Clients will “relate to not only the pain” expressed in Conti’s music “but the redemption, the hope, and the future of where they can be as well.”

Clients will “relate to not only the pain” expressed in Conti’s music “but the redemption, the hope, and the future of where they can be as well.”

Clients will “relate to not only the pain” expressed in Conti’s music “but the redemption, the hope, and the future of where they can be as well.” True Freedom Ministries proudly partners with TMG Companies and its Cares Foundation along with Impact Records to launch the Rock the Yard Concert Series in Ohio’s prisons this summer. With Nashville country recording star, Tyler Conti, inmates will be touched by God's word and understand they have a chance for redemption…

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Moments in the Word with Mike Swiger 28

Moments in the Word with Mike Swiger 28

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Thank you for your partnership with us. True Freedom Ministries is having a huge impact in the lives of so many inmates. Would you prayerfully consider making a monthly or one-time gift to support this amazing work that was commissioned by Jesus Himself (Mathew 25:36)? https://www.truefreedomministries.com/donate

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Rock the Yard Concert Series 3

Rock the Yard Concert Series 3

The first three performances of Rock the Yard were amazing! God is moving in mighty ways; we had 450 inmates make commitments/rededications to Christ. True Freedom Ministries proudly partners with TMG Companies and its Cares Foundation along with Impact Records to launch the Rock the Yard Concert Series in Ohio’s prisons this summer. With Nashville country recording star, Tyler Conti, inmates will be touched by God's word and understand they have a chance for redemption…

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Rock the Yard Concert Series 2

Rock the Yard Concert Series 2

The first three performances of Rock the Yard were absolutely unbelievable! Conti’s music gave hope to inmates, and his heart for the “least of these” (Matthew 25:36) was inspirational and contagious. True Freedom Ministries proudly partners with TMG Companies and its Cares Foundation along with Impact Records to launch the Rock the Yard Concert Series in Ohio’s prisons this summer. With Nashville country recording star, Tyler Conti, inmates will be touched by God's word and…

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What others are saying about TFM programming

What others are saying about TFM programming

“I feel this Character Development program is having an outstanding impact, enabling me to be a more sound-minded individual. It teaches me strategies that help me understand my behaviors. I’m learning positive ways to handle negative situations, to stay on the path to a better way of thinking for a more positive life. The course improves my communication skills, conscious decision-making, and setting of boundaries which are important in life. I am grateful for my teacher, Bill Holko. When given the opportunity, I will pass this knowledge on to my children. I believe…

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Launching Entrepreneurs

Launching Entrepreneurs

True Freedom’s Executive Director, Mike Swiger, and the staff at Grafton Correctional Institution joined forces with John Carroll University to launch the Prison Entrepreneurship Program this spring. Seven students traveled to Grafton once a week, for 13 weeks, to help incarcerated men work on their business ideas. Using the award-winning Experiential Entrepreneurship Curriculum, students identified each participant’s interests, skills, and passions. Together, inmates and students developed business plans for students to bring to life…

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Final Four Fun

Final Four Fun

True Freedom Ministries’ dream of sponsoring two Final Four Basketball tournaments in prison became a reality thanks to the enthusiastic participation of Grace Church Bath Campus. Identical events were held on different days at Lorain Correctional Institution and Grafton Correctional Institution. Each prison fielded two teams while Grace brought in two teams of eager volunteers for each tournament…

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A Needed Experience for Me

A Needed Experience for Me

Character Development at Trumbell Correctional, taught by Chaplain Mark Stradiot, is having a huge impact on our clients. Here’s what they’re saying: “I’ve been attending Character Development for some time now, and it’s been amazing. I’ve been learning how to have a relationship with God and how to be a better man and father. I’m so blessed to be part of this program. I enjoy learning about God and how to follow our Lord Jesus Christ in love, humility, patience, and peace. I pray that more brothers will join this class so we can fellowship together.” -Inmate McKale “This Christian Character Development program has inspired me to examine my actions in the light of Christ. I want my example to show people that I follow Jesus and not the devil. The program itself is a blessing. Mark, our instructor, is a Godsend…

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All Things are Possible

All Things are Possible

Taught by Chaplain David Hill, Celebrate Recovery provides resources and relationships that open the door to a new way o(f life. This Christ-centered ministry is for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, or hang-ups affecting their own lives or the lives of those around them. Based on the 12-Step Program and Eight New Testament Beatitudes, Celebrate Recovery provides a biblical model for life. “Pastor David is a great teacher and mentor here at Stark Regional Community Correction Center. He touched my life in such a short time. I finally believe Jesus…

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Filled with Joy in the Spirit

Filled with Joy in the Spirit

Long time partner of True Freedom Ministries and owner of Impact Records in Nashville, the Mintz family graciously brought professional recording artist Tyler Conti to Grafton Correctional Institute for an unforgettable performance. This very special Christian concert included a surprise steak dinner for 180 inmates, also generously furnished by the Mintz family. True Freedom’s Executive Director, Mike Swiger, opened the event in prayer. David Mintz then spoke about his TMG Cares foundation. Nobody left hungry, and hearts were filled with joy in the Spirit. For the past three years, inmates at Grafton have been able to participate in Warden…

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Hungry for the Word of God

Hungry for the Word of God

I will always remember a certain paralegal at Lorain Correctional. He is serving 31 years in prison for murder with a gun at the age of 17, on the mean streets of Cleveland. When I met him, he was 31 years old. A phenomenal student, this man earned his degree during his prison sentence. His knowledge of Ohio Law was impressive! Inmates came to the library asking specifically for his legal counsel. Hearing about my weekly Bible study from other inmates, he started to come to class, sitting quietly in the back row. In time, he accepted Christ and would study the Bible with the same…

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No Longer Hopeless

   No Longer Hopeless

At Grafton, an inmate-led class is helping men gain confidence. Having given up on solving the Rubix Cube years ago, most assumed it was impossible for them. However, old patterns of thinking are changing. Using the “chunking” method, residents are learning to accomplish difficult goals, one step at a time. Inmates Brian Wilson and Cody Joliff lead this unique class, teaching students that life can resemble this colorful puzzle; no matter how mixed-up things get, God can help us put the pieces back in order. Inmates are asked to reflect on their feelings, before and after conquering the cube. They are encouraged to embrace the fact that, with God…

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God’s Timing for Women’s Ministry

God’s Timing for Women’s Ministry

Patience is hard for humans. Yet God is so good, so patient, with us. He teaches us, again and again, to yield our plans to His will, His timing. Then He reliably exceeds our expectations with His abundance. This is the recent story of True Freedom’s Women’s Ministry. We’ve been waiting on the Lord with a longing to expand our programming to incarcerated women. Now, in 2024, God is opening the floodgates! Amazingly, in keeping with our hearts’ desire, Jesus has given us…

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It Makes Us Feel Like We Matter

It Makes Us Feel Like We Matter

Stark Regional Community Correction Center (SRCCC) houses inmates incarcerated for chemical, alcohol, and abuse charges from Stark, Summit, and Tuscarawas Counties. TFM is new to this institution, and we have strategically chosen programming to best serve its population. We praise God that our work here is gaining momentum. Currently, we are facilitating two Character Development classes. We also offer two sections of Celebrate Recovery, for which three of our staff members received in-depth training. One female client shared, “We just love that you take time out of your week for us and how the programming is so different. It makes us feel…

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