The following recent testimonials come from incarcerated men currently enrolled in Bill Holko’s Character Development classes and/or Bible Study (1 Timothy/Titus); however, they reflect, as well, on the contributions of other staff members…

True Freedom’s pre-release work-release program is making a huge impact on those incarcerated. Three clients, currently employed at the Lorain County Facilities Department, shared the following stories of life-change: “This has been a great opportunity and second chance for me to start my life over. Working while in prison, I had money when I got out, as well as a good job with the county. In this way I was able to help myself and my parents. I have also restarted my plumbing business, doing side jobs and having Bobbie (another ex-inmate) work with me. This has really helped both of us. I get to spend time with my nieces, taking them out and doing fun things, buying them gifts and seeing big smiles on their faces. These things could not have happened if I had not taken part in the work-release program…

Everyone needs life mentors. Gleaning advice from a trusted friend is invaluable. Mentoring at Grafton Reintegration Center is having a huge impact on our clients. Monthly mentoring gatherings begin with prayer and a brief teaching from Executive Director Michael Swiger. Mentors and inmates then discuss the lesson and how it applies to their lives, followed by open conversation that helps strengthen their relationships. Our hope is that mentor-mentee bonds extend beyond…

True Freedom Ministries’ Final Four Basketball Tournament brought energy, connection, and the love of Jesus Christ to Lorain Correctional Institution in a powerful way this year. The event featured four competitive teams representing Lorain Correctional Institution (2) and Grace Church Bath Campus (2), all contending for a towering trophy — with plenty of Chick-fil-A and fellowship along the way…

Watch Mike Swiger talk about living in the light on OVERCOMERS TV.

https://www.youtube.com/live/lJjSM34Bl8M?si=dF9zMYL8p2KH70gJ

Character Development at Stark Regional Community Correction Center is a faith-neutral class, studying a different trait each week. Through self-evaluation, women are encouraged to identify their strengths and weaknesses. As participants become more self-aware, they can recognize traits which may have led to their current situation. Sharing in this class is intentional, with a focus on future growth…

For women navigating the criminal justice system, Christian Yoga at Stark Regional Community Correction Center (SRCCC) offers a restorative, Christ-centered approach to healing that addresses the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Many carry deep burdens from trauma, addiction, and broken relationships, and this class provides a safe space to experience peace, renewal, and hope through the love of Jesus. Each session includes gentle, Scripture-based movement and breathwork, accompanied by Christian music…

We continue to witness powerful transformation through our women’s ministry at the Northeast Reintegration Center in Ohio. This season has been marked by growth, courage, and tangible progress as women step into new purpose. In our Workforce Development program, we proudly graduated nine women who participated in mock interviews led by volunteers from Superior Beverage Group’s HR and warehouse teams. Clients’ willingness to prepare for reentry reflects their faith in the truth of Jeremiah 29:11—”God has plans to give them hope and a future.” Our programs focused on personal restoration are thriving. Eleven women graduated from our Motherhood program…

Workforce Readiness is an exceedingly practical class, equipping the women at SRCCC with tools to aim high in their next phase of life. Participants learn to identify and communicate their personal strengths, increasing their marketability to potential employers. Additionally, clients develop goal setting skills. Workforce Readiness offers scenarios to help clients handle workplace conflicts as well as opportunities to participate in mock-interviews. Class members also receive instruction in resume writing and cover letter drafting. Here are some client reactions to the course…

The Celebrate Recovery Class at SRCCC is a Christ-centered step study program based on the proven curriculum developed by John Baker. It is designed to help individuals break free from hurts, habits, and hang-ups that have kept them in cycles of pain, addiction, and self-destruction. This class is rooted in biblical principles and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The program takes clients through twelve steps, including an honest personal inventory, forgiveness, amends, and accountability toward freedom. Clients shared…

God is doing amazing things at Stark Regional Community Correction Center. Strong is a 40-minute fitness class. Female clients learn to appreciate their bodies and train for strength. We meet once a week in the multipurpose room utilizing minimal equipment: exercise bands, yoga blocks, wobble boards, tennis balls, chairs, the floor, and wall space. As we exercise, we discuss form, nutrition, the amazing body God has designed, and the fact that participants might be sore for two days! Simple isometric squats get sweaty and shaky when paired with a workout timer that cues band rows or inchworms. Laughter ensues, and we high five each other for another job well done…

The Motherhood class at Stark Regional Community Correction Center (SRCCC) provides a biblically grounded framework for women walking in this sacred role. Rooted in scripture, the course highlights the responsibilities of mothers caring for their children while also nurturing their own spiritual well-being. The power of receiving unconditional love from Christ is reflected in the love between a mother and child, offering a pathway to redemption. Here’s what clients are saying…

Chaplain David Hill is making a huge impact teaching Celebrate Recovery at Grafton Correctional Institution. This class is a Christ-centered, 12-step, biblically based program designed to help individuals overcome “hurts, habits, and hang-ups” (e.g., addiction, abuse, anger). It utilizes 8 principles based on the Beatitudes and 4 participant guides to foster healing and spiritual growth. Here’s what clients are saying: “I want to thank True Freedom Ministries for allowing Pastor David Hill to come to Grafton and bring the Gospel to our hearts. I’m in the Celebrate Recovery class, and I’ve learned so much about my relationship with God. I’m in a much better place in my life, so I can enter back into society in a blessed way…

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…