After years of facilitating Character Development class at the Grafton Reintegration Center (GRC), True Freedom’s Bill Holko is now teaching this popular course at the Grafton Correctional Institution (GCI). With assistance from volunteer Chris Green, Bill completed the first ten weeks with an eager group of learners. Per Bill, “These men were always on time, attentive, responsive and mutually respectful.” Below are class members’ reflections: “True Freedom’s Character Development course has helped me connect many important dots in my life. I became motivated to identify and work on my character defects. The material points out the benefits gained by living a value-driven life…

Chaplain Mark Stradiot has been an instructor with Walk Thru the Bible ministries since 1989. He teaches Old and New Testament seminars, each lasting 3 hours. The seminars give an overview of each testament. Walk Thru incorporates creative teaching methods to help people learn the content. In addition, Mark shares the gospel (the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sin) and other practical applications. In 2025, Mark taught 25 Walk Thru the Bible seminars in correctional institutions in Ohio. There were over 1000 attendees and over 300 indicated they received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. God has granted us favor with these institutions, allowing us to go in and teach the Bible and share the gospel…

A Story of Redemption. When Marcus (Name changed for privacy) was baptized inside prison this year, nearly 100 men stood and applauded. Just two years ago, he was known for anger, isolation, and hopelessness. He had burned bridges with his family and had resigned himself to a life defined by incarceration. Then he walked into a True Freedom Bible study. Week after week, volunteers met with him. He attended Alpha. He joined Character Development. He sat through Celebrate Recovery even when he didn’t want to. Slowly, walls began to fall. Letters were written to his children. Phone calls were made. Forgiveness was asked. This year, Marcus not only surrendered his life to Christ—he was baptized…

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…

TFM came into this hopeless world I was trapped in…they led me back to Christ, and Christ has opened the door. This video was made by inmates at the Grafton Reintegration Center, showing the huge impact True Freedom Ministries…

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…

https://m.youtube.com/live/XFoIuvSjnI8?si=U-FV17IKk8J8aXDr

Executive Director Mike Swiger talks about what Christmas in prison is like on OvercomersTV

FAMILY & VOLUNTEER

TOBOGGANING POTLUCK

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 6-8:30PM

TOBOGGAN CHUTES

Metro Parks – Mill Stream Run Reservation 16200 Valley Parkway, Strongsville, Ohio 44136

RSVP to mavagyan@tfmohio.com

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…

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

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

#GivingTuesday
https://youtu.be/9J-iO9igJqI

Thank you for your partnership with us. True Freedom Ministries is having a huge impact in the lives of so many inmates. Would you prayerfully consider making a monthly or one-time gift to support this amazing work that was commissioned by Jesus Himself (Mathew 25:36)?

Watch David Wessel as he reveals the true heartbeat and mission of True Freedom Ministries.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LeFCUF2onY

Watch the new episode of OvercomersTV.LIVE with Chuck Reich as he interviews Mike Swiger about Prisoner Re-Entry

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwLAgXNaFWg

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…

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…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOdNOScAlhk

Great things are happening! Lets Keep the good going!

@Community West Foundation #KeepTheGoodGoing #ClevelandNonprofit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeXouhEJFgM

Lets KEEP THE GOOD GOING with the work True Freedom Ministries continues to do to reach Ohio's prisoners, homeless, and addicted with the true freedom found only in Jesus Christ.

@Community West Foundation #KeepTheGoodGoing #ClevelandNonprofit #TrueFreedom

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…

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…