PRISON FELLOWSHIP BLOG: Reentry

Returning citizens face numerous barriers to education. Karen Swanson, director of the Billy Graham Center’s Institute for Prison Ministries at Wheaton College, has five tips for colleges and universities that want to welcome former prisoners.

When Cassie was incarcerated for four years, her children were just 4 years and 11 months old. Knowing their pain from experiencing her own father’s incarceration made it almost too much for Cassie to bear. But she made the most of their time apart. Now she’s reunited with her children and making up for lost time.

From an abusive childhood to a life in and out of prison. Serena Steenholdt felt like her life was spiraling out of control until she found God and reconnected with her children... “God is so much bigger than I ever thought.”

  'Through God's faithfulness in our lives, we're allowed to serve Him out here.'

Check out how America has come together over the past two years to support those effected by crime and incarceration.

'This is a glimpse of God's story—God's transforming power through organizations like Prison Fellowship.'

  "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."

Every year, hundreds of thousands of prisoners are released and return to society, and they need a second chance. The Church should be a place where they can easily find support and encouragement.

"I had people promise me the moon, and as soon as they found out I had a felony, it was over."