About Journey Into Freedom
We Believe a Person’s Past Should Not Define Their Future
Journey Into Freedom is a Christ-centered ministry helping incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men and women restore their identity, rebuild relationships, and develop the character needed to live with purpose.
Our Mission
Journey Into Freedom equips incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men and women to break cycles of trauma, addiction, broken relationships, and incarceration through Christ-centered identity restoration, relational integrity, and character development.
Our Vision
We envision individuals returning to their families and communities with restored purpose, healthy relationships, strong character, and the support needed to build a new legacy.
Why JIF Exists
Why This Work Matters
Incarceration is often part of a deeper cycle involving trauma, addiction, damaged relationships, shame, limited opportunity, and a broken sense of identity.
Serving time alone does not necessarily resolve those underlying issues. Without deeper restoration and ongoing support, destructive patterns can continue to affect individuals, children, families, and communities.
JIF exists because people should not be permanently defined by their worst decisions or left to rebuild their lives alone.
The Three Pillars
A Framework for Transformation From the Inside Out
Identity & Purpose
Participants discover their God-given worth and learn that their past does not have to define their future.
Relational Integrity
Participants discover their God-given worth and learn that their past does not have to define their future.
Character Development
Participants strengthen the spiritual foundation, habits, and decision-making needed to live with purpose.
Why JIF Exists
Rooted in Christ
Incarceration is often part of a deeper cycle involving trauma, addiction, damaged relationships, shame, limited opportunity, and a broken sense of identity.
Serving time alone does not necessarily resolve those underlying issues. Without deeper restoration and ongoing support, destructive patterns can continue to affect individuals, children, families, and communities.
This section should include
JIF Leadership
Guided by Experience, Faith, and Commitment
We believe no one should be defined by their past. Every person deserves the opportunity to rewrite their story, restore their purpose, and build a legacy that strengthens families and communities.
MIke Shields
Founder
For participants, family members, chaplains, and referral sources.
Tanya Shearrer
Formation Director
Help fund identity restoration, character development, mentoring, and re-entry support.
Carolyn Finnegan
Accounting Support
Serve as a mentor, ministry volunteer, prayer partner, or event supporter.
April Ebnit
Admin Support
Help through church, employer, foundation, correctional, or community partnerships.
Board & governance
Accountable Leadership
JIF is governed by a board that provides oversight of programming, finances, and organizational integrity.
Mike Shields, Interim Board Director
Herb McSpadden, Board Vice President
Paula Torrence, Board Secretary
Carl Sherman, Board Treasurer
Ginger Morris, Board Member
Kimberly Rice, Board Member
Gabe George, Board Member
Partners & community
When One Life Changes, the Impact Reaches Further
JIF works alongside correctional leaders, churches, volunteers, employers, donors, and community organizations to help participants move toward lasting transformation and successful re-entry.
values
The Values That Guide Our Work
Dignity
Every person has God-given worth and should be treated accordingly.
Responsibility
Transformation requires honesty, accountability, and different choices.
Restoration
People and relationships can be rebuilt through grace, truth, and consistent support.
Integrity
JIF communicates honestly, stewards resources carefully, and follows through on its commitments.
Relationship
Lasting change rarely happens alone.
Hope
No one should be permanently defined by their past.
Committed to Trustworthy Stewardship
Journey Into Freedom is committed to responsible stewardship and transparency. We carefully manage every donation, provide clear financial oversight, protect the privacy and dignity of every participant, and screen and equip volunteers to serve with integrity and care.
Journey Into Freedom is a registered nonprofit organization committed to advancing its mission with integrity and responsible stewardship. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Every gift is managed with care and used to support the mission of Journey Into Freedom in accordance with our governing policies and donor intent.
We are committed to transparent financial reporting and responsible oversight, providing financial information in accordance with nonprofit reporting requirements.
We respect the dignity and privacy of every participant and carefully protect personal information shared through our programs.
Participant stories, testimonials, and photographs are shared only with appropriate permission and in a manner that honors each individual’s privacy and dignity.
Volunteers receive appropriate orientation and, where required, complete screening and training to help ensure a safe, respectful, and effective ministry environment.
We collect and report program data thoughtfully to help evaluate our impact, improve our ministry, and communicate results with accuracy and integrity.
We make key financial and impact information available to help donors, partners, and supporters understand how resources are stewarded and lives are being impacted.
Trust and accountability
Committed to Trustworthy Stewardship
Direct contact
Final Call to action
Help Someone
Begin a New Legacy
When participants restore their identity, rebuild relationships, and prepare for the future, the effect can reach: