There are some choices that Sam has made in his past that still affect him today. Even in light of the truth of God’s abundant grace and forgiveness, sin’s consequences still linger in our broken world.   But through it all, Sam has learned something deeper: pain is not useless.   It prompts an awareness that a change needs to be made—a call to action.   It provides opportunity for growth and development if we are willing to let God into that circumstance.   God never wastes pain.   The Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son. (Hebrews 12:6, NIV)   Sam used to think punishment meant rejection, but he later came to understand that God disciplines those He loves—not to destroy, but to restore. Being able to adjust our mindset through His providential wisdom changes everything.      He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3, NIV) Sam shares, “When I finally gave Him my guilt— the shame, the embarrassment, the regret—I was amazed at how He instead turned it into boldness for Him.”  God didn’t only forgive him, but picked up the broken pieces to build something new in him. Those moments that Sam hated from his past, that once defined him, the Lord began to turn into worship and glorification through healing.   “My heartache gave way to growth I never saw coming.” Sam says.    Still, he admits that patience in God’s refinement is not always easy, and oftentimes has led him to return to feelings of shame and unworthiness of grace.   God challenged him in this as he was reminded in prison that God would sail the boat as long as he was willing to row; that if he trusted Him, God would be faithful to fulfill His promises.   “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.”  (Proverbs 16:3, ESV) For the past two years, JUMPSTART has provided Sam with transportation and housing. At first, he was hesitant to allow God to take care of him in this manner, but knew he needed to stay humble, with open hands to receive whatever God had planned for him.  Sam has stewarded his limited finances in various ways, such as purchasing a brand new townhouse.  He openly shares that his current earnings have not put him in the most reasonable position to cover housing expenses, but God has provided by putting generous people in his path who have stepped in and helped.    “Sure, I know how people want to hear how [God] has already provided these and it is a happy ending, but… life is about struggle and trusting in God with our uncertainties.”   God’s timing is better than ours. He knows our needs and will meet them in the ways in which He chooses, not us.   If we keep rowing, God will keep steering.  Long term, Sam aims to provide additional housing for JUMPSTART participants who are ready to graduate from the program and take their first steps in figuring out the path God has set before them. One of the main reasons he bought a house even when it didn’t appear to make much financial sense was to bless others and outwardly display his trust in the Lord, to answer the Bible’s calling to bear one another’s burdens.   “I want to be a part of what God’s doing in their lives, just like others were a part of what He’s done in mine.”  What it comes down to is that, on his own, Sam believes he should not own a house.   “But God.”   Those two words have proven to be all the difference in the world to him.   “I am reliant on God,” he says, “and that is exactly where I want to be.”  “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”  (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)   “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

Gwendolyn “Gwen” Bright started her career of public service in the 1970s with South Carolina’s Department of Disabilities and Special Needs. From the 1980s onward, she worked in both the Department of Probation, Parole, and Pardon Services and the Department of Corrections where she oversaw inmate programs until her retirement in 2020.     She was also appointed by former Governor Nikki Haley to serve as a board member for South Carolina’s Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education, a post she held for twelve years. Her introduction to JUMPSTART happened while serving on the Parole Board, and she joined our board out of her strong belief in second chances.    “The most rewarding aspect of volunteering with JUMPSTART is watching people putting in the work and making positive changes happen in their lives … When we pave the way for inmate transitional success, we are investing in our families and our communities.”    On top of her distinguished career, Gwen holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina, spent twenty years as a volunteer Guardian ad Litem for CASA, and has been an adjunct professor for South Carolina State. She lives in Columbia, working part-time as a substitute elementary teacher and spending time with her grown daughter, Jessica.

Have you ever felt so broken that you wondered if anything good could come from your situation? Have you ever thought you’d gone too far for God’s grace to reach you? Had a family member or friend you thought were too broken to be restored?    Will’s story reminds us that no matter how dark circumstances may seem, there’s always hope.    At the Bottom, Angry and Alone    When Will first encountered JUMPSTART, he felt trapped by grief, regret, and loneliness. Sitting in a prison cell, he carried deep anger toward God after his mother unexpectedly passed away. He described his emotional state openly:    “I was really angry, and I just didn’t understand… I turned my back on God for a short time.”    In his pain, Will felt abandoned, not just by family or friends, but by God Himself. He struggled to envision any future worth living. How could his life recover after so much loss and failure?    Maybe you’ve felt something similar. Maybe you’ve carried wounds or guilt that seemed impossible to overcome.    Encountering Grace Unexpectedly    Will joined JUMPSTART for a practical reason: to secure a place to live upon release. But God had greater plans. Through a supportive community and relationships built on unconditional love, Will encountered grace like never before. He didn’t just learn abstract truth about God, but rather how to know Him personally and how to have a daily relationship with Him.    Reflecting on this surprising turning point, Will shared:    “God allowed me to come to the end of myself so that I’d finally hear Him calling me. He put to death who I once was and raised me as a new creature in Christ.”    Will’s identity was no longer defined by his mistakes or the pain he’d endured. Instead, he discovered an identity rooted firmly in Christ: one built on forgiveness, hope, and new beginnings.    Life Radically Changed    Today, Will’s life looks entirely different. He’s happily married, deeply involved in a caring community, and joyfully awaiting the birth of his child. His life is full of purpose, peace, and genuine joy. With awe, he admits:    “I’m still taken aback by the radical change made in my heart. God abundantly blessed me in ways I don’t deserve.”    His story is a vivid reminder that redemption and restoration are always possible.    A Biblical Reflection: The Story of Joseph  Will’s journey parallels the powerful story of Joseph in the Bible (Genesis 37-50). Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, and later wrongly imprisoned. For years, his circumstances appeared hopeless. Yet through it all, Joseph experienced God’s steadfast presence and ultimate redemption.    Years after his trials began, Joseph declared:    “ You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ” (Genesis 50:20, NIV)    Like Joseph, Will faced hardships and uncertainty. Yet in both stories, God took what seemed irreparably broken and transformed it into something beautiful and purposeful.    Lessons We Can Hold Onto    Will’s story, and Joseph’s before him, teach powerful lessons we can embrace in our own lives:    God’s Grace  reaches into our deepest darkness, offering forgiveness and renewal, no matter our past mistakes.  God’s Faithfulness  sustains us through seasons of loss, grief, and confusion.  God’s Goodness  continually surprises us, transforming pain into purpose and despair into hope.    Encouragement for Your Journey    If you find yourself in a difficult season, uncertain if restoration is possible, remember these powerful promises from God’s Word:    “ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. ” (Psalm 34:18, NIV)    “ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! ” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)    No matter how far you’ve drifted or how deep your pain, you’re never beyond God’s reach. Will’s life is living proof of that powerful truth.    Today, may you feel encouraged to trust that God sees you, knows you, and deeply loves you. Your story, just like Will’s, is not over. Redemption awaits.    You Can Be Part of Someone Else’s Story    Stories like Will’s happen through the generous support and compassionate hearts of individuals like you. At JUMPSTART SC, our mission is to help men and women overcome their past and step into a brighter, hope-filled future.    Would you consider joining us by volunteering or giving?     Your involvement creates opportunities for transformation, restoration, and second chances.    Learn more about JUMPSTART SC Together, let’s help more people experience a future greater than their past.

When Angel Parada picked up the phone and heard the raspy little voice on the other end, he froze. It was his son—the same voice he hadn’t heard in five years. “I knew it immediately,” he said. “That’s him. That’s my boy.” For Angel, that moment was more than a phone call. It was a resurrection. The culmination of months of prayer, years of pain, and a lifetime of wondering whether restoration was even possible. It was a moment that only God could orchestrate. But why was that so impactful? Let’s rewind for a moment… The Unknown Angel didn’t come to JUMPSTART from just around the corner… he came from a whole other country. A native of Canada, Angel arrived in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with nothing but fear in his heart and uncertainty in his hands. “I’m not from here. I had nothing—no ID, no clothes, no medical records. Just fear,” he said. But one by one, JUMPSTART and the community around him met him where he was. Clothes? Provided. ID? Handled. Medical care? Covered. “God allowed JUMPSTART to provide. And I realized— what else do I need to be afraid about ?”   The Mental Battle While Angel’s physical needs were met, the biggest war was in his mind. Coming out of prison, everything felt “too normal.” The anxiety was heavy. The doubt whispered daily. But Angel didn’t face it alone. He leaned on his therapist. He allowed himself to be vulnerable to his JUMPSTART brothers. He found strength in his faith and encouragement from those walking alongside him. “Sometimes I filled myself up by letting others in. And sometimes, just by sharing, I was unknowingly building them up too. That cycle—that’s healing,” he said.   When God Surprises You Angel’s greatest surprise came on a Tuesday afternoon. “I got a text from my mom: ‘If you want to talk to your son, you need to call me right now. He’s here.’” Five years of silence. Five years of hoping. Five years of thinking it would take a decade—maybe more—to rebuild a relationship. And there he was. On the other end of the line. Talking about school. Laughing. Still carrying that same rasp in his voice that Angel remembered from long ago. “I cried for days. You can't science that away,” Angel said, laughing through tears. “It wasn’t luck. It wasn’t coincidence. That was God.”   More Than a Program JUMPSTART didn’t just give Angel a roof over his head, or a means of transportation—it gave him room to breathe, to believe, to build again. With his diabetes diagnosis, JUMPSTART ensured he received care without a crushing medical bill. With his basic needs now secure, Angel could focus on going back to school, finding a job that aligned with his values, and deepening friendships that would last a lifetime. “JUMPSTART creates opportunities that create more opportunities,” he explained. “And those open the door to more I never saw coming.”   Don’t Give Up When asked what he’d say to families praying for a loved one who’s struggling, Angel didn’t hesitate: “Don’t give up. Ever. God is doing things behind the scenes. Even when it looks hopeless, He’s moving. If I had given up, that call with my son never would’ve happened.” From prison walls to phone calls with his child, from panic attacks to purpose, Angel is living proof that no situation is beyond the reach of God’s redemption. And if you ask him what changed everything? “I stopped underestimating God,” he said. “Because everything He’s done—every single thing—has been bigger than I could ever imagine.” Watch the full interview with Angel here!

What if there was a way that you could serve JUMPSTART by allowing us to serve you?    Well, if you live in the Greenville - Spartanburg, SC area, there is—JUMPSTART Landscaping.    Now that spring is here, you’ve probably noticed that your yard could use some TLC. But you may not want to give up half of your weekend to trimming the hedges and pulling weeds. Why not use a high-end landscaping service that also allows you to support JUMPSTART SC’s mission?    One of the key ways in which JUMPSTART differs from some non-profits is that we believe a social enterprise   provides meaningful ways to support and have maximum impact for the mission.  One of the greatest obstacles people face when transitioning out of prison is finding steady employment, and JUMPSTART Landscaping provides a way for individuals to be employed, serve the community, and gain skills they can transfer over to other areas of their life.    At JUMPSTART Landscaping, we’re not just mowing lawns—we’re cultivating leaders like Jason.     After seven years in prison, Jason was released almost two years ago. With limited job prospects, he joined our landscaping enterprise to start earning money, with a goal of saving up for a house.    Then he was injured on the job. And not just a cut or blister—he had to undergo surgery. For a couple of months, he couldn’t work at all.    But he was learning about the power of mindset when faced with setbacks, the power of resilience, and the power of trusting in God. Instead of taking a “woe is me” attitude or throwing in the towel on his goal, he doubled down.    He spent that time encouraging others and serving in the ways he could. He learned leadership skills and grew his knowledge in horticulture and plant husbandry—something we now do with our entire team.    Not only did he recently close on a house, but he’s now our second-in-command at JUMPSTART Landscaping. He’s passing on what he’s learned to new residents, upskilling our landscaping workforce.    Because our goal at JUMPSTART Landscaping is to train premium workers so we can attract premium customers. If someone just wants their lawn mowed for as cheap as possible, we’re not the right fit. But if you want curated landscaping to project a strong brand image for the public, then our services are definitely for you.    In addition to lawn care services like mowing, trimming, and weed control, JUMPSTART Landscaping also provides:    Custom landscape design services  Irrigation system services  Outdoor lighting services  Retention pond / retaining wall management  Pressure washing  Debris and brush removal  Grading services    From sod installation to garden design, you’re not only receiving superb landscape maintenance—you’re also investing into the lives of people just like Jason. You’re becoming a partner in our mission, serving our residents as they serve you. You’re empowering lives and cultivating hope.    We believe landscaping is one of the most noble professions, going back to God placing humans “in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15, ESV) Jesus often used agricultural imagery in his parables to teach people about the Kingdom of God. So, for us, landscaping isn’t only an economic venture—it’s another way we are holistically equipping our residents in mind, body, and spirit.    If you’re looking for exceptional commercial landscaping installation and or maintenance services in the greater Greenville/ Spartanburg area, then we invite you to reach out and get a quote .

John still wakes up some nights in a cold sweat, heart racing from a nightmare that feels all too real. In it, he’s back in his prison cell, reliving violent altercations and the haunting memories of childhood abuse that followed him into incarceration. For John – and thousands of returning citizens like him – the end of a prison sentence doesn’t mean the end of trauma. In fact, many who leave prison carry deep scars: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from both their past and their time behind bars, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) that set the stage for a lifetime of struggle. These invisible wounds make the already daunting task of reentry to the community even harder, and they help explain why so many people land back behind bars after release. However, John’s story does not end in despair, because Christ offers a way to healing and redemption . The Gospel doesn’t just modify behavior; it transforms hearts and renews minds (Romans 12:2). Through the power of God’s truth and the support of a faith-based community like JUMPSTART South Carolina , men and women like John discover that believing better truth leads to better behavior . PTSD, ACE Scores, and the Deep Wounds of Incarceration For countless incarcerated individuals, trauma is a common denominator . Research shows that PTSD is far more prevalent in prison populations than in the general public. The National Institutes of Health estimates about 18% of male inmates and 40% of female inmates suffer from PTSD – rates several times higher than those of civilians. (1) Nearly 97% of people in prisons have experienced at least one ACE , such as childhood abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. Even more alarming, a large study found that half of juvenile offenders had four or more ACEs , compared to only about 13% of the general population. (2) Many juvenile offenders end up as adult offenders. I was in the juvenile justice system three times and move closer to brokenness than to wholeness. But thankfully, God chases rebels down. If you haven't heard Ben Fuller's song, Chasing Rebels , and you or a loved one was or is still a rebel, I encourage you to go give it a listen! When people grow up in brokenness—without loving guidance, stability, or truth—it’s no surprise they struggle with addiction, anger, and crime. Jesus Himself said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Most prisoners never knew the truth of God’s love and purpose for their lives. They have been told they are worthless, unloved, and irredeemable. These lies fuel destructive behaviors . But the Gospel introduces a new identity: beloved, chosen, and redeemed (Ephesians 1:4-7). (Pictured: JS Alum) The Gospel: Breaking the Chains of Trauma and Recidivism The world tries to rehabilitate through rules and programs, but only Christ can truly transform. The root issue of recidivism is not just bad choices—it’s a broken heart in need of healing . Jesus came to “ bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness the prisoners ” (Isaiah 61:1). Programs like JUMPSTART South Carolina embody this mission by offering wraparound, Christ-centered support that tackles the real issues of trauma and recidivism. 1. Renewing the Mind with the Truth of the Gospel Romans 12:2 commands us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Most incarcerated individuals have lived in survival mode, guided by fear and distrust. Their past shaped their thinking, and their thinking shaped their behavior. True transformation begins when they replace lies with God’s truth —that they are made in His image, that they have purpose, and that they are not defined by their worst mistakes. JUMPSTART South Carolina starts its work inside prisons , offering a 40-week discipleship program that leads participants through Scripture-based renewal . They learn about forgiveness, identity in Christ, and how to live with integrity . This process helps break the mental strongholds of shame and hopelessness, replacing them with faith, hope, and purpose . 2. Healing Trauma Through Christ-Centered Community One of the biggest predictors of success after prison is having a strong, supportive community . Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Without healthy relationships, most returning citizens will fall back into old cycles. JUMPSTART provides mentorship, church partnerships, and discipleship homes that ensure no one walks alone. John, for example, never had a stable home growing up. But when he left prison, JUMPSTART provided him with a place to live, a church family, and Christian mentors who helped him grow in faith. For the first time, he experienced grace and accountability —people who genuinely cared about his future. 3. Restoring Purpose Through Work and Discipleship Ephesians 2:10 declares that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Many prisoners struggle with feeling useless . But part of JUMPSTART’s holistic approach is helping them discover their God-given gifts and find meaningful employment . We partners with businesses to provide job training and work opportunities, ensuring participants gain skills to support themselves and their families. John, once told he would never amount to anything, is now a hardworking, respected employee and a mentor to others . The Gospel taught him that his past does not determine his future . Through faith and perseverance, he has built a life that reflects God’s redemption. A 96% Success Rate: Proof That God’s Way Works The results of JUMPSTART South Carolina’s Christ-centered, holistic model are nothing short of miraculous. While national recidivism rates hover around 70% within five years , JUMPSTART graduates have a 96% success rate in staying out of prison . (3) That means 96% of participants break free from the cycle of crime and trauma. Why? Because true transformation is not about behavior modification —it’s about heart transformation . When someone experiences the love of Christ, their desires change. They begin to walk in righteousness, not because of rules, but because of relationship (2 Corinthians 5:17). How You Can Be Part of the Gospel’s Transforming Work JUMPSTART South Carolina’s success is proof that the Gospel changes lives . But transformation requires faithful people to step up and be the hands and feet of Christ . You can be part of this life-changing mission: Pray for those still in prison, that they would encounter Jesus and find hope beyond their circumstances. Give financially to JUMPSTART South Carolina to support housing, job training, and discipleship programs for returning citizens. Volunteer as a mentor, teacher, or prayer partner, walking alongside those seeking a second chance. Jesus changes hearts, and changed hearts change lives. The men and women coming out of prison are not beyond hope. When they encounter the truth of God’s Word, the love of His people, and the power of His Spirit, transformation happens. By supporting JUMPSTART South Carolina, you are not just helping people stay out of prison—you are helping them step into the abundant life Christ promised (John 10:10). Join us in proving that grace is greater than the past , and that second chances are at the heart of the Gospel. With gratitude for God's grace, Dr. Cary Sanders, CEO, JUMPSTART SC Watch how the Gospel and tangible support changed my life: Sources: (1) ICJIA report – PTSD severity correlates with more arrests; PTSD increases risk of recidivism​ ( icjia.illinois.gov ) and Prison Policy Initiative – incarceration can cause “Post-Incarceration Syndrome,” similar to PTSD, affecting people even after release​ ( prisonpolicy.org .) . (2) Florida study on juvenile offenders – ~97% had ≥1 ACE; 50% had ≥4 ACEs vs 13% of general population​ centerforchildcounseling.org (3) JUMPSTART outcomes – 96% of program graduates stay out of prison​ standtogether.org

When people ask what makes JUMPSTART different from other nonprofits, there are a million answers we can give. But one of the biggest is how we strategically look for the intersection of what will serve both our participants and  the community  at the same time. In our mission to help residents integrate successfully with the community, we believe that social enterprise provides a more promising path than handouts.    A few years ago, we started JUMPSTART Landscaping as part of this vision. Now, with the opening of the Indigo Hope Center, we’ve launched JUMPSTART Catering & Events . Not only is this a way for us to engage in the local economy, but helps us fulfill our mission. Events bring people together, and this new social enterprise will provide a tangible way for the community to invest in the lives of our program participants while having your event needs met.    Participants like Courtney , a member of our events and catering team who is working hard so she can be reunited with her two children. When Courtney went to prison, both her kids were under two years old . For the next two years, they only knew her by voice—talking over the phone, but no in-person visits.     Yet when she first saw her kids after her release, they instantly knew who she was by her voice. Courtney shared how that moment was a gift from God  to her after experiencing so much shame and remorse for her past choices.     But now she’s finding her identity in Christ, as a daughter of the King, which is giving her the strength and motivation to work hard. In fact, Courtney recently made the brave decision to stay in the program longer so she can be set up for success. Whether she’s cooking, helping with set up, preparing the menu, or cleaning up at the end of an event, she’s  doing everything for the Lord  and for her kids.    Courtney is just one story among many that you can be a part of through JUMPSTART Catering & Events. As our participants gain both technical and soft skills  through their work, we want to meet the event needs of individuals and groups  in the greater Spartanburg area. Our services include:    Meal & refreshments   Audio/visual capabilities   Event photography (part of the events package)  Catering (pickup and full service delivery)    We can either come to you for your next event, or you can rent our beautiful new space for a variety of events:    Full staff lunch & learns   Staff & volunteer training   Company/organizational award ceremonies   Wedding receptions   Anniversary celebrations   Family reunions     You can even hire out our executive chef Viengxay Phankhaysy for a private event! But ultimately, using our catering and event services means you are partnering with us to transform lives —for the benefit of individuals like Courtney, their families, and our entire community.    To learn more about JUMPSTART Catering & Events, fill out our online form  or contact us.

Finding a job after incarceration isn’t just a small challenge—it can oftentimes be a major roadblock to rebuilding a stable life. Many individuals struggle to gain the right skills or even envision a fulfilling career path. That’s why we’re taking an innovative step forward, integrating Transfr Goggles into our reentry program to bridge the gap and open doors to new opportunities. What Are Transfr Goggles? These state-of-the-art VR headsets are revolutionizing career preparation, using immersive technology to assess aptitude and boost earning potential with employers. This groundbreaking approach keeps pace with industry demands, where programming updates occur as frequently as once a month—ensuring users always have access to the most advanced and relevant training available. Check out the Transfr Overview Video How Does It Work? Here's a quick breakdown of the process: Career Exploration  – Users can choose from up to seven different industries, including automotive, manufacturing, and electrical, to help them discover the career path that best fits their skills and interests. . Live Training Simulation  – They then step into a realistic workplace environment where a virtual instructor guides them through hands-on tasks specific to their chosen field, providing an immersive, real-world training experience. Performance Dashboard  – As users navigate the simulation, their progress is tracked and scored, highlighting strengths and areas for growth. This data can then be shared with potential employers, showcasing each participant’s skills and readiness for the workforce. What's the Impact? With constant software updates and new features, the potential for Transfr within the program is just beginning to unfold. While headset availability is currently limited, the impact has already been undeniable—JUMPSTART is seeing real success, and this is only the start of a breakthrough in both our technology and new possibilities for our participants. Don Williams, JUMPSTART’s Director of Community Relations, has already seen this transformation firsthand: “One participant scored highest in a particular skill area, and now, he’s actually working in that field! The data proves this works—and we know the impact will only grow from here.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incarceration can create insurmountable hurdles for many, leading to seemingly endless cycles of hopelessness and recidivism. At JUMPSTART, we believe that through Christ, there's always a way to turn the page. This is more than just innovative technology—it’s a gateway to renewed hope and lasting change. As we trust in the Lord and faithfully steward these tools, we can’t wait to continue witnessing the countless lives He will restore and the futures He will redefine.

“How can I get involved with prison ministry efforts?” When people hear about the work happening at JUMPSTART SC, it’s natural for them to want to take the next step from knowledge to action.  So, to make that next step easier, let’s take a closer look at the three primary avenues people can get involved with JUMPSTART SC's prison ministries: #1. Volunteering #2. Employee Partnerships #3. Giving #1. Volunteering Without our incredible volunteers, we would never be able to accomplish our mission. At JUMPSTART, there are two primary avenues for volunteering—our inside program and our transitional program. Inside Program:  These volunteers facilitate and lead discipleship programs inside of correctional institutions. They enter the prison regularly, working face-to-face with prisoners to encourage, inspire, teach, and facilitate discipleship classes. Transitional Program:  Our transitional program needs mentors who come alongside former prisoners who need support with re-entering into society. Other outside mentors use their gifts and experiences to help with various other program needs like social media engagement, fundraising, prayer teams, and anything else needed to accomplish the mission. To learn more about volunteering for JUMPSTART SC, start by filling out the   interest form   on our website. #2. Employment Employment is one of the greatest factors in preventing recidivism among former prisoners. That’s why JUMPSTART’s holistic service model equips our residents to become qualified, dependable workers. But that means we need business partners who are excited to be part of our residents’ second chance.  But it’s not just prison ministries like JUMPSTART who stand to benefit from these partnerships but the businesses themselves! In the case of JUMPSTART: We have a 90% retention rate among our residents, in part because we provide transportation to reduce the risk of no-shows and turnover. Ongoing job training, including soft skills like leadership, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and ethics. The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) program that gives employers $2,400 for each new adult hire after they have worked 400 hours. In 2024, one of our graduates won employee of the year at  Contec, Inc.  !  You can see Gustavo's work team celebrate him receiving the award below: If you’d like to learn more about becoming an employment partner or having a second chance employment expert train your HR team for second chance employment, reach out to  don.williams@jumpstartvision.org . #3. Giving Financially supporting a prison ministry is an investment with incredible returns. First and foremost, it’s an investment in God’s work of restoring broken lives.  Second, it’s an investment in the economy since taxpayers save an average of $37,000 annually for each of our residents who don't return to prison.  And with a 96% success rate, you can be confident that your support will make a difference. Learn more about how our financial supporters have made an impact in JUMPSTART South Carolina  here. Ultimately, how you get involved in prison ministry depends on both God’s calling for how to use your time, talents, and treasure. But it also depends on the needs of the specific ministry in your area. In addition to South Carolina, JUMPSTART is now also operating in North Carolina, Georgia, Ohio, Florida, and Texas—and God willing, we will spread to new states soon. If you'd like to learn more about the work of JUMPSTART outside of South Carolina, please reach out to  Ed Troha  . But if we’re not in your area yet, you can still use the information here as a filter to see which local ministries to serve with. Do they have a holistic service model serving physical, mental, emotional, economical, and spiritual needs? What is the ministry’s success rate with recidivism? How are they equipping participants? A great next step to take would be to  brainstorm the best options for you or have me speak to your group . Together, we can help men and women have a future greater than their past! What kind of impact could you have? Watch below as a mom and son share how people giving Anthony a second chance changed the trajectory of his life:

The 3 C's of Intervention: Career, Care, & Community JUMPSTART began behind bars. Two of our founders were still serving time when they noticed a huge problem—men they knew who had committed to Christ were leaving prison but then ending up incarcerated again within a year or two. Once they transitioned out, they realized this was the problem they wanted to solve.    Recidivism is the rate at which former prisoners end up back in prison. According to the US Department of Justice, 43 percent of released individuals were re-arrested within a year. Much of our success at JUMPSTART is due to our founders learning—and experiencing—the obstacles facing former prisoners.    While the factors certainly vary from person to person, the major contributors boil down to 3 C’s: Career, Care, and Community .    Career  Broadly speaking, people re-entering society after prison automatically have fewer career options than others. Despite paying their debt to society, their record follows them, and many employers can be cagey about hiring former prisoners.     Add to this the fact that many prisoners have been out of the workforce so long, they may not have the necessary skills, including people skills, to integrate successfully into an organization. Or perhaps they lack the necessary resources to be a great employee, such as consistent transportation to-and-from their job. A few late arrivals or no-showing over transportation problems can lead to a pink slip.     Also, even if someone is fortunate to find work and consistent transportation, bad work habits and workplace conflict could easily lead to termination—making it even more difficult for them to be employable. So, it’s no wonder when people turn back to the same behaviors that landed them in prison before.     Care Employment is one factor, but it’s never the whole story. Many former prisoners lack a continuum of care when they are integrated back into society. That’s why JUMPSTART has focused on having a holistic model of care for our residents that covers all the levels of care necessary for long-term success:     Mental health care  Educational care  Emotional care  Financial care  Physical care  Housing care  Spiritual care  Medical care    Speaking from experience, when someone comes out of prison, they don’t have much to work with as resources go. And even if they come out of prison with faith in Christ, they can still end up under a bridge if they aren’t having their other needs met.    If we are to reduce the rate of recidivism, then caring for the whole person is essential. When someone lacks any one of these pieces of the care continuum, their chances of recidivism are automatically higher. The more care that’s missing, the more likely they will end up back behind bars.    Community You can find community anywhere, including in prison. The question is whether it’s a community that truly cares for you and wants what is best for you—or whether it’s a toxic community that will revert you to the same unhealthy habits and actions.     At JUMPSTART, we recognize that possibly the greatest factor for recidivism is the community factor. Our focus is on building a Christian community that holds people accountable, encourages them, and heals together.    Many people walk out of prison and find themselves back in dysfunctional communities, so no wonder they don’t have the emotional support and care they need to succeed. Some have no community whatsoever. They’ve burned every bridge and found no one willing to help them on the hard days.    Every day in our transitional program, we start the day by gathering as a community to encourage one another and pray together. And we invite members of the greater community to join us. The community I had around me when I first got out made a huge difference in my own life, and I’ve continued to watch it make a difference for so many people in our program. You can experience our community for yourself by signing up to join one of our  monthly tours .    Once again, there are many factors contributing to the national recidivism rate. But with more direction with career, higher levels of care, and a positive community, we’ve proven you can slash recidivism in a repeatable way. The question you have to answer is where you see yourself playing a role in reducing recidivism—career, care, or community?  Dr. Cary Sanders

Former JUMPSTART Alumni, Gustavo Soliz, Receives the "Whatever It Takes Award" During the "Whatever It Takes" Awards ceremony, Contec Inc. recognizes exceptional individuals who have truly embodied the spirit of their company. Gustavo, an alum of the JUMPSTART SC program, was honored with the leadership award for his outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication. Watch Gustavo Soliz Receive the "Whatever It Takes Awards" from Contec Inc. As a natural leader and go-to person at Contec's Flatwood plant, Gustavo received a record number of nominations this year. His colleagues from Flatwood and across the company praised his willingness to jump in and help out however needed. Gustavo's ability to provide assistance and guidance to those around him has made a significant difference in the workplace. During the award ceremony, it was clear that Gustavo's contributions have not gone unnoticed. The heartfelt messages in the nominations highlighted his dedication, leadership, and the positive impact he has on his associates. The number of nominations was truly outstanding, reflecting the high regard in which Gustavo is held by his peers. The JUMPSTART program is designed to provide participants with the skills and opportunities needed to excel in their careers. We aim to enhance employability through comprehensive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience. Gustavo's journey is a testament to the program's success and the impact it can have on an individual's professional growth. Gustavo has been an employee at Contec since October 2017, when Contec hired him while he was in our transitional program. We are thrilled to see Gustavo receive the leadership award this year. His journey from the JUMPSTART program to becoming a key leader at Flatwood is inspiring to us. Gustavo's story is a shining example of how dedication, hard work, and the right opportunities can lead to remarkable achievements. Congratulations, Gustavo, on this well-deserved recognition. 🎉 Thank you to Contec Inc. for partnering with us to offer second-chance employment opportunities to our participants. You are transforming lives!

Charles Wall , President of SC Steel, is a hero to many and his impact in the community extends far beyond his professional achievements. A graduate of Furman University with a degree in Physics and Clemson University with a degree in Civil Engineering, Charles has been a key figure in the revitalization of South Carolina's manufacturing industry. His leadership at SC Steel has significantly contributed to the state's reputation as a powerhouse in advanced manufacturing.   Like many of us, Charles has a busy schedule with countless demands on his time. Yet, every month, he makes a choice that speaks volumes about his belief that it is more blessed to give than to receive. He dedicates his time to those in our transitional program, driving 40 minutes each way to teach essential workplace and leadership skills.  We once offered to record his lessons to save him some time. His response was both humbling and powerful: “Your residents deserve my best,” he said. “I want to look them in the eye and let them know people still believe in them.”   Charles continues to show up in person, embodying the spirit of generosity. His actions remind us all that every day, we have the opportunity to be generous and impact the lives of others. All it takes is making the choice.