom Ministries showed me what it truly means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  In the Alpha class, Don Talladino’s love for Jesus was infectious.  He was almost brought to tears multiple times…

I am thankful for the testimony of a 15-year-old boy who will be released in two weeks from Cuyahoga County Juvenile Home. He is in jail for stealing cars. Through his incarceration, this young man met the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior! He is now thriving academically. This precious soul understands the need to change his associations. He intends to say, “No” to old friends and “Yes” to school, church, and his mother. He eagerly anticipates working towards his future goals and dreams. As we talk…

True Freedom Ministries had the privilege of partnering with Community West to build a playground at Lorain Correctional Institution. This is True Freedom’s second playground construction project. The first, at Grafton Reintegration Center, has been an enormous success. When an inmate has a record of good behavior, he is allowed to meet his visiting children on the playground instead of in a typically sterile prison environment. This is much less intimidating for kids and has become a strong incentive for inmates to…

Prospera Reentry (formerly known as True Freedom Enterprises) is excited to announce the dramatic expansion of its pre-release, work-release program. We are now transporting two van loads of incarcerated men from the Grafton Reintegration Center to Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries’ Chopping for Change Workforce Program where clients are trained in the culinary arts. After graduating, inmates move on to Brew Garden (2 locations), applying the skills they acquired at LMM. We are also bringing men from Grafton to Woodpecker’s where they learn to make precision woodworking tools. Under normal circumstances, inmates…

The clothing room at Stark Regional Community Correction Center opened its doors on September 1, 2023. This is a 360 square foot department store for inmates during their stay. Just prior to release, men can pick out their “going home” attire. We opened with over 1350 items in inventory. The only purchased items were socks, underwear, belts, and a few hygiene items. Over 1225 items were donated by people who care. True Freedom opened its first clothing room almost..

Volunteer Tom Spernoga recently finished teaching another session of the 40-week Character Development course at Grafton Reintegration Center. This program continues to have a huge impact on the lives of our clients. Here’s what some are saying:

“The facilitator, Tom, has a welcoming and calm demeanor, which allows men to feel comfortable talking about issues and learning how…

Fantasy Football at Grafton Correctional Institution is always an exciting time. Residents come together to spread the love of Christ by tangibly supporting the homeless. To participate in this league, men must purchase a food or hygiene item for donation. This year, collected goods totaled more than five hundred dollars in value! This is especially needful for our Northeast Ohio neighbors since Cleveland is currently the poorest large city in the U.S. True Freedom’s Homeless Ministry distributed Grafton’s contributions at the 2100 Lakeside Men’s Shelter. We praise God for…

I met a 15-year-old boy, who was a car thief and who was shot 5 times. Only by the grace of God did he survive. At the Juvenile Justice Center, he returned to school, to the 9th grade.

He was very open and willing to talk with me about the Lord. He said that his family members were not church going people. He was open and interested in a conversation about God, Jesus Christ, and salvation. I was…

True Freedom Ministries recently received the 2023 David and Martha Hessler Illuminating Hope Award, along with $10,000, from the Community West Foundation. This generous honor is given annually to the organization that brings the most hope to Northeast Ohio. We are so grateful for our…

True Freedom Ministries serves a number of correctional facilities on a regular basis and others periodically throughout Ohio. The accompanying graphic provides an overview for 2023. The institutions we visit regularly are green, and those we visited at least one time are blue. Thanks to those of you who have partnered with us. Please pray as we share the hope that is in Jesus Christ. We praise God for opening so many doors!…

True Freedom’s Character Development and Stepping Up courses continue to attract significant numbers of men at Grafton Reintegration Center. Tom Spernoga and Bill Holko facilitate Character Development, with Bill also leading Stepping Up. The comments below were offered by some of the men who have been recent attendees.

“Character Development is a great class! Each week…

The weather was perfect. The players were ready for True Freedom’s third annual Yard Day. Once Executive Director Mike Swiger opened in prayer and shared the gospel, the games began! Five teams competed in this highly anticipated softball tournament at Grafton Correctional Institution. Along with two prison teams, we hosted three outside teams…

God continues to use True Freedom Ministries to change lives.  Without your partnership and financial support, this would not be possible. Would you prayerfully consider making a one-time or monthly donation to support True Freedom’s prison ministry?

https://www.truefreedomministries.com/donate

Recently, Executive Director Michael Swiger and True Freedom Ministries received two awards from the Lorain County Chapter of the NAACP.  Michael received the 2023 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Award for his leadership.  This is the NAACP’s highest award given to an individual.  In addition, True Freedom Ministries was identified as the organization with the greatest impact in changing the culture at the Grafton Reintegration Center and Grafton Correctional Institution.  In recognition of this fact, TFM received the NAACP’s 2023 Humanitarian Award…

True Freedom Ministries partnered with The Ropheka Connection in January 2023 to take the “Foundation for Achievement” program into the Department of Youth Services at Circleville Juvenile Correction. Originally from the LaRed Foundation in Berlin, Ohio, this helpful series teaches four values, each of which breaks down into principles, taught by our trained facilitators on a weekly basis. Here’s what students are saying: “This program helped me think…