The Charles Colson Hope Awards, sponsored by Prison Fellowship®, recognize people who have faithfully and courageously worked to seek justice, love mercy, and restore hope. Charles Colson, who founded Prison Fellowship in 1976, was at ease with presidents, prisoners, wardens, pastors, laypeople, and legislators. In all times and places, he was a passionate advocate for incarcerated men and women and their families, sharing his faith in Christ and honoring the God-given value and potential of each person. His impact on prison ministry, prison culture, and prison reform has been broad and lasting. In keeping with his inspiring legacy, the Charles Colson Hope Awards honor people who, in following his example, have been role models to others and brought restoration to their sphere of influence.
HOPE AWARD CATEGORIES
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2017 HOPE AWARDS ARE NOW CLOSED
NOW TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR THE 2017 HOPE AWARDS
Do you know someone whose work in helping those impacted by crime and incarceration is deserving of recognition through the Charles Colson Hope Awards? The general public is invited to nominate people for each category. Nominations are now being accepted for all the five award categories.
The deadline for nominations is August 31, 2017.
LEGACY OF HOPE
The Charles Colson Legacy of Hope award is bestowed annually on a person or foundation that has invested faithfully and generously in the restoration of those affected by crime and incarceration. With visionary stewardship, the awardee has enabled Prison Fellowship to make significant advancements in our mission.
2021
Dallen and Glennis Peterson
Dallen and Glennis Peterson have been faithful supporters of Prison Fellowship for nearly 40 years and were dear friends of the Colsons. The Petersons were early supporters and volunteers to Prison Fellowship, and Chuck often noted that Dallen’s vision was part of the genesis of the Prison Fellowship Academy. Dallas was a Prison Fellowship board member for 22 years and has served on many other philanthropic and education boards nationally and locally.
2020
Lee and Louise Sundet
Lee and Louise Sundet have been beloved friends and supporters of Prison Fellowship for nearly four decades. Born and raised in Spring Grove, Minnesota, Lee and Louise take great pride in their hometown—and their love for the Lord and for His kingdom has led them to serve their local community and beyond. Lee cherishes many memories of visiting prisons on Easter weekend—a tradition started by Prison Fellowship’s founder, Chuck Colson. Together, Lee and Louise have faithfully supported dozens of organizations serving disabled people, youth and families, and more.
2019
Peter and Gail Ochs
Peter and Gail Ochs have been dear friends and devoted supporters of Prison Fellowship for over three decades. They have a heart for sharing God’s compassion and message of salvation to hurting and struggling people. This calling has driven them to impact and inspire the lives of thousands, including through Peter’s service on the Prison Fellowship board for 18 years. Their reach has also extended far beyond our nation, bringing the hope of Christ to some of the poorest countries in the world through the work of First Fruit, Inc. Peter and Gail have remained faithful friends and trusted partners of Prison Fellowship as the Lord has expanded our work across this nation.
2018
Mike and Nancy Timmis
Mike and Nancy Timmis have been friends and devoted supporters of Prison Fellowship for nearly 30 years. Their influence and ministries have extended far beyond the Detroit area, touching lives around the globe. Together, they have championed causes that provide hope and eternal value, serving on the boards of directors for Prison Fellowship and Alpha, as well as founding many schools throughout Africa.
Prison Fellowship honored Michael and Nancy Timmis with the 2018 Charles Colson Legacy of Hope Award for their decades-long commitment to prisoners, reconciliation, and restorative justice. As dear friends of Prison Fellowship, the Timmises have walked alongside our ministry and blessed our work for decades with their wisdom, time, and treasure.
2017
Wayne Hughes
Wayne Hughes Jr. has given an incredible amount of his time and resources so that those incarcerated have opportunities for rehabilitation. His support of expanding The Urban Ministry Institute (TUMI) classes in prisons throughout California continues, resulting in over 1,500 inmate students getting the chance at this transformational education. His advocacy includes his dedication to policy change, such as his backing of Proposition 47, successfully reducing penalties for nonviolent crimes. His passion for assisting in restoration of hope and humanity for the least of these includes the creation of the non-profit foundation, Serving California, whose efforts include supporting reentry and recovery homes that shelter men and women who have been victims of crime.
2016
David and Charlotte Cauwels
David and Charlotte Cauwels have spent decades generously investing in the restoration of those affected by crime and incarceration. For nearly 40 years, the Cauwelses have taught, discipled, and trained prisoners. David served on the Prison Fellowship Board of Directors for 31 years before he was appointed director emeritus. Recently, the Cauwelses helped establish an in-prison seminary in their home state of New Mexico.
By giving generously of their time and resources in a variety of ways, David and Charlotte have helped make sure that Chuck Colson’s legacy of hope continues. Their son, Paul, has followed in his parents’ footsteps and engaged wholeheartedly in the ministry as a board member and a generous supporter of Prison Fellowship.
ADVOCATE OF HOPE
The Charles Colson Advocate of Hope award is bestowed annually on a person with a record of faithful, unswerving, and winsome advocacy for restorative criminal justice reform—a person whose leadership blazes a trail toward a future of proportional punishment, constructive prison culture, second chances, and safer communities.
2022
Senator Rob Portman
Senator Rob Portman has boldly championed second chances and safer communities as a United States Senator. Throughout his tenure on Capitol Hill, Senator Portman has affirmed the dignity and potential of the 1 in 3 American adults with a criminal record. Sen. Portman authored the Second Chance Act, facilitating hundreds of critical federal investments in drug treatment, job training, housing, and education for men and women leaving prison and jail. As lead sponsor of the annual Second Chance Month Resolution, Sen. Portman has highlighted the work of Prison Fellowship and more than 700 national partners in breaking down barriers to success for Americans who have served their time. Through his key leadership on the EQUAL Act, Sen. Portman is working alongside civil rights, law enforcement, and faith-based partners to end unjust, inconsistent punishments for crack and powder cocaine crimes in federal law. Sen. Portman’s bipartisan leadership in our nation’s capital has helped thousands of people with a criminal record live out their God-given dignity as they become productive members of society.
2021
Sheena Beasley
Sheena Beasley lives in Greensboro, North Carolina, and is a formerly incarcerated Justice Ambassador who has demonstrated a commitment to advocating for justice for many years. Sheena has joined two of our Outrageous Justice small groups and hosted her own group. She hosted a Second Chance Month event with several local second chance organizations in her area and has promoted Prison Fellowship’s Second Chance Month partnership across her network. Sheena has also conducted countless lawmaker meetings resulting in a strong relationship with Sen. Tillis’ office and played a major role in convincing Sen. Tillis to cosponsor the EQUAL Act. She is the founder of the Almond Connection, a one-stop resource referral center for individuals coming out of prison. In this capacity, she has signed many of our sign-on letters as a faith-based nonprofit. Outside her role as a Justice Ambassador, Sheena is a widely known and trusted leader throughout the Greensboro area. She regularly hosts events like backpack drives for a reentry center, a turkey drive for families without resources during Thanksgiving, a shoe drive for those without proper footwear, and so much more.
2020
Marcus Bullock and Rev. Dr. Sylvia Bullock
Since 2018, Prison Fellowship has partnered with the Bullocks and Flikshop, an app founded by Marcus, to serve prisoners’ families and unlock second chances. Flikshop allows users take photos from their phones, Facebook, or Instagram accounts and deliver those photos directly to a loved one in prison as postcards, for as little as 79 cents each. Today, Flikshop has access to more than 2,700 jails and prisons across the U.S. More than 170,000 people have sent half a million postcards through the platform. And Flikshop’s impact doesn’t stop there—Marcus and Sylvia, are tireless advocates for reducing recidivism nationwide.
“Every single postcard … is a moment that can be cherished in a prison cell and experienced over and over again in that person’s memory,” Marcus says.
2019
Representatives Doug Collins, R-Ga., and Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.
Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.) and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) were presented the 2019 Charles Colson Advocate of Hope Award for their work on the FIRST STEP Act and its eventual passage in December of 2018. The FIRST STEP Act is the first step in transforming federal prisons into safe and effective facilities that will reduce recidivism and strengthen our communities and economy. The legislation expands rehabilitative programming and earned-time credit opportunities. It also reduces and clarifies mandatory minimums and better provides for the needs of federal prisoners. “In addition to cosponsoring the FIRST STEP Act from its inception, Representatives Doug Collins and Hakeem Jeffries worked tirelessly, always in a bipartisan manner, to pass this critical legislation late last year that paves the way to rehabilitate federal prisoners, protect public safety, and provide opportunities for incarcerated men and women to be released sooner for good behavior,” said James Ackerman, President and CEO of Prison Fellowship. “Representatives Collins and Jeffries are receiving the Charles Colson Advocate of Hope Award due to the simple fact that they crafted this bipartisan bill in a manner that reflects their shared belief in human dignity and potential.”
2018
Mark Holden
Mark Holden, the senior vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary of Koch Industries Inc., has proven indispensable in advancing justice that restores in America. He has helped lead criminal justice reform initiatives such as removing criminal history questions on initial employment applications and programs designed to help former prisoners reenter society, along with pushing for changes to federal sentencing mandates. This work has taken place among grassroots organizations and the White House.
Holden has built bridges across the aisle to garner support for criminal justice reform, mobilizing a coalition of lawmakers, the private sector, and grassroots. His leadership has paved a path of bipartisan support for proportional punishment, constructive prison culture, second chances, and safer communities.
As the recipient for the 2018 Charles Colson Advocate of Hope Award, Holden exhibits a passion for biblical principles of justice that is rare and valuable. He is committed to pursuing criminal justice reform at the federal and state levels.
2017
Gene Mills
Louisiana, previously the leading incarcerator in the nation, passed a landmark package of justice reform legislation in 2017. To achieve this, Prison Fellowship worked with Gene Mills, the head of the Louisiana Family Foundation, among others. The leadership and experience of Gene Mills cleared a path for believers to be a powerful voice in this process, and his God-given talent of bringing diverse constituents together—including law enforcement, policymakers, victims of crime, and pastors—helped to guide this vital achievement.
2016
Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas)
Sen. John Cornyn’s leadership has blazed a trail toward a future of proportional punishment, constructive prison culture, second chances, and safer communities in our country. Throughout his career, he has remained a diligent, compassionate public servant.
An outspoken champion for criminal justice reform on Capitol Hill, Cornyn has tirelessly supported responsible legislation that works to break the cycle of crime, respecting and defending prisoners’ needs for effective correctional programming. He pursues smart reforms based on both hard evidence and unwavering compassion. His balanced, forthright views reflect a core belief in the dignity of people, and the people he serves are better off for it.
SERVANT OF HOPE
The Charles Colson Servant of Hope award is bestowed annually on a prison administrator, policymaker, or volunteer who has demonstrated servant leadership in changing the culture behind bars—making prison a place of renewal and second chances—through the message of hope, redemption, and restoration.
2023
Carl Dill
A faithful member of the Prison Fellowship Board of Directors since 2013, Carl Dill has also served on its Finance and Governance committees and was named board chairman in 2015. He was instrumental in leading the search committee for the successor to former CEO and President James J. Ackerman and developing the transition process for the ministry’s leadership under Heather Rice-Minus. Dill is an executive coach for the global technology consultancy Thoughtworks, where he focuses on cultivating up-and-coming talent for leadership roles. A former technology executive for McDonald’s and Time Warner, he holds a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Illinois. Dill mentors Christian pastors, equipping them in their various roles of ministry to become effective leaders. He also serves at his church in coaching and strategic planning capacities. Dill lives in Naples, Florida, with his wife Carol. The couple has two adult daughters and four grandchildren.
2021
Danny Carr
Danny Carr, who was elected as the first African American District Attorney of Jefferson County, Alabama, has done incredible work in helping returning citizens seek gainful employment to support their families and communities. He has not only held numerous hiring fairs—employing more than 500 returning citizens—he’s also an active speaker for the Prison Fellowship Academy at the St. Clair Correctional Facility, always looking for ways to help those serious about seeking a second chance. Carr is an incredible asset to his community and a respected and admired mentor to hundreds of young people in Alabama. Carr has proven to be a leader who not only believes in the rule of law but also has compassion for those seeking a second chance after incarceration. Danny believes in change and redemption and seeks to find ways to positively impact those affected by crime and incarceration.
2020
Susan Esco
Susan is a community volunteer and has been an advocate for justice involved individuals since 2007. She is an active volunteer in organizations such as Stand in the Gap and Bible Study Fellowship, and has been a high impact volunteer for Prison Fellowship’s Tier-2 Academy program at Kate Barnard Correctional Center since 2018. She serves on the Board of Oklahoman’s for Criminal Justice Reform as the Community Advocate for Oklahoma’s Marginalized Women, is a Circle Voices for Change member of the Oklahoma Women’s Coalition and serves on the OK Justice Reform Oversight Implementation Commission. Susan co-founded Living Hope Women’s Ministry, a transitional ministry for women coming out of prison and is a former Board member of Stand in the Gap Ministries.
2019
Carol Vance
For decades, Carol Vance has been an integral part of the Prison Fellowship Academy, which began in Houston and is now modeled throughout the nation. Carol was a close friend of Chuck Colson’s, and he still invests his time as an instructor and mentor in weekly classes. Carol has been a faithful servant for nearly 30 years, sharing his passion for restoring lives and making prison a place of hope and renewal.
2018
John Baker
John Baker is the founder of Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered 12-step program. Prison Fellowship partners with the organization to bring its curriculum designed to help people address their hurts, habits, and hang-ups to Prison Fellowship Academy sites around the country. In addition to prisons, Celebrate Recovery is now in over 30,000 churches, and it’s in 20 different languages, 32 countries, and universities. The incarcerated men and women who participate in the program can continue the program by connecting with a group on the outside. John and Celebrate Recovery groups across the country are partnering with Angel Tree to give children the gift of Christmas. In 2018, 209 Celebrate Recovery groups served 5,807 kids in 39 states.
John is committed to bringing the hope of the Gospel and Christ’s offer of restoration to men and women in prison. For his continuing impact on incarcerated individuals and many others, Prison Fellowship honored him with the 2018 Charles Colson Servant of Hope Award.
2017
Randy Grounds
Warden Randy Grounds is an imposing figure, but his ready smile immediately puts you at ease. As you talk with him you realize that he is first and foremost a humble, wise, and exemplary Christian. In his work environment, his soft-spoken voice conveys a heart-felt concern for the staff and inmates in his facility. After graduating from UCLA, Randy started his career in 1979 with the El Dorado County Probation Department where he worked for 11 years. During that time, he was assigned within a juvenile facility and as a probation officer. In 1991, he began his work with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation where he has been employed for 23 years. He has worked at 4 different prisons including Tehachapi, Solano, Soledad, and Salinas Valley State Prison. This work encompassed all custody levels (I through IV), as well as the Security Housing Unit.
He has held positions of correctional counselor, supervisor, classification and parole representative, facility captain, associate warden, chief deputy warden, and warden. Randy was the warden for the Correctional Training facility, Soledad, prior to being reassigned as warden for Salinas Valley State Prison.
2016
Burl Cain
Burl Cain, the legendary former warden of Louisiana’s Angola State Penitentiary, has long had an enduring and restorative impact in correctional environments. At Angola, one of the bloodiest and most notorious prisons in America, Cain provided the transformative leadership the facility needed.
Cain regularly reinforces the truth that all prisoners’ lives are meaningful, even those who will spend the rest of their days behind bars. His work has promoted the development of safe, humane institutions and positive, life-changing programs for men and women behind bars. His refusal to tolerate a violent, substandard prison has helped generate a culture of dignity and mutual respect. He has also consistently promoted the idea that faith changes lives, even in prison—especially in prison.
RESTORER OF HOPE
The Charles Colson Restorer of Hope award was bestowed annually on a person who, with sustained compassion for the weight borne by the families of the incarcerated, came alongside to help carry their burden, share God's love, and offer hope for restoration.
2018
Stanley and Patricia Mills
Stanley and Patricia Mills have been faithful Prison Fellowship volunteers for decades, including years of leading Connection Classes across Oklahoma and facilitating Prison Fellowship Academy classes at Dick Connors Correctional Center. Prison ministry brought them together, and both have leveraged their experience as educators to provide ongoing encouragement and a faithful example of godly love and marriage to people in prison.
2017
Sidney Wayne Carter
Sidney Wayne Carter is the president of Families on the Outside in Vancouver, Washington. Sidney and his wife Sheri work with families who have a loved one incarcerated in either Washington or Oregon. They have provided support and resources for both adults and children impacted by incarceration, with events, trips, school supplies, and more. The Carters also offer a Preparing for Release class at Larch Corrections Center. Their care and commitment bring hope not only to the families they serve, but also to the incarcerated.
2016
Mary Kay Beard
Mary Kay Beard joined Prison Fellowship’s staff after her release from prison. Remembering the mothers she had met during her incarceration, who carefully saved items like soap and socks to give their children during visits, Mary Kay created the Angel Tree program from scratch. She visited moms and dads behind bars to learn what they would want to give to their children. Then she cut out paper angels, placed them on the tree at a local mall, and invited shoppers to help provide Christmas gifts for children of the incarcerated. More than 30 years later, millions of relationships have been strengthened through Prison Fellowship Angel Tree, and thousands of churches have discovered that prison ministry is a core part of Gospel-centered presence in their local communities.
CHAMPION OF HOPE
The Charles Colson Champion of Hope award was bestowed annually on a person whose life had been directly impacted by incarceration and who had overcome obstacles and opposition to realize their God-given potential to contribute to their community.
2018
George Lang
George Lang leads FreedomWorks as executive director, where he has served on staff for more than 18 years. Having served three prison sentences, he knows the struggles of reentry firsthand and aims to live a life surrendered to Christ. While incarcerated, George turned down the opportunity to be released early so he could complete the Prison Fellowship Academy, and he never looked back. Raised in St. Paul, Minnesota, he considers it a blessing to serve those who are returning to the community in his home state. His call to serve comes from Isaiah 42:22: “These are my people hidden away in caves, dungeons and prisons with no one to speak for them.”
2017
Michael Miller
Michael Miller is an associate pastor who also works at Ford Motor Company. Since Michael’s incarceration more than 20 years ago, God has restored him to his children and community. He now serves as a facilitator for prerelease classes at Pontiac Correctional Center in Illinois. He has traveled far and wide to minister in prison and facilitate Angel Tree sign-ups, inspiring his church to participate with Angel Tree Christmas and to serve children all year. A true champion of hope, Michael is passionate about equipping the local church for prison ministry.
2016
Danny Croce
Danny Croce serves as the head of New Hope Correctional Ministry, providing comprehensive nondenominational chaplain services to facility residents, staff, public officials, and the surrounding community. He previously served as the chaplain at Massachusetts’s Plymouth County Jail where he first met his Savior during his own incarceration. Through Christ, Danny overcame addiction and began to love and serve God. When he was released, he applied for and received Wheaton College’s Charles Colson Scholarship for former prisoners, graduating with a degree in theology. As a servant leader in his community, he dedicates his life to serving others and bringing new purpose to those behind bars.
