John still wakes up some nights in a cold sweat, heart racing from a nightmare that feels all too real. In it, he’s back in his prison cell, reliving violent altercations and the haunting memories of childhood abuse that followed him into incarceration.
For John – and thousands of returning citizens like him – the end of a prison sentence doesn’t mean the end of trauma.
In fact, many who leave prison carry deep scars: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from both their past and their time behind bars, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) that set the stage for a lifetime of struggle.
These invisible wounds make the already daunting task of reentry to the community even harder, and they help explain why so many people land back behind bars after release.
However, John’s story does not end in despair, because Christ offers a way to healing and redemption.
The Gospel doesn’t just modify behavior; it transforms hearts and renews minds (Romans 12:2).
Through the power of God’s truth and the support of a faith-based community like JUMPSTART South Carolina, men and women like John discover that believing better truth leads to better behavior.
PTSD, ACE Scores, and the Deep Wounds of Incarceration
For countless incarcerated individuals, trauma is a common denominator. Research shows that PTSD is far more prevalent in prison populations than in the general public. The National Institutes of Health estimates about 18% of male inmates and 40% of female inmates suffer from PTSD – rates several times higher than those of civilians. (1)
Nearly 97% of people in prisons have experienced at least one ACE, such as childhood abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction. Even more alarming, a large study found that half of juvenile offenders had four or more ACEs, compared to only about 13% of the general population. (2)
Many juvenile offenders end up as adult offenders. I was in the juvenile justice system three times and move closer to brokenness than to wholeness. But thankfully, God chases rebels down.
If you haven't heard Ben Fuller's song, Chasing Rebels, and you or a loved one was or is still a rebel, I encourage you to go give it a listen!
When people grow up in brokenness—without loving guidance, stability, or truth—it’s no surprise they struggle with addiction, anger, and crime. Jesus Himself said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32). Most prisoners never knew the truth of God’s love and purpose for their lives. They have been told they are worthless, unloved, and irredeemable. These lies fuel destructive behaviors.
But the Gospel introduces a new identity: beloved, chosen, and redeemed (Ephesians 1:4-7).
(Pictured: JS Alum)
The Gospel: Breaking the Chains of Trauma and Recidivism
The world tries to rehabilitate through rules and programs, but only Christ can truly transform. The root issue of recidivism is not just bad choices—it’s a broken heart in need of healing. Jesus came to “bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim freedom for the captives, and release from darkness the prisoners” (Isaiah 61:1). Programs like JUMPSTART South Carolina embody this mission by offering wraparound, Christ-centered support that tackles the real issues of trauma and recidivism.
1. Renewing the Mind with the Truth of the Gospel
Romans 12:2 commands us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Most incarcerated individuals have lived in survival mode, guided by fear and distrust. Their past shaped their thinking, and their thinking shaped their behavior. True transformation begins when they replace lies with God’s truth—that they are made in His image, that they have purpose, and that they are not defined by their worst mistakes.
JUMPSTART South Carolina starts its work inside prisons, offering a 40-week discipleship program that leads participants through Scripture-based renewal. They learn about forgiveness, identity in Christ, and how to live with integrity. This process helps break the mental strongholds of shame and hopelessness, replacing them with faith, hope, and purpose.
2. Healing Trauma Through Christ-Centered Community
One of the biggest predictors of success after prison is having a strong, supportive community. Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Without healthy relationships, most returning citizens will fall back into old cycles. JUMPSTART provides mentorship, church partnerships, and discipleship homes that ensure no one walks alone.
John, for example, never had a stable home growing up. But when he left prison, JUMPSTART provided him with a place to live, a church family, and Christian mentors who helped him grow in faith.
For the first time, he experienced grace and accountability—people who genuinely cared about his future.
3. Restoring Purpose Through Work and Discipleship
Ephesians 2:10 declares that “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Many prisoners struggle with feeling useless. But part of JUMPSTART’s holistic approach is helping them discover their God-given gifts and find meaningful employment. We partners with businesses to provide job training and work opportunities, ensuring participants gain skills to support themselves and their families.
John, once told he would never amount to anything, is now a hardworking, respected employee and a mentor to others. The Gospel taught him that his past does not determine his future. Through faith and perseverance, he has built a life that reflects God’s redemption.
A 96% Success Rate: Proof That God’s Way Works
The results of JUMPSTART South Carolina’s Christ-centered, holistic model are nothing short of miraculous. While national recidivism rates hover around 70% within five years, JUMPSTART graduates have a 96% success rate in staying out of prison. (3)
That means 96% of participants break free from the cycle of crime and trauma.
Why? Because true transformation is not about behavior modification—it’s about heart transformation. When someone experiences the love of Christ, their desires change. They begin to walk in righteousness, not because of rules, but because of relationship (2 Corinthians 5:17).
How You Can Be Part of the Gospel’s Transforming Work
JUMPSTART South Carolina’s success is proof that the Gospel changes lives. But transformation requires faithful people to step up and be the hands and feet of Christ.
You can be part of this life-changing mission:
Pray for those still in prison, that they would encounter Jesus and find hope beyond their circumstances.
Give financially to JUMPSTART South Carolina to support housing, job training, and discipleship programs for returning citizens.
Volunteer as a mentor, teacher, or prayer partner, walking alongside those seeking a second chance.
Jesus changes hearts, and changed hearts change lives. The men and women coming out of prison are not beyond hope.
When they encounter the truth of God’s Word, the love of His people, and the power of His Spirit, transformation happens.
By supporting JUMPSTART South Carolina, you are not just helping people stay out of prison—you are helping them step into the abundant life Christ promised (John 10:10).
Join us in proving that grace is greater than the past, and that second chances are at the heart of the Gospel.
With gratitude for God's grace,
Dr. Cary Sanders,
CEO, JUMPSTART SC
Watch how the Gospel and tangible support changed my life:
Sources:
(1) ICJIA report – PTSD severity correlates with more arrests; PTSD increases risk of recidivism (icjia.illinois.gov) and Prison Policy Initiative – incarceration can cause “Post-Incarceration Syndrome,” similar to PTSD, affecting people even after release
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(2) Florida study on juvenile offenders – ~97% had ≥1 ACE; 50% had ≥4 ACEs vs 13% of general population
(3) JUMPSTART outcomes – 96% of program graduates stay out of prison
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