True Freedom and Prospera Experience Exponential Growth in 2023!

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True Freedom and Prospera Experience Exponential Growth in 2023!

By every metric used in prison ministry and reentry, 2023 was an unprecedented year of growth for both organizations. While the number of services and programs offered by True Freedom increased by 52%, attendance in these programs more than doubled to 40,701! First time professions or rededications were also up by 86%! We served over 18,500 hot meals to the homeless on the streets of Cleveland. Here are the actual numbers…

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True Freedom makes you feel like you're human and not an inmate

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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)?

www.truefreedomministries.com/donate

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Mike Swiger

True Freedom Ministries is a non-profit organization dedicated to reaching people in jails and prisons, the homeless, the elderly in nursing homes, and those trapped in addiction, in Ohio, with the message of the true freedom that is found only in Jesus Christ.

What our clients are saying

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What our clients are saying

“True Freedom Ministries has been a true life-changer. From God’s Word through Bill Holko I learned what it means to step up into manhood. I am currently taking two more classes, which are just as good as the first. True Freedom has given me multiple tools to strengthen my relationship with Jesus.” –Chris Folta

“True Freedom’s Alpha class helped me understand the relationship I should have with Jesus and the reason behind the things he did for us all. I understand the Bible a lot better and like to hear how people in my class feel about certain topics.” –Khamray Bonner…

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Always There For Me

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Always There For Me

By Clifford “Sonny” Belden
True Freedom Ministries has always been there for me during my time in prison. In 2022, I was ready to go home. When I went before the parole board, I had all the votes I needed to be released. Then they reversed their initial decision and detained me for five more years. This was a great mental and emotional struggle. Mike Swiger and the members of True Freedom really helped me get through that difficult time. I don’t know what I would have done without their support. As far as programming…

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FOREVER GRATEFUL

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FOREVER GRATEFUL

By John Hugley III
Upon my incarceration in 2021, I had an encounter with Mike Swiger. Since then I’ve been greatly enriched by True Freedom’s programming. Through Alpha I learned creative ways to preach the gospel. Character Development reinforced valuable spiritual principles. I loved working with Mr. Holko during Stepping Up. I have first-hand knowledge of the genuine life investment made by the staff of True Freedom. Mike personally discipled me during…

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Hope Restored

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Hope Restored

By Brian Wilson
When I was initially incarcerated, I assumed my life was over.  I became severely depressed and considered ending my life.  It seemed like everywhere I turned I was being mentally and emotionally beaten down by other inmates as well as correctional officers.  Eventually, I found out about classes that were offered by True Freedom Ministries at the Hope Center.   This was perfect because I needed some hope.  And that’s exactly what I got!  The volunteers of True Freedom Ministries showed me what it truly means to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  In the Alpha class, Don Talladino’s love for Jesus was infectious.  He was almost brought to tears multiple times…

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Wonderful Possibilities

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Wonderful Possibilities

I am thankful for the testimony of a 15-year-old boy who will be released in two weeks from Cuyahoga County Juvenile Home. He is in jail for stealing cars. Through his incarceration, this young man met the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior! He is now thriving academically. This precious soul understands the need to change his associations. He intends to say, “No” to old friends and “Yes” to school, church, and his mother. He eagerly anticipates working towards his future goals and dreams. As we talk…

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Healing Hearts

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Healing Hearts

True Freedom Ministries had the privilege of partnering with Community West to build a playground at Lorain Correctional Institution. This is True Freedom’s second playground construction project. The first, at Grafton Reintegration Center, has been an enormous success. When an inmate has a record of good behavior, he is allowed to meet his visiting children on the playground instead of in a typically sterile prison environment. This is much less intimidating for kids and has become a strong incentive for inmates to…

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A Head Start

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A Head Start

Prospera Reentry (formerly known as True Freedom Enterprises) is excited to announce the dramatic expansion of its pre-release, work-release program. We are now transporting two van loads of incarcerated men from the Grafton Reintegration Center to Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries’ Chopping for Change Workforce Program where clients are trained in the culinary arts. After graduating, inmates move on to Brew Garden (2 locations), applying the skills they acquired at LMM. We are also bringing men from Grafton to Woodpecker’s where they learn to make precision woodworking tools. Under normal circumstances, inmates…

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Stark County Slack Shack

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Stark County Slack Shack

The clothing room at Stark Regional Community Correction Center opened its doors on September 1, 2023. This is a 360 square foot department store for inmates during their stay. Just prior to release, men can pick out their “going home” attire. We opened with over 1350 items in inventory. The only purchased items were socks, underwear, belts, and a few hygiene items. Over 1225 items were donated by people who care. True Freedom opened its first clothing room almost..

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Fantasy Football

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Fantasy Football

Fantasy Football at Grafton Correctional Institution is always an exciting time. Residents come together to spread the love of Christ by tangibly supporting the homeless. To participate in this league, men must purchase a food or hygiene item for donation. This year, collected goods totaled more than five hundred dollars in value! This is especially needful for our Northeast Ohio neighbors since Cleveland is currently the poorest large city in the U.S. True Freedom’s Homeless Ministry distributed Grafton’s contributions at the 2100 Lakeside Men’s Shelter. We praise God for…

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A Beautiful Work

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A Beautiful Work

I met a 15-year-old boy, who was a car thief and who was shot 5 times. Only by the grace of God did he survive. At the Juvenile Justice Center, he returned to school, to the 9th grade.

He was very open and willing to talk with me about the Lord. He said that his family members were not church going people. He was open and interested in a conversation about God, Jesus Christ, and salvation. I was…

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Open Doors in 2023

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Open Doors in 2023

True Freedom Ministries serves a number of correctional facilities on a regular basis and others periodically throughout Ohio. The accompanying graphic provides an overview for 2023. The institutions we visit regularly are green, and those we visited at least one time are blue. Thanks to those of you who have partnered with us. Please pray as we share the hope that is in Jesus Christ. We praise God for opening so many doors!…

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