About Journey Into Freedom
We Believe a Person’s Past Should Not Define Their Future
Journey Into Freedom is a Christ-centered ministry helping incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men and women restore their identity, rebuild relationships, and develop the character needed to live with purpose.
Our Mission
Helping to transform incarceration into purpose; one life, one story, one legacy at a time.
Our Vision
To be a resource partner for local churches, nonprofits, and other agencies looking to strengthen discipleship formation for those either impacted by incarceration or who just need a next step.
Why This Work Matters
Serving time alone does not necessarily resolve those underlying issues. Without deeper restoration and ongoing support, destructive patterns can continue to affect individuals, children, families, and communities.
Incarceration is often part of a deeper cycle involving trauma, addiction, damaged relationships, shame, limited opportunity, and a broken sense of identity.
JIF exists because people should not be permanently defined by their worst decisions or left to rebuild their lives alone.
The Three Pillars
A Framework for Transformation From the Inside Out
Identity & Purpose
Participants are guided through a roadmap of self-discovery, centered on belief that they are are created in the image of God with inherent value and for a particular purpose.
Relational Integrity
Participants learn that past broken relationships, generational patterns, and brokenness doesn’t get to determine their future.
Character Development
Participants strengthening the spiritual foundation, decision-making processes, and personal faith needed to live a life with purpose.
Why JIF Exists
Rooted in Christ
Incarceration is often part of a deeper cycle involving trauma, addiction, damaged relationships, shame, limited opportunity, and a broken sense of identity.
Serving time alone does not necessarily resolve those underlying issues. Without deeper restoration and ongoing support, destructive patterns can continue to affect individuals, children, families, and communities.
What we beleive
We believe in one eternal God who is the Creator of all things, and He exists in three co-equal Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. He has existed in relationship with Himself for all eternity. God is totally loving and completely holy. We believe that Jesus Christ is the only One who can restore us to the Heavenly Father.
We believe that mankind was made in the image of God as male and female. Every human personality is uniquely created, possesses dignity, and is worthy of respect and Christian love.
We believe our sin has separated each of us from God and His purpose for our lives. As a result, man cannot attain a right relationship with God through his own effort, but we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ: His death, burial, and resurrection. Salvation is an unmerited gift from God, not earned by good works or any human effort. Whosoever calls upon Jesus will be saved.
JIF Leadership
Guided by Experience, Faith, and Commitment
We believe no one should be defined by their past. Every person deserves the opportunity to rewrite their story, restore their purpose, and build a legacy that strengthens families and communities.
MIke Shields
Founder
Tanya Shearrer
Formation Director
Carolyn Finnegan
Accounting Support
April Ebnit
Admin Support
Partners & community
When One Life Changes, the Impact Reaches Further
JIF works alongside correctional leaders, churches, volunteers, employers, donors, and community organizations to help participants move toward lasting transformation and successful re-entry.
values
The Values That Guide Our Work
Dignity
Every person has God-given worth and should be treated accordingly.
Responsibility
Transformation requires honesty, accountability, and different choices.
Restoration
People and relationships can be rebuilt through grace, truth, and consistent support.
Integrity
JIF communicates honestly, stewards resources carefully, and follows through on its commitments.
Relationship
Lasting change rarely happens alone.
Hope
No one should be permanently defined by their past.
Trust and accountability
Committed to Trustworthy Stewardship
Journey Into Freedom is committed to responsible stewardship and transparency. We carefully manage every donation, provide clear financial oversight, protect the privacy and dignity of every participant, and screen and equip volunteers to serve with integrity and care.
Journey Into Freedom is a registered nonprofit organization committed to advancing its mission with integrity and responsible stewardship. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Every gift is managed with care and used to support the mission of Journey Into Freedom in accordance with our governing policies and donor intent.
We are committed to transparent financial reporting and responsible oversight, providing financial information in accordance with nonprofit reporting requirements.
We respect the dignity and privacy of every participant and carefully protect personal information shared through our programs.
Participant stories, testimonials, and photographs are shared only with appropriate permission and in a manner that honors each individual’s privacy and dignity.
Volunteers receive appropriate orientation and, where required, complete screening and training to help ensure a safe, respectful, and effective ministry environment.
We collect and report program data thoughtfully to help evaluate our impact, improve our ministry, and communicate results with accuracy and integrity.
We make key financial and impact information available to help donors, partners, and supporters understand how resources are stewarded and lives are being impacted.
Contact and connection
Connect With Journey Into Freedom
Direct contact
Final Call to action
Help Someone
Begin a New Legacy
When participants restore their identity, rebuild relationships, and prepare for the future, the effect can reach: