Testimonials from Inside and Outside “The Gates”
A Journey Back to Faith
By Tammy S.
When I arrived at Swannanoa, I was angry, frustrated, and out of control. I had already received several disciplinary actions for my behavior before arriving there—intentional, because I didn’t want to go. I was comfortable, or at least as comfortable as one can be in prison. I came to Swannanoa with a sense of dread. I didn’t think about my future; I still had three years left on my sentence, and honestly, I just didn’t care—about anything, including myself.
I was raised by amazing grandparents who instilled in me a strong faith early on. But over the years, I abandoned that faith. Life’s circumstances and people had convinced me that God didn’t exist—that faith was a lie. “Church people,” in my experience, were judgmental. People in general judged and ridiculed. I stopped trusting, and I stopped believing.
At Swannanoa, I was invited to church services again and again, but I refused every invitation. I couldn’t stomach another narrow-minded, judgmental Christian. If I couldn’t be myself, I wasn’t going to be bothered.
My first real interaction with the Ministry of Hope came through Chaplain Shannon Spencer. I was out on the yard one day when she stopped and spoke to me. It was a brief encounter, but there was something different about her. She seemed to genuinely care. Her kindness stirred something deep within me—a feeling I hadn’t known in a long time.
Over the next few weeks, I watched and listened. Curiosity eventually won. I went to a service led by Chaplain Spencer, and something miraculous happened: I didn’t feel judged. I felt seen. I submitted a request to talk with her, and little by little, piece by piece, I began to find faith again.
As I opened myself up, I joined more services, participated in Christmas pageants (which Kitty Kelly led so beautifully), and found joy again. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I existed. I mattered. And it showed in everything I did. I began to look forward—to make plans for my release—and I leaned into my faith.
When I was released, I went to Pfaff House. There, I was surrounded by the same acceptance and love I had discovered through the Ministry. I thrived. I completed a year of post-release living at Pfaff House, found work, and gave back what had been given to me.
Today, I continue to build on the principles that Ministry of Hope gave me. Life hasn’t been perfect—there have been losses and gains, pain and fear, and even a hurricane that forced new beginnings. But through it all, I have not lost my faith or my way.
I credit Ministry of Hope with giving me the foundation to face life on life’s terms—with faith, prayer, and a strong belief system. To the women who are still facing the trials of prison: remember, miracles happen every day. Don’t miss them. Believe in yourself and in the power of positivity.
And to those who support the Ministry of Hope: you have touched more lives than you can ever imagine. Please, never let that good work stop!
A Journey Back to Faith
By Corina H.
Life before connecting with Ministry of Hope (Chaplains), I was feeling unworthy of anything good or positive for my life. I was also feeling anger and selfishness, struggling with any type of forgiveness for myself.
I as in my position as a Chaplain’s clerk, I noticed other women that were participating in MOH’s programs – they were happy, and seemed different – like the happiness was within them. I signed up for Houses of Healing – wow! That experience was life changing. Retired Chaplain Dalton helped me/us overcome chapter topics from that book that myself (and other women) were “stuck on”, helping us grow in our own self discovery. Getting to meet the volunteers that came to assist with Read-Me-A-Story (for women that have children) was also very impactful.
The chaplains and programs through MOH helped me feel different on the inside – I now love who I am. They also helped me open my heart and start healing. All the beautiful volunteers also showed nothing but love to me (us) – my inner child is healing and loves to be present and healthy for my own daughter.It’s amazing what is possible when someone believes in them – “the sky is the limit,” but you have to believe in yourself – open up and let God heal your heart. Compassion does exist.
“From Brokenness to Grace”
By Brooke P.
For many years, I carried pain I didn’t know how to face. I was abused and felt completely lost, so I turned to drugs to numb the hurt. What started as a way to escape only led me deeper into darkness.
Eventually, my choices caught up with me, and I found myself incarcerated. At first, ! thought my life was over — but that’s where God met me. In that place of brokenness, He began to rebuild me from the inside out.
Through His grace, I found healing, forgiveness, and a new purpose. I learned that my past doesn’t define me — God’s love does.
Today, I stand free – not just from addiction or my past, but free in Christ. My life is living proof that no one is too far gone for God to redeem.
Support
Ministry of Hope
OUR VISION
“Having benefited from Ministry of Hope’s gifts of authentic connection, genuine belonging and deep healing, participants are empowered to create a better life for themselves and contribute positively to their communities.”
As the sole source of funding for the interfaith chaplaincy program at Western Correctional Center for Women, Ministry of Hope nurtures a safe space for residents to foster personal transformation, inspire future growth, and uncover the potential for new beginnings.