Second Chance Stories

Every person has dignity and potential. But 1 in 3 Americans has a criminal record, limiting their futures. Hear from former prisoners on life after prison, and join Prison Fellowship® as we unlock brighter futures for the 70 million Americans who have repaid their debt to society.

God’s Mercy Wouldn’t Let Go

Drugs and bad choices eventually landed Jose in prison. When he looks back at it all, he sees how God used the Church to bless him with purpose and hope.

By Lou Haviland
April 3, 2024
Angel Tree | TUMI
Profile of a Prison Fellowship Volunteer: Charlie Bench

Even after years of service, Prison Fellowship volunteer Charlie Bench is still humbled by the move of God he’s seen in men and women's lives in prison.

By Lou Haviland
April 12, 2023
Charles Colson | Lino Lakes | Minnesota Correctional Facility–Shakopee | Prison Fellowship Academy | Values of Good Citizenship
Eddie McLoughlin
Eddie Gets a Second Chance at Life, Love, and Liberty

Having taken a man’s life, Eddie thought his own was over. But when he put God first, he discovered the beauty of second chances.

By Cherise Bopape
March 29, 2023
Arizona | Chuck Colson | North Dakota | Prison Fellowship Academy
Hope Event
The Tradition Igniting Revival on Prison Yards

A Hope Event doesn’t bring Jesus to prison—He is already there. And it’s powerful to see what can happen in just one day.

By Emily Andrews
March 22, 2023
Charles Colson | Hope Events | Prison Fellowship Academy | Second Chance Month
Brandon Boyce and family
The White Flag That Led to a Second Chance

Brandon’s childhood was one steeped in drugs. He found hope and life years later when he discovered God had been for him all along.

By Lou Haviland
February 15, 2023
Prison Fellowship Academy | Second Chances
Stephen Barbee
A Ring and a Robe

Stephen had a bright future but lost everything to his addiction. Was he past the point of no return?

By Joanna Breault
January 18, 2023
Angel Tree Christmas
‘I Am the Black Butterfly’

When Amber Brown bought her first house outside Minneapolis last year, she couldn’t believe the journey that led her there.

By Emily Andrews
April 20, 2022
Minnesota | Prison Fellowship Academy | Transitional Housing | Values of Good Citizenship
From Robbing Churches to Hiring Former Prisoners

When he was promoted to head manager, Brandon became responsible for hiring new employees. And he knew exactly the kind of people he wanted.

By Joanna Breault
April 5, 2022
Carol S. Vance Unit | Housing | Prison Fellowship Academy | Second Chances | Texas | Values of Good Citizenship | Youth Justice
jeff milton and zeus tumi house
An Unconventional Family: An Inside Look at a Transitional Home

The TUMI House in San Diego is more than a transitional home. It’s a group of men learning how to live free, love God, and be a family.

By Emily Andrews
March 29, 2022
education | Housing | Texas | TUMI
Seeing Clearly Now: A Gang Member’s Eyes Are Opened

As a boy, he envisioned money and protection—and joined a gang to find it. Could Martin learn a new way of seeing?

By Joanna Breault
March 15, 2022
California | Second Chance Employment | TUMI
An Accountant Becomes Accountable: Embracing a Life of Transparency

For years, the last thing Michelle wanted was transparency. She had way too much to hide. What would happen when God brought her secrets to light?

By Joanna Breault
November 10, 2021
Angel Tree | New York | Second Chance Sunday | Video
Moving Forward from the Past

Maurice isn’t just breaking the cycle of crime for his family. He’s showing others how to end destructive cycles in their own lives.

By Emily Andrews
October 6, 2021
California | TUMI
Only God Can Save You: How Gospel Rapper Jeff Walker Found His Voice

Behind bars, Jeff received a letter from his daughter’s mother. One thing she wrote stood out to him: “You are in so much trouble. Only God can save you now.”

By Emily Andrews
June 24, 2021
Prison Fellowship Academy | South Carolina
Permission to Approach the Bench: Striving for Dignity

Former bank robber Jesse Wiese thought grit, hard work, and integrity would be enough to open doors after his release from prison. He was wrong.

By Joanna Breault
June 1, 2021
Collateral Consequences | Criminal Justice Reform | Virginia
black man stands in front of a church
A Go-Getter’s Second Chance: How An Achiever Learned To Live Free

Damion wasn’t even wearing shoes the first time he sat in the back of a police car. By the time the young man got to prison, he had one goal: survive.

By Emily Andrews
April 21, 2021
Collateral Consequences | Prison Fellowship Academy | Texas | Video
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Do you have a story about how Prison Fellowship has impacted your life? We want to hear from you.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Do you have a story about how Prison Fellowship has impacted your life? We want to hear from you.

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