I think it’s safe to say we all know someone that is, or has been, in jail. Whether that is a family member, a friend, a friends family member, or a neighbor. According to statistics from Prison Fellowship, America is home to only 4% of the world’s population, but we house more than 20% of its prisoners.
I personally spent about 10 months last year helping a family member that had just gotten out of jail. They have now been out for a year. They have worked hard to reach their goals – get a job, get their drivers license back, buy a vehicle. Not easy goals when you start with nothing.
Recidivism, the tendency of a criminal to reoffend, is out of control. The odds are against them, with over half of prisoners returning to prison within two years. That’s why it is so important for prisoners to get the help they need to get their lives in order so they don’t have to go back to prison again.
Prison Fellowships new series The Restoration Series tells the story of men and women who have experienced The Academy, a revolutionary in-prison program that is combatting incarceration and recidivism head on.
The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk, is a 5-part documentary series that follows one man as he re-enters his community after 15 years in prison. As they tell Jonathan’s story we see what it means to be human and the shared need of all people to see communities restored.
Because that should be the goal. Helping people to reclaim their lives, so we can reclaim our communities.
Watch The Restoration Series: Jonathan’s Walk episode one below. Visit The Restoration Series website to watch the rest of the series.
*Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): I was compensated for this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” My opinions are my own.
