< Success Stories
FREED TO GIVE BACK
FREED TO GIVE BACK
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.
