The Freedom to Choose Project
Making Real Change Possible
The Challenge We Face
Every year, thousands of individuals in California’s prison system face a critical turning point: Will they find a path to lasting change or become another statistic in the cycle of recidivism?
With the annual cost of incarceration reaching a staggering $132,860 per person and 68% of released individuals returning to prison within three years, the need for effective rehabilitation has never been more urgent.
What We Do Differently:
True rehabilitation begins with a fundamental truth captured by Viktor Frankl:
”Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space lies our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.
Since 2004, we’ve put this powerful principle into action, creating a unique educational program that transforms lives through:
- Emotional intelligence development
- Conflict resolution skills
- Self-awareness and personal growth
- Community building and leadership
OUR IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
Release and Re-entry:
An estimated 68% of released prisoners were arrested within 3 years, 79% within 6 years, and 83% within 9 years.
Source: 2018 Update on Prisoner Recidivism: A 9-Year Follow-up Period (2005-2014.
The scale of our work reflects our commitment to lasting change:
7,462
Incarcerated participants served.
724
Dedicated volunteers.
239,705
In-person education hours.
95,800
Volunteer hours dedicated.
Correspondence Program:
6,731
Participant packets sent.
66,418
Participant education hours.
Proven Results That Matter
91
Reduction in Conflict: Participants report experiencing less conflict during and after incarceration.
52
Released: Program graduates who have been released from prison.
98
Life Improvement: Participants reporting their lives have improved.
84
Ripple Effect: Participants who have taught our skills to friends and family.
PROGRAMS AND LOCATIONS:
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison
Valley State Prison
Folsom State Prison
California Men’s Colony
Central California Women’s Facility
California Institution for Women
California State Prison, Los Angeles County
California City Correctional Facility
Santa Barbara County Jail (correspondence only)
California Rehabilitation Center (to be launched in November 2024)
CHANGE BEYOND PRISON WALLS:
The impact of incarceration extends far beyond prison walls. With 2.7 million children having an incarcerated parent and billions spent annually on our prison system, entire communities are affected. But there is hope.
STORIES OF TRANSFORMATION
Our program participants discover they are more than their worst choices. Through interactive practices such as healing shame, breaking cycles of anger, and practicing forgiveness, they gain new perspectives and a second chance at true freedom.
JOIN US IN CREATING CHANGE
The road to freedom begins within, but it takes a community to pave the way. With 95% of incarcerated individuals eventually returning to their communities, your support creates ripples of positive change that transform not just individuals, but families and communities.
Volunteering:
Make a meaningful difference and support the ripple effect of peace and healing.
Be the First to Know:
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Register for an Intro Event:
Experience what makes our programs unique and how we make such a difference.
