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Metro Detroit based program changing lives of many people serving time

Posted at 10:35 PM, Sep 28, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-28 23:34:50-04

The prison system is a revolving door for many men and women who find themselves on the wrong side of the law.

However, there is a proven prison based program that believes people can change, even those who have committed unthinkable crimes. 

The program, the organization is called Chance For Life. Its founders have created a faith and accountability based curriculum inside the walls of prisons across Michigan.

The mission is to give inmates the tools to transform who they are at their core.

The multi-faceted program focuses on teaching real conflict resolution, meditation and gaining life skills that many of the inmates never learned.

The program founders, Thomas Adams and Jessica Taylor, believe what is different about Chance For Life is that is it built around unity and love.

Most of what is done for the inmates comes out of Thomas and Jessica’s own pockets. Their passion for this program is that profound. 

The commitment to the members does not end while an inmate is in the inside. The relationship established with facilitators, Thomas Adams, Jessica Taylor and the entire CFL staff extends well beyond an inmate's release.

Chance for Life has reduced violence among prisoners in the facilities - like at Macomb Correctional, in New Haven.

The men involved in the program march to a different drum.

"They treat my staff differently, they treat themselves differently, they communicate well. As a facility, we have to understand what our role is. Yes, it's about protecting the public, but it's also preparing these guys to go home and, with a program like this, we see the benefits", says George Stephenson, Deputy Warden of Housing and Programs.

The Chance For life Inmates think differently, react differently and take real responsibility for their actions, both past and present.

"They’ve been trained and educated. MDOC has been awesome in allowing us to do the things this program requires," says Jessica Taylor. 

Not a single Chance For Life member taught by Tom and Jessica has stepped foot back inside a jail or prison.

"If you love one another as brothers and you can deal with the common problems in this world that's power," explains Thomas Adams.

Adams has seen the fruition of what god put in his heart to do years ago really take shape.

"People are getting out of prison every day and would you rather have Chance For Life men, that have already transformed themselves come out as a new person, being ready to be a part of society," says inmate Lacy Chisolm.

Chance or Life is headquartered in Detroit.

If you would like to learn more about the program, as it operates inside of the correctional facilities, as well as in the communities, visit www.chanceforlifeonline.org or call 313-784-9209.