PRISON FELLOWSHIP: Carol S. Vance Unit

Former prisoner Kevin Bruno shares how racism, ignorance, and a lack of compassion can contribute to a violent culture behind bars.

Prison Fellowship Academy volunteer John Markle has received an award from the state of Texas. We caught up with John to get a better sense of why he volunteers and why he can’t imagine stopping.

For Susan Nutt, the very worst time to volunteer turned out to be exactly right. Her cancer was progressing—could she really find time for prison ministry?

Prison Fellowship and CrossWalk Center are partnering to place Houston-area Academy graduates in living-wage careers.

Roderick spent years addicted to crack cocaine and the lifestyle that came with it. In prison, everything changed. Now he’s a mentor, showing other men how to find freedom.

It takes courage to be baptized—especially when you’re a prisoner. But that didn’t stop a group of men inside one Texas prison from stepping out in faith.

If you had told Tino 30 years ago that one day he would be a devout Christian, he would have been shocked. But that’s the transformative power of God’s love.

  "Returning to prison is not nowhere in my future. I’ve given the state of Texas enough of my life."

In an unforgettable tour stop, Grammy award-winning artist Lecrae learned that Prison Fellowship Academy students have rap sheets ... and plenty to rap about.

The Prison Fellowship Academy addresses criminogenic thinking while offering prisoners a chance to learn values and skills to help them thrive in life after prison.

  "The Word of God says I am fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. What He can do for one, He can do for all."

  Benny was caught in a cycle of recidivism and shame—until he found the Academy.

  From loners to leaders, gangs to community, Prison Fellowship Academy transforms the culture behind bars.

  "I put on a hard façade. I had to. I had to survive, I had to adapt to my environment to get back to my family."

  "This is like the heaven of penitentiaries right here."