He Never Missed a Meeting. The Parole Board Noticed.
A story of commitment, community, and second chances
Paul Ramirez’s journey from program participant to mentor—and ultimately to parole—shows what’s possible when someone commits to change and finds the right support system.
Paul’s story began when he joined the Freedom to Choose Project’s Individuals Achieving Greatness (IAG) program at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison (SATF). What set Paul apart wasn’t just his participation—it was his unwavering commitment. He never missed a single monthly group meeting, turning up consistently even when the path seemed uncertain.
But Paul didn’t stop at attendance. He embraced every aspect of the program, completing correspondence coursework with diligence and eventually stepping into a mentorship role, guiding others on their own journeys of transformation.
Preparing to Return Home
When Paul went before the parole board, they paid attention to several concrete factors:
- His consistent participation in the Freedom to Choose Project
- Completed correspondence work that showed sustained effort
- Positive feedback from program volunteers
- His role as a mentor to other participants
The board recognized these weren’t just boxes checked—they represented real work and real change. Their decision to grant parole reflected Paul’s genuine commitment to building a different life.
The best news ever– Paul was found suitable for parole and is preparing to return home!
Paul’s journey illustrates a crucial truth about rehabilitation: real change requires more than time served. It demands:
- Consistent effort, even when progress feels slow
- Vulnerability to examine past choices and behaviors
- Courage to model new ways of being for others
- Hope that transformation is possible
The Freedom to Choose Project, inspired by Viktor Frankl’s profound insight that “between stimulus and response there is a space,” provided Paul with tools to find that space—and in it, discover his freedom long before his release from prison.
The Ripple Effect of Transformation
Paul’s success story resonates far beyond his individual journey. As a mentor within the prison, he touched countless lives, demonstrating through his own example that change is possible. His dedication inspired others in the IAG group to persist in their own work, creating a positive culture shift within the facility.
Research shows that 91% of Freedom to Choose participants experience less conflict during and after incarceration. Paul’s journey from participant to mentor to parolee embodies this statistic, but more importantly, it reveals the human story behind the numbers.
Be Part of the Change
Paul’s transformation happened because volunteers showed up too—people who believe everyone deserves a chance to grow and change. Through volunteering, correspondence mentoring, or program support, you can be part of similar stories.
When we support programs that help people transform their lives, we contribute to safer, stronger communities for everyone.
Interested in getting involved? Learn more about volunteering with the Freedom to Choose Project.
