Thank you to everyone who joined us for this screening of Crime and Punishment in America! The new PBS documentary series premieres November 16 and will be available to watch on PBS.org and the PBS app.
As Prison Fellowship celebrates 50 years of ministry, we’re reminded that the work of building a safer, more just, and more restorative America continues.
The next 250 years start with what we do today.
“Not mission accomplished, far from it, there is much much much more work to be done but progress is possible and it is happening because of films like this, conversations like this, and organizations like this (Prison Fellowship). It’s actually having an effect and the impact of hope.”
Thank you, @abgelb, president and CEO of @CouncilonCJ, for sharing your perspective on the path forward. The next 250 years start with the choices we make today.
Transformation is possible. When people are equipped to grow and build a new future, the positive impact reaches families and communities.
“If we learn to teach others to forgive as we were forgiven, we can turn it around… teach love, show love.”
Thank you, Stephanie Whitehead, Academy Program Manager at @prisonfellowshp , for sharing how restoration can change lives.
“The reality of [prison] is, I met a lot of really good and decent individuals who made some really poor decisions in life like I did”….”God’s a God of another chance”…”You’re more than the worst mistakes you’ve made in life”…”We need to share the message of hope and redemption. There can be a different future.”
Thank you to Don Horton, director of Mountain West HOPE Center, for sharing his perspective on justice, restoration, and the power of hope. A better future doesn’t happen by chance; the next 250 years are ours to shape.
“…the Church has a major role in what we’re doing and what we’re trying to do in the prisons. True followers of Christ need to lead the way. If the Church does not stand up, that is going to be our downfall.”
We’re grateful to Elain Ellerbe of Center Point GA, Inc. for bringing her insight into this important conversation. A better future is within reach when we turn fresh perspectives into meaningful action.
“At Prison Fellowship we believe that every person is created in the image of God and possesses inherent dignity, while also recognizing the very real harm that crime causes to victims, families, and communities. For 50 years, our work has sought to promote a justice system that holds people accountable, supports victims, protects public safety, and creates opportunities for transformation and restoration.” - Cody Wilde, Senior Vice President, Programs at @prisonfellowshp
We’re proud to partner with @TheJustTrust on the Justice & The Next 250 campaign, imagining and building a better future for justice in America. At Prison Fellowship, we believe transformation is possible and that second chances can change lives, strengthen families, and help communities thrive. The next 250 years start with what we do today.
We’re excited to be here in Atlanta in partnership with @TheJustTrust for an exclusive screening of Crime and Punishment in America, a new PBS documentary series exploring more than 250 years of American criminal justice, followed by a panel conversation about building a future rooted in restoration, and hope.
Christians have a vital role to play in advancing justice that upholds accountability, recognizes human dignity, and offers opportunities for restoration.
In @ChristianPost, Prison Fellowship President and CEO Heather Rice-Minus @RiceMinus explains why the Christian voice matters in criminal justice reform.
christianpost.com/voices/why…
Prison Fellowship Advocacy retweeted
The @OfficialFBOP is at the end of the federal criminal justice system. It doesn’t decide who is sentenced to prison or for how long, but it must safely carry out those sentences and prepare people to return home.
My latest in The Hill on why Congress should fully fund the BOP:
thehill.com/opinion/criminal…
Prison Fellowship Advocacy retweeted
Recently, we presented @NCC , located in Washington, D.C., with the Charles Colson Servant of Hope Award. National Community Church has demonstrated a high level of commitment to serving people impacted by incarceration through its Love Justice ministry.
The Charles Colson Servant of Hope Award recognizes a person, organization, or volunteer who demonstrates servant leadership by bringing hope, redemption, and restoration into correctional environments and makes prison a place of renewal and second chances.
Congratulations, NCC! 🎉
pulse.ly/0hnv7msvzs
A second chance means having the opportunity to rebuild your life and fully return to your community. Tammy Franklin knows that journey firsthand. Her advocacy helped Oklahoma clarify voting rights for people who have completed their sentences. Read Tammy’s story in @TheOkEagle: theokeagle.org/2026/10/02/go…
Thank you, @SenatorLankford and @ChrisCoonsforDE, for recognizing @prisonfellowshp’s 50th anniversary by introducing and securing passage of a resolution in the U.S. Senate honoring five decades of Prison Fellowship’s ministry and impact!
Prison Fellowship Releases Statement After U.S. Senate Passes Resolution Recognizing Its 50 Years of Prison Ministry - Prison Fellowship
Read the press release here: prisonfellowship.org/2026/09…
“The first time I was in a maximum-security prison, I was 12 years old, joining my father on one of his prison ministry visits,” said @ChrisCoonsforDE . “I saw how prison ministry transformed the lives of both those inside the prison and for our family outside of it. For 50 years, Prison Fellowship has brought that transformation to communities across the country, answering Jesus’ call to love our neighbors no matter where or who they are.”
“Prison Fellowship has spent 50 years helping people understand that a mistake does not have to be the end of their story,” said @SenatorLankford . “Their work points people to Christ, helps restore families, and gives people the opportunity to change. I’m grateful for the staff and volunteers who have stayed committed to this work for five decades, and I’m glad to recognize Prison Fellowship on its 50th anniversary.”
Our day in Lansing has wrapped up! We are grateful for the meaningful conversations about second chances, employment, and how Michigan can open doors to work for people returning to their families and communities. Thank you to all the legislative offices who took the time to meet with our advocates today!
We appreciate the office of Representative @SkeetownSnyder taking the time to meet with our Justice Ambassadors and discuss how Michigan can help people withmove from a criminal record obtainto a valuable career. Thank you for your time today in Lansing!
Thank you to the office of Representative @ReggieMillerMI for meeting with our advocates today to discuss HB 5447 and the importance of recognizing positive progress for people on probation. We appreciate your time and leadership on second chances!












