By David Sherwood, Director of Advancement
Since stepping into this role in May, my heart has been filled with gratitude, not only for the amazing work God is doing through CPO, but also for you, our faithful partners who make this ministry possible. Truly, “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy” (Psalm 126:3).
At CPO, we take seriously Jesus’ command in Matthew 22:36–40 to love God and love our neighbor. For us, our neighbors are men and women who are incarcerated or returning home. Because of your prayers and generosity, they are experiencing God’s grace, finding restored hope, renewing their families, and beginning a new life in Christ; spiritually and vocationally.
Already, your support is bearing much fruit. Families are being strengthened, disciples are being made, and men and women are being equipped with both faith and skills for sustainable work. Some of our Career Center alumni are now hiring recent graduates which is a multiplying cycle of transformation. The Kingdom impact is tangible as lives are stepping from darkness into His marvelous light.
This impact is eternal, but it is also deeply practical. Illinois spends nearly $50,000 each year to incarcerate one individual. Last year, 25 CPO graduates secured union jobs; these men and women now contribute to their families, churches, and communities instead of returning to prison. The difference between incarceration costs and what they now generate in earnings and taxes could exceed $2 million in just one year. Imagine this impact multiplied threefold, that could mean over $25 million in community benefit by 2030, and far more importantly, countless lives transformed for Christ’s Kingdom!
Looking ahead, we believe the Lord is calling us to triple our capacity in the next 3–5 years, multiplying Bible studies, strengthening more families, and equipping even more men and women for lifelong discipleship and meaningful employment.
