True Freedom Ministries

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True Freedom Ministries Learn more about True Freedom and staff at www.truefreedomministries.com/leadership

True Freedom Ministries is dedicated to reaching Ohio’s prisoners, homeless, and addicted with the truth of God’s word and the true freedom found only in Jesus Christ.

The Final Four Basketball Tournament has become one of True Freedom’s most beloved traditions. In this year’s first roun...
10/16/2026

The Final Four Basketball Tournament has become one of True Freedom’s most beloved traditions. In this year’s first round, Grafton Reintegration Center faced Grace Church at Bath. The latter prevailed, winning by 15 points. But Grace was dethroned by the men of Grafton Correctional Institution whose 23-point victory secured the trophy.

Morning competition was followed by devotion. Chaplain David Hill shared his riveting story of transformation-in-Christ. To celebrate the richness of this gathering, a Chik-Fil-A feast was shared by all. Here’s what clients are saying:

“I’ve been incarcerated for 3 years, and every year I look forward to the True Freedom basketball tournament. It helps me get through my time.” -Inmate Harris

“I’m extremely grateful for the chance to experience the True Freedom basketball tournament. From the game to the speakers, it’s a breath of fresh air.” – Inmate Byrd

Inspiring events like this one are made possible by the generosity of our committed donors and volunteers. Tiny seeds of love planted and watered in such contexts bloom into life change. Thank you, partners, for your support in bringing hope to the hopeless.

Would you prayerfully consider making a one-time or monthly donation to support True Freedom Ministries for 2026?
https://true-freedom-ministries.givecloud.co/fundraising/forms/8NDR96EK

The following recent testimonials come from incarcerated men currently enrolled in Bill Holko’s Character Development cl...
10/06/2026

The following recent testimonials come from incarcerated men currently enrolled in Bill Holko’s Character Development classes and/or Bible Study (1 Timothy/Titus); however, they reflect, as well, on the contributions of other staff members.

“I would like to thank True Freedom Ministries and Bill for Tuesday’s Character Development and Bible Study groups. They have been the light of hope for me in my walk with the Lord while here at GRC. True love in action.” - Danny

“With a fixed focus you can find your value. This class helps you gain knowledge and understanding to bring outstanding character.” - Unnamed Resident

“Being in Character Development has opened new doors for morals, social ethics, and hope. I’m learning to invest my life and time to think right and plan for my day as well as my future. This class brings attention to resources for help. It teaches us how to have healthy relationships with people and to be leaders of good influence. I have learned self-discipline in managing my emotions and deciding how to react in different situations.” -Abdush

“I really appreciate True Freedom Ministries and all they offer here at Grafton. I have participated in Character Development, the 1 Timothy/Titus Bible Study, Alpha After Dark, the monthly Mentoring sessions, and Sunday morning Chapel Services when True Freedom staff and volunteers assumed the preaching duties. I have created a great relationship with Bill Holko, who has been nothing short of a blessing to me and my fellow peers. I have learned so many great things and have acquired so many new tools on my journey to my new walk of faith as I become a true man of God. I personally want to thank True Freedom Ministries for everything they do and contribute. I hope they continue to change lives and mindsets just as they have done for me.” - Jayshawn

“I would like to take a moment to thank the compassionate, caring individuals of True Freedom, who make programs and educational opportunities possible. As an incarcerated person at GCI/GRC, I met and became friends with so many of the men and women of True Freedom. They treated me with dignity and the respect I was sure I had lost when I found myself in prison. I was 60-years old, a Christian my entire life, retired three times over from public service, and suddenly found myself in trouble with the law for something I had done 45-years ago. How could this be me?” – Unnamed Resident

“Prison was no friend of mine, and, until I discovered True Freedom, I thought my life was over. Mike Swiger, Bill Holko, Rich Swiger and Kevin McHugh are only a few people who reached out with the Spirit of the Holy Father and Jesus Christ to pull me from my despair. I am currently 331 days from leaving prison. With True Freedom’s support, I now look to the future with zeal and excitement. I refuse to let the mistakes of my past define me. God bless all the fine people at True Freedom.” - Unnamed Resident

Would you prayerfully consider making a one-time or monthly donation to support True Freedom Ministries for 2026?
www.truefreedomministries.com/donate

10/05/2026

We hope you'll join us on Saturday, October 17th for a Men’s Breakfast at Refuge Community Church with special guest speaker, Mike Swiger!

It will be a morning of fellowship, food, and encouragement.

📅 Saturday, October 17th, 9:30am
📍 Refuge Church - 4505 Broadview Rd, Cleveland

👉 Get the details and register here:
https://refugecommunitychurchcle.subspla.sh/wcspk53

Twenty-eight “Walk Thru the Bible” seminars have already been presented this year—an increase over last year’s twenty-fi...
09/29/2026

Twenty-eight “Walk Thru the Bible” seminars have already been presented this year—an increase over last year’s twenty-five. The Bible is being taught and Christ is being preached! There have been over 750 in attendance, over 300 have indicated that they have received Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and over 600 have made a commitment to read God’s Word and pray daily. Chaplain Mark Stradiot presents the 3-hour seminars in correctional institutions across Ohio. There are separate seminars for both the Old and New Testaments. Here’s what attendees are saying:

“I believe the interactive seminar helps me understand that the Bible was not given to me for information but for transformation. My goal leaving today is to read and pray for 40 straight days, so it can become a habit. Therefore, I can influence someone to find the Lord.”

“I was supposed to be released today. Now I leave next year on 5-31-27. I didn’t think today would be a good day, but I had a blast at the seminar. I learned a lot, laughed, and was around good people. Thank you.”

“This seminar let me know that God’s grace is still real. Today I woke up feeling hopeless and worthless.
Now I know I’m still loved.”

It is such an encouragement to interact with the precious people who come to our events. We are so privileged to work with those in prison. Please pray for True Freedom Ministries to be faithful as we share the hope of Christ.

Would you prayerfully consider making a one-time or monthly donation to support True Freedom Ministries for 2026?
www.truefreedomministries.com/donate

Prospera’s (formerly True Freedom Enterprises) pre-release work-release program is making a huge impact on those incarce...
09/18/2026

Prospera’s (formerly True Freedom Enterprises) pre-release work-release program is making a huge impact on those incarcerated. Three clients, currently employed at the Lorain County Facilities Department, shared the following stories of life-change:

“This has been a great opportunity and second chance for me to start my life over. Working while in prison, I had money when I got out, as well as a good job with the county. In this way I was able to help myself and my parents. I have also restarted my plumbing business, doing side jobs and having Bobbie (another ex-inmate) work with me. This has really helped both of us. I get to spend time with my nieces, taking them out and doing fun things, buying them gifts and seeing big smiles on their faces. These things could not have happened if I had not taken part in the work-release program.” -Brian

“Participating in the work-release program while in prison provided me with a job at release. This enabled me to focus on my family and rebuild those relationships. I now have a positive work community—other people that care about me. We help each other out. I appreciate everything that you guys have done for me.” -Loren

“In 2020 I found myself in trouble. I ended up at Grafton Reintegration Center for 6 years. While there I learned about [Prospera] helping guys transition back into society. With the work-release program, I was able to get a job while I was incarcerated. I saved money towards my transition back into society. [Prospera] transported me from prison to work every day. When I got out and went to the halfway house in 2025, they took me to look for cars and get me clothing. I owe [Prospera] a lot. I was able to get a job that I really enjoy and keep it. With the money I saved while incarcerated, I could buy my own car, get insurance, and support myself. Now I am getting ready to buy my first home. I am truly grateful to all the people who helped me. I hope this program can grow and help others like me.” -Robert

Prospera’s pre-release work release program is effective! We have formerly incarcerated men and women working full-time at businesses across Northeast Ohio.

Without your partnership and financial support, this would not be possible. Would you consider making a one-time or monthly donation to support Prospera’s vision?
https://prosperareentry.org/donate

Everyone needs life mentors. Gleaning advice from a trusted friend is invaluable. Mentoring at Grafton Reintegration Cen...
08/22/2026

Everyone needs life mentors. Gleaning advice from a trusted friend is invaluable. Mentoring at Grafton Reintegration Center is having a huge impact on our clients.

Monthly mentoring gatherings begin with prayer and a brief teaching from Executive Director Michael Swiger. Mentors and inmates then discuss the lesson and how it applies to their lives, followed by open conversation that helps strengthen their relationships.

Our hope is that mentor-mentee bonds extend beyond prison. Once released, a formerly incarcerated person will have a trustworthy connection—someone to call upon for help in successful reentry. This could include seeking guidance in finding a church community, assistance in acquiring a driver’s license, or simply encouragement over coffee.

Many of our clients have an especially hard time believing they are loved. Some struggle with PTSD and other heavy burdens. Establishing lifelong friendships with these precious souls—seeing Christ in every face—is one of our greatest privileges (Mt 25:40).
Below is what clients are saying:

“The mentorship program that True Freedom facilitates is wonderful. We can come together and be completely authentic. The program has a relaxed family atmosphere. It’s something I look forward to every month.”

“True Freedom means a lot to me. Their faith-based teachings are truly life changing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

“It’s always a blessing to share some of the restored fruit that this mentorship program has resurrected in my life that can serve as a sign of encouragement for those who are yet caught up in the struggle of sin and trauma. There’s freedom in Christ.”

“This program helps me to see how people truly care about our struggles in life by showing us unconditional love and
that we matter.”

Would you prayerfully consider making a one-time or monthly donation to support True Freedom Ministries for 2026?
www.truefreedomministries.com/donate

True Freedom Ministries’ Final Four Basketball Tournament brought energy, connection, and the love of Jesus Christ to Lo...
08/14/2026

True Freedom Ministries’ Final Four Basketball Tournament brought energy, connection, and the love of Jesus Christ to Lorain Correctional Institution in a powerful way this year. The event featured four competitive teams representing Lorain Correctional Institution (2) and Grace Church Bath Campus (2), all contending for a towering trophy — with plenty of Chick-fil-A and fellowship along the way.

The day opened with prayer from Development Director David Wessel, setting the tone for a meaningful time of encouragement. Following two hard-fought games, Chaplain David Hill shared his personal testimony and the life-changing message of the Gospel during lunch. His relatable story deeply impacted both players and spectators alike.

As the tournament continued, the consolation game determined third place before the championship matchup crowned Grace Church Bath Campus as this year’s winner. But there was more than basketball going on inside that gym. One inmate shared, “Thank you, True Freedom Ministries, for coming in and making us feel like humans and not numbers. It was like we escaped prison for a day.”

The atmosphere was full of excitement, inspiration, and a sense of belonging. Many who might never walk through the doors of a church can encounter the hope and beauty of Christ through welcoming gatherings like this one. Prison feels a little more like home during these special hours.

Events like the Final Four Tournament are only possible because of the faithful support of generous donors. Your financial partnership allows True Freedom to continue creating opportunities for discipleship and life-changing ministry behind prison walls. Thank you for cheerfully giving and bringing moments like these to life.
Would you prayerfully consider making a one-time or monthly donation to support True Freedom Ministries for 2026?
www.truefreedomministries.com/donate

Chaplain David Hill sharing his testimony and the Gospel at Stark Regional Community Correction Center
08/11/2026

Chaplain David Hill sharing his testimony and the Gospel at Stark Regional Community Correction Center

Chaplain David Hill at Stark Regional Community Correction Center sharing his testimony and the glorious Gospel
08/11/2026

Chaplain David Hill at Stark Regional Community Correction Center sharing his testimony and the glorious Gospel

Help Us Put God’s Word Into the Hands of 100 Women 💙https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3V967Y29SDI4U?ref_=wl_shareWe ...
08/06/2026

Help Us Put God’s Word Into the Hands of 100 Women 💙

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3V967Y29SDI4U?ref_=wl_share

We have a big prayer and an even bigger vision.

At True Freedom Ministries, we are believing God for 100 NIV Women’s Study Bibles to place into the hands of women who are incarcerated. These are women who are seeking hope, healing, purpose, and a fresh start through Jesus Christ.

A study Bible is more than a book—it becomes a mentor, a source of truth, and a reminder that they are deeply loved by God. Many of the women we serve have never owned a Bible of their own.

Would you consider partnering with us?

✨ Our goal: 100 Women’s Study Bibles
📚 Preferred Bible: NIV Women’s Study Bible (pictured below)
🙏 You can donate one, several, or sponsor as many as God places on your heart.

Every Bible given is an investment in a changed life, a restored family, and an eternal impact.

If you’d like to donate or have questions, please send us a direct message or contact True Freedom Ministries.

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” — Isaiah 55:11 (NIV)

Thank you for helping us share God’s truth, hope, and transformation—one Bible at a time. ❤️
Click on the Link to Spread the Word
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3V967Y29SDI4U?ref_=wl_share

Address

2005 Cypress Avenue
Cleveland, OH
44109

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(216) 202-3636

Website

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