My Nonprofit Reviews

Last weekend was my 34th Freedom to Choose workshop. I've been volunteering since 2010 and am always so glad to have these experiences! These are my people and this is a significant part of my spiritual practice. Each time I go it is transformational - not only for the incarcerated participants but also for me. One of the best things about it is the immense gratitude the participants always share. My heart just fills with love and compassion for everyone present. I have moved out of California and so now must fly to get there. But it's totally worth it! I really look forward to my next workshop!

I love being part of this organization. In my almost 14 years as a volunteer, my experiences have been profound and life-changing. The people on staff and the volunteers are some of the most heart-centered, loving people I know! We are changing prision culture wherever we have a presence. The incarcerated participants are truly inspiring as we get to witness their transformation. Everyone is so dedicated to being of loving service - staff, volunteers and also many of the incarcerated participants. Whenever I'm in a prison workshop, there's nowhere else I'd rather be.

For a long time, the only opportunity was to participate with in-person workshops. These have been life-changing for me, as well as for those we serve inside the prisons. During Covid, a self-study program was developed. I now also get to connect with the participants via their written work. This is equally life-changing, though in a different way. Plus, this self-study program has expanded the opportunity for more people to participate. The impact is mind-blowing, when you think about all of these people possibly one day being released and returned to their communities. There is a ripple effect too, because they share what they learn with their families and friends.

Very early on I came to see that people in prison are just like me - all equally capable of making poor choices and screwing up in a big way. Through Freedom to Choose, we are creating a greater community of healing and hope, self-acceptance, compassion and love.

Even during the time of this pandemic we are currently experiencing, Freedom to Choose continues to actively support our incarcerated brothers and sisters. I’m proud and honored to be part of this outstanding organization.

I’ve been a volunteer for a long time and have been to many weekend workshops. I also have volunteered in support of the weekly classes that Freedom to Choose offers at CA Institution for Women. In addition to friends and family, this is my most valued and precious community! And by that I mean not only the volunteers and FTC staff but also those individuals on the inside who are equally devoted in their participation. The FTC mission is to transform the lives of individuals impacted by incarceration. This is exactly what happens for all of us!