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.

identity unraveled
He Called My Name: From an Identity Unraveled to a Life Restored

Caleb had chased the approval of others since he was a kid. He never dreamed his longing could lead to witnessing a murder and doing time.

By Joanna Breault
April 14, 2021
Angel Tree | Prison Fellowship Academy | Second Chance Month | Texas | Video
The Dungeon of Addiction

For Robyn, abuse and addiction don’t get to have the last word.

By Joanna Breault
March 31, 2021
Colorado | Second Chance Employment | Second Chance Month
A Desperate Prayer: How Teresa Stanfield Broke Free from Addiction

No drug could soothe Teresa’s pain for long. In an Oklahoma prison cell she prayed, God, I feel like you’re the only One who can heal me.

By Emily Andrews
March 3, 2021
Celebrate Recovery | Oklahoma | Prison Fellowship Academy | Video
When Hope, Recovery, and Restoration Are Possible

Amber struggled with addiction. A false start gave her false hope. But behind bars, she discovered that recovery is possible.

By Stacia Ray & Emily Andrews
February 9, 2021
Addiction Recovery | COVID-19 Stories | Minnesota | Prison Fellowship Academy
47 felonies, 4 Incarcerations, 1 Life Redeemed

Tammy thought she was just a criminal. Now she’s back behind bars, a free woman with keys to the prison office in her pocket.

By Emily Andrews
August 6, 2020
Oklahoma | Prison Fellowship Academy | Video | Women's Ministry
danny duchene celebrate recovery
Finding Freedom in a Double Life Sentence

Murder led to decades behind bars. Danny thought his life was over, but prison ministry volunteers showed him how a new life was possible.

By W. M. Thompson
July 1, 2020
California | Celebrate Recovery | Second Chance Employment
fit results luis centeno
The Weight of Reentry: Success After Prison with Fit Results

Luis Centeno had served his time. Now he was getting out. But he soon discovered that being released from prison wasn’t the same as gaining his freedom. After his job search kept hitting dead ends, he decided to turn his hobby into a career.

By Grayson Pope
June 1, 2020
COVID-19 Stories | Illinois | Second Chance Employment | Second Chance Month
prisoner at prison gate
Set Free: This Is What Release Day Looks Like

It's release day, and William Jones is going home to his family. Prison Fellowship goes behind bars to capture what it's like to be freed from prison.

By Grayson Pope
April 21, 2020
Carol S. Vance Unit | Prison Fellowship Academy | Texas | Video
mia domestic abuse
Starting Over After Abuse: Mia’s Journey

Starting over after abuse and incarceration is daunting, but through hard-fought second chances, Mia left violence and prison behind to begin a new life.

By Grayson Pope
April 2, 2019
Alabama | Incarcerated Women | Second Chance Month | Texas
Seizing Second Chances: Alex Defies Collateral Consequences

Behind bars, Alex found God and learned the meaning of community. Now on the outside, he defies collateral consequences to do what he loves and give back.

By Grayson Pope
March 11, 2019
Collateral Consequences | Minnesota | Prison Fellowship Academy | Second Chance Month
Tracey Transformed: Taking Time to Commit to Change

When Tracy found herself in prison, she knew she didn't want to stay there. Prison Fellowship gave her a chance to remake herself.

By Emily Andrews
July 23, 2018
Angel Tree | Prison Fellowship Academy | Texas | Video
Passion for Second Chances
A Passion for Second Chances

Life is like a race. It's not how you start—it's how you finish.

By Alyson R. Quinn & Emily Harris Greene
June 2, 2017
Colorado | Reentry | 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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