TFM Proverbs226 Video

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TFM Proverbs226 Video

https://youtu.be/BpffcJRcRt4
TFM’s partnership with Proverbs 226 Ministries brought a special time of reconciliation to incarcerated mothers and their children. From an emotional opening ceremony, running into each other’s arms, to a cotton candy carnival, this event at the Northeast Reintegration Center fostered bonding that most hadn’t known for years. Participants feasted on fried chicken. Chaplain Stradiot shared a relatable message. Next, inmates and children wrote down names of those they needed to forgive. The special paper used was then dissolved in water, just like our sins in the sea of forgetfulness. Later, mothers read letters of apology to children and washed their feet. Missed birthdays were acknowledged; moms danced with their children; and families selected colorful, donated school supplies, according to each child’s taste. Tears and smiles abounded as relationships grew stronger. One inmate called it, “a day with my daughter we will treasure forever…

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Ready for Next Year

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Ready for Next Year

They felt like they were “not in prison.” That was the consensus among inmates at True Freedom’s second Final Four Basketball Tournament of 2025—this one at Trumbull Correctional Institution. Just like last time, men savored Chick-Fil-A lunches. Two Trumbull teams and two from Grace Church (Bath Campus) competed in four exciting games. Chaplain David Hill, formerly known as Nico the Dragon, shared the gripping story of his transformation in Christ. Finally, Grace Church prevailed, bringing home the gleaming trophy. But Trumbull players made it known that they would be ready for next year! Sporting events provide an impactful way to display the love of Jesus. The Final Four Tournament was a fun day for all involved. Thank you for your partnership in bringing such joy into prison…

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Just The Beginning

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Just The Beginning

Exciting things are happening at the Cuyahoga Hills Juvenile Correctional Facility. Over the past year, our partnership has grown as we’ve provided the tools and mentorship needed for young men to envision a better future. Through our workforce development initiatives, we are preparing them for meaningful employment, building both hard and soft skills—confidence, teamwork, responsibility, and purpose. We were deeply honored to be recognized by the facility as Volunteer Organization of the Year, even as our own Jessica McCamon, Director of Women’s and Juvenile Ministries, was chosen as Volunteer of the Year—an acknowledgment reflecting the collective heart and dedication of all True Freedom volunteers who faithfully show up to invest in young lives. Looking ahead, we are eager to expand this partnership in powerful ways. We will be introducing Celebrate Recovery Step Studies, providing a Christ-centered path for healing and growth, alongside a new Reentry Program. As Jessica McCamon shared, “These efforts will help young men combat recidivism by equipping them with workforce skills, getting them…

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Reaching Hearts

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Reaching Hearts

True Freedom Ministries continues to get inside Ohio’s correctional institutions, even as God reaches hearts with the gospel of his Son. This 2025 infographic map shows the facilities we served regularly this year (dark green) along with those we served at least once (light blue). We are grateful for our partners whose financial generosity and prayer support make this work possible. Please pray we will be faithful to share the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection for forgiveness of sins. Give thanks! There is hope in Jesus. Would you prayerfully consider making a one-time end of the year or monthly donation to support True Freedom Ministries for 2026? www.truefreedomministries.com/donate

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You Changed My Life

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You Changed My Life

Classes and Bible studies are bearing fruit at Grafton Reintegration Center: “True Freedom’s programming builds you up, not only for re-entry, but also with Christ, which is truly amazing because, if you walk out of here with Christ, you will leave with victory and success! So, True Freedom Ministries – thank you! You changed my life through Christ!”-James Green Jr. “I can truly say that I have grown tremendously through my studies with True Freedom Ministries and Bill Holko’s teaching, to become a better person. It is essential that we continue to have progress such as this, to prepare for reentry into society, to be assets to our communities and our families. Thank you very, very much.”-W. Bruister

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A Huge Hit

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A Huge Hit

True Freedom’s fifth annual Yard Day softball tournament at Grafton Correctional Institution was a huge hit! This year’s eager batters and fielders came from Grafton Correctional Institution (2 teams), Lorain Correctional Institution (1), Grace Church Middleburg Heights (1), and the Friend-to-Friend program (1). After opening the event in prayer, Executive Director Mike Swiger shared the Good News with everyone. In the end, the inmates of Lorain Correctional Institution, new to Yard Day this year, emerged as happy champions. The games were followed by a rare feast of grilled steak and…

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Revival is Here

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Revival is Here

What a powerful season! God is truly on the move in the women’s facilities we serve, with overflowing opportunities for healing and freedom. New classes are meeting deep needs, and lives are being transformed. At both the Northeast Reintegration Center (NERC) and Stark Regional Community Correction Center (SRCCC) we launched an Abortion Recovery class for forgiveness and restoration. We’ve seen the Holy Spirit fill wounds that once felt incurable. These testimonies of peace reveal that God is still in the business of making all things new. At SRCCC and NERC, the Lord is restoring families through our new Motherhood class, inviting women to rebuild relationships with Christ and their children. We also launched our fourth cohort of Workforce Development, empowering women with job-readiness skills for life after incarceration. At NERC, we introduced a new program focused on biblical boundaries, helping women learn ways that honor God and protect their hearts. One participant shared, “This program with Jesus has…

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Escaping Prison

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Escaping Prison

The love of Jesus Christ looked like four competitive games, Chick-Fil-A, and a tall championship trophy at True Freedom’s Second Annual Final Four Basketball Tournament. Grafton Correctional Institution was the venue, hosting four enthusiastic teams fielded by Grafton Correctional Institution (1), Grafton Reintegration Center (1), and Grace Church Bath Campus (2). TF’s Executive Director, Mike Swiger, opened in prayer and, after two intense contests, shared his amazing testimony over lunch. Everyone was moved by the good news of God’s grace. Next came the consolation game, deciding third place. Finally, Grafton Correctional prevailed! One inmate commented…

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Family Bonding

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Family Bonding

Incarcerated mothers and their children enjoyed a special time of reconciliation thanks to True Freedom’s partnership with Proverbs 226 ministries. From an emotional opening ceremony with kids and moms running into each other’s arms to a carnival complete with cotton candy and face painting, this event at the Northeast Reintegration Center fostered bonding that most of these families hadn’t known for years. Participants feasted on fried chicken and Chaplain Mark Stradiot shared a relatable message. Next, inmates and children wrote down the names of anyone they needed to forgive. The special paper used was then placed in water, where it dissolved, just like our sins, in the sea of forgetfulness. Later, mothers read letters of apology to children and washed their feet. Missed birthdays were acknowledged; moms danced with their children; and families selected colorful, donated school supplies…

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Mike Swiger on The Griffin Rundown

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Mike Swiger on The Griffin Rundown

This week on the Griffin Rundown, Mr. Nees sits down with Mike Swiger from True Freedom Ministries to explore the powerful work his organization is doing inside prisons across Ohio. From offering hope to the incarcerated to transforming lives through faith, Mike shares the mission and reach of the ministry in a heartfelt and inspiring conversation.

Click the link below to listen, OR you can find the podcast by searching “The Griffin Rundown” wherever you get your podcasts.

https://thegriffinrundown.alitu.com/episode/9c3dd200-77dc-4427-8f55-febd13bca6f5

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