We can’t model behavior if we don’t know what it looks like. For many of our participants, they have never experienced a responsible, loving, supportive parent or had healthy friendships with sensible boundaries. Since 2016, Carole has been faithfully showing God’s love to wounded, disregarded women in the 70×7 program. Her gentle spirit and profound kindness emanate trust and compassion. She is a keen listener and is grounded and practical, qualities that often elude our participants.

When one of Carole’s mentees spent her formative years in prison and never learned to drive, Carole took her to a large, empty parking lot to practice. She also helped her mentee with money management, readying her for her first apartment!

During her teen years, Carole’s church was very involved in missions and she realized there were “things I can do for God,” and she was right! From missionary work in Japan as a young adult to serving in Kenya as a wife and mother of three small boys, to today where she was just made an elder at Moran Park Church, Carole has dedicated her life to “doing things for God.” At 70×7, we are grateful that Carole includes us in her mission!

Penitentiary comes from the word penitence, meaning the “action of feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong.” 70×7 Changes Class Instructor Kelly believes she needed time to experience “godly sorrow” by becoming intimate with the Word. Eventually a tragedy ensured she would have ten years to learn to lean into God during her incarceration. 

For years Kelly was “on the fence” regarding God, knowing that He wanted all of her, yet she was unwilling to let go of her sin. For the first year of her sentence the prison was undergoing a physical transition, meaning Kelly had to spend 22 hours of each day in lockdown. She felt backed into a corner with nowhere to go but to God. In the Bible she found comfort, forgiveness, and guidance. 

During her first year of incarceration, Kelly used the prison library for hours each week to self-initiate rehabilitation until she was eligible for classes and work. Once she was moved to a housing unit, she put her growing faith into action and led a small Bible study. When she qualified for work, Kelly became a Peer Educator for new inmate orientation, a position she held for six and a half years until her release. To further her recovery, Kelly took Bridge Builders, a Biblical 12-Step Study class that focused on restoring her to the woman God wanted her to be. She continued to work with her sponsor, facilitated and chaired Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and eventually became a State Certified Peer Support Specialist. She also prioritized receiving counseling throughout her time in prison.

In another one of Kelly’s many roles, as a Prisoner Observation Aide for women on suicide watch, she met Jessica, an inmate. Jessica was equally committed to doing the next right thing, for the next right reason, and little did they know their paths would cross again in God’s perfect timing. 

As Kelly prepared her relapse prevention plan for the Parole Board, she was able to tangibly articulate her transformation and a reentry strategy for continuing growth. Kelly successfully paroled to her sister’s home in Kent County and was hired at a local gas station after the manager noticed her potential. 

Through recovery and in His timing, Kelly reconnected with Jessica. After graduating from the 70×7 program and working at a partnering employer for nearly a year, Jessica settled into a nonprofit organization and started serving as a board member for No One Lives Alone (NOLA), a new sober living house. As NOLA was looking for a house manager, Jessica felt that Kelly was the right person for the opportunity.

When a Changes Class Instructor position became available at 70×7, Jessica spoke highly of Kelly, and her story and commitment made her the ideal candidate. In August of 2020, Kelly officially joined the 70×7 team. “I love the Changes Class because it is about changing the end of our story,” said Kelly. Kelly continues to grow her footprint at 70×7, working with Take Charge, a life skills and support program for women who have been involved in the criminal justice system. At 70×7, each staff member uses their past to help others change their future. Kelly uses her incredible experience, unparalleled strength, and eternal hope to be a bright light to individuals that engage with 70×7 Life Recovery.

KAM Plastics has a passion for making high-quality injection molded parts and assemblies. According to their website, “We do the hard stuff. If a part is complicated and seems impossible, we do it.” At KAM, that philosophy also translates to their hiring practices. Since 2016, KAM has partnered with 70×7 Life Recovery affording opportunity to program graduates, oftentimes women, needing a second chance.

A female team member shared, “Much of the leadership and supervision are women that started in entry level positions and were given the opportunity to work their way up.” They also provide equal chances to women in jobs traditionally reserved for men. KAM is willing to compassionately train people with little to no experience, providing a perfect opportunity for many 70×7 graduates.

Partnership, service, integrity, and work-life balance are the core values and guiding principles for KAM Plastics. In 2004, they adopted an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, providing every employee a stake in the success of the company. The investment KAM makes in their employees tangibly demonstrates the dignity, respect, and value they have in their team. 70×7 Life Recovery is grateful to partner with a company that demonstrates such kindness and integrity.

“I didn’t want to hurt anyone. I was just looking for acceptance. When I was 16 years old I was sentenced to life in prison without parole. While in prison, I gave my life to God. I remember telling him I was okay with being in there until I was 99 years old.

“Now I’m free. I was released from prison after 29 years. I was overwhelmed. I couldn’t even make simple decisions for myself. 70×7 helped me mature and grow. They have a heart for people and they want to see you succeed. 70×7 showed me the acceptance I always longed for in life. I pray I can take care of my family, have a family of my own, and serve God. Thanks to 70×7, I’ve adapted my life for success.”

After serving 28 years, Michael Perry was released in 2018. Here’s a 360° view of his restoration:

Michael’s Parole Agent: “I’ve been so surprised by Michael’s success. It is because of the support he has with 70×7.”

Michael’s Pastor: “With 70×7 and our church, Michael was not only accepted, but welcomed. He is always here and knows that his faith family will help him weather every storm.”

Michael’s supervisor at KAM Plastics: “Michael is awesome. In a position that historically brings out short-temperedness, he never shows signs of irritation.”

Michael’s Mentor, Carl: “God is paving a road of opportunity for this guy. I challenge him to evaluate – in any situation – is it of God?”

Michael to his mentor: “Carl is my mentor, teacher, friend, and father figure.”

After completing the 70×7 pre-employment program, Brandi was placed at Trendway Corporation, one of 70×7’s partnering employers. On December 4, 2015, Brandi started on the panel line where she worked for 2-1/2 years. She then transferred to the UPS/Packing department for the next year and a half. With no expectation of being offered an office job, on February 3, 2020, Brandi began her new career as the Architectural Products Customer Care Specialist.

While this is extraordinary for someone who never had a “real” job, Brandi has a commitment to becoming the best version of herself. This is what sets her apart and is what will continue to propel her forward in life. She co-parents three children: a daughter in elementary school, a son in high school, and a daughter in college. She continues to attend recovery meetings and started a women’s meeting at her church. Having never been a churchgoer before, Brandi participated in Serving Together, the 70×7 volunteer work program. She has faithfully attended Ridge Point Community Church ever since. Brandi has paid off all her debt and is now ready for the next and final phase of the Habitat for Humanity Program.

For our participants, a job is just the beginning. Hope happens at 70×7 Life Recovery. Dreams awaken. Brandi continues to dream and now spreads hope to others.

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