One of the many gifts of doing this work is witnessing that precious moment when our incarcerated participants experience true transformation and inner freedom beyond the prison walls.
We received such a golden opportunity during our 20th Anniversary Workshop at Valley State Prison (VSP) last year. Long-time incarcerated FTC program participant Jesus Visser stood up to share something deeply personal—a song he had written about the impact that The Freedom to Choose Project (FTC) had on his journey. Read Jesus’s Full Lyrics Here.
For over 3 years, Jesus has been a dedicated participant in our programs at VSP, embodying the spirit of resilience, growth, and inner freedom. His song, Freedom to Choose, is more than lyrics and melody—it’s a poetic reflection of personal transformation and an empowerment that is discovered when engaging in our programs.
When Jesus sang, his words resonated throughout the entire room. His voice carried not just a tune, but an energy—a story of challenge, self-discovery, and the power of choosing a different path. He put into words what so many have felt: the journey of reclaiming self-worth & accepting accountability, learning to trust again, and realizing that freedom is not just something granted by the outside world, but something we cultivate within.
“I’ve lost myself, now deep in filth,
Hating myself, forgot my wealth,
Gotta search for help, what do I gotta do,
Can anyone help, can I even trust you?”
His lyrics speak to the doubts and frustrations many of our incarcerated participants have faced, yet also to the hope and transformation that FTC fosters. Through the work of self-reflection, emotional healing, and community support, Jesus—like so many others—discovered that he can trust, can grow, and can reclaim his future.
“It’s finally hitting me, admittedly I’m startin’ to see,
It was like a riddle to me, but now I’m startin’ to believe in the person I see.”
Embracing the Freedom to Choose
Last month, we were so excited to hear of Jesus’s recent release! Solidifying his song as a testament to the power of inner freedom—the very thing we work to cultivate in every workshop. It’s such an honor to witness individuals like Jesus take ownership of their life, find their voice, and step into the strength that was always there.
As we reflect, we hold onto moments like this in our hearts—moments that remind us why we do this work. Because freedom isn’t just about physical walls—it’s about breaking through the barriers within.
Thank you, Jesus, for sharing your gift with us. Your voice carries far beyond the prison walls, reminding us of the power we hold to choose who we are now and who we’ll become.
Inspired to get involved or to experience FTC yourself? Learn More Here!
