Join our next Volunteer Training: May 1-2!

Our Work

THE NEED

  • 50% of incarcerated individuals who are paroled or released return to correctional control within three years1
  • 2.2 million Americans are incarcerated
  • Cost: $80 Billion annually2
  • 95% of prisoners are going to be released at some point in time
  • 2.7 million children have an incarcerated parent
  • Approximately half are under 10 years old 

1 U.S. Dept. of Justice
2 Brookings Institute

 

THE REALITY

Even though the rates for incarceration have gone down in recent years, the U.S. still has the highest rates of incarceration in the world. California prisons, plagued by overcrowding since the 1970’s, house more than 183,600 prisoners, with some prisons running at 300% capacity. In addition, prison homicides in California are double the rate of the national average.1 Incarceration experts point to overcrowding and the lack of prisoner rehabilitation programs focused on reducing prison violence as the primary sources of this increase. California is expected to spend $75,560 per incarcerated individual per year on incarceration, the highest in the nation and 45% more than 20112. According to the California Department of Corrections, 65% of incarcerated individuals who are paroled or released return to correctional control within three years.3

1 NBC News, February 2016
2 State of California, Legislative Analysts Office: March 2017
3 California Department of Corrections 2015 Outcomes and Rehabilitation Report

OUR PROGRAMS

IN-PRISON PROGRAMS

EVENT FREQUENCY

Throughout the year, FTC offers large workshops that take place over a 2-3-day period as well as long term prison programs where classes are offered once a week.

WHO IS INVOLVED?

Our foundational programs currently serve the incarcerated community in California prisons. We offer workshops and classes that are highly accessible to men and women of all cultures, education levels, and faiths.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Become a volunteer and experience this rich and rewarding work first hand, share FTC with your friends and/or donate to support our programs.

OUR PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

EVENT FREQUENCY

As scheduled.

WHO IS INVOLVED?

FTC has a growing network of support and opportunities for community engagement. Come join our Mighty Network to connect with like-minded individuals, join our monthly community calls, discuss topics and discover the many ways you can get involved.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

There are a number of ways to get involved in our community events. Spread the word and invite your friends and family. Host an event, volunteer in your area of expertise and of course come join us and have fun.

GET INVOLVED

Monthly Support Groups

EVENT FREQUENCY

As scheduled. (Varies based on each specific institution)

WHO IS INVOLVED?

FTC’s in-prison Monthly Support Groups serve as a sanctuary for self-discovery and personal advancement, providing incarcerated participants with a unique and transformative opportunity to cultivate and develop essential life skills in a smaller class setting 1-2 times per month depending on the institution.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

We currently offer these programs at 5 different California prison locations–meaning there’s ample opportunity as well as a compelling need for more volunteers to join.

LEARN MORE

ALUMNI SUPPORT

WHO IS INVOLVED?

Our Alumni are men and women who have attended a FTC workshop while incarcerated. If that’s you, we want to hear from you! Send us an email and connect with us on our Alumni Facebook page.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Join us and be part of this network of support. Connect with us and other Alumni, speak at our events, volunteer in our prison programs and invite your family and friends to share these practical skills and tools.

GET INVOLVED

OUR IMPACT

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

FTC is all about redemption and the power of second chances. We assist men and women in stepping free of past identifications as “criminals” and re-identifying themselves as valuable, responsible members of our society. Both qualitative and quantitative results indicate significant benefit for individuals who participate in FTC programs over time.

SUCCESS STORIES & TESTIMONIALS

I feel that I am part of a movement

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?

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

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

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.

WORKING WITH PARTNERS
TO GET RESULTS

When we come together in support of one another we can effect great change. There are many ways to get involved with FTC – volunteer in our programs or share your expertise in areas such as film making, photography, copy writing, marketing, fundraising, public speaking, etc. If you are interested in volunteering, becoming a sponsor or supporting our work in other ways, we would love to hear from you.

MORE STATISTICS & RESOURCES

Annual Activity Report

2018 | 2004

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