Our Impact
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
SUCCESS STORIES & TESTIMONIALS
I feel that I am part of a movement
Having attended The Freedom to Choose Project's (FTC) workshops [and programs] has helped me to completely alter my thinking, actions, and manner of living. The exposure to the loving and safe environment has also affected a large portion of this prison. The...
What Does It Mean?
From left to right, FTC Facilitators David Paul, Chemin Bernard and Bonnie Paul. For many, healing and truly learning from life's lessons involve reawakening from numbness – a survival mechanism to cope from violent experiences, where past hurts and learned behaviors...
Before you came into my life
Before you came into my life, I was lost in a dark world. No one knew the pain and suffering I carried for thirty years except you. Nonetheless, you decided to open your heart and hold me tight into your many arms. You decided not to judge me or criticize me for the...
My Prison
“In the environments that we come from – gangs and broken homes, dysfunctional families – there’s no compassion, not much love, it’s not encouraged – especially in our gang culture. We have to be tough, we have to be angry, we have to be aggressive, we have to be...
OUR RESULTS
%
of FTC program graduates have been released from prison.
%
of participants reported their lives improved
%
of participants experienced less conflict
%
of participants have taught learned skills to friends and family
Incarcerated individuals at Valley State Prison for Women were queried six months after the program.
Incarcerated individuals who participate in our programs demonstrate more peaceful behavior, parole more successfully, are integrated into society more effectively and can give back to their communities. Those who continue to be incarcerated are able to collaborate more effectively with prison staff creating a safer environment.