JOHNNY'S TESTIMONY

Property Manager

After spending seven years and eight months in prison, I cannot express enough the importance of people taking the Gospel into the prisons - behind the razor wire and gray walls. People in prison are forgotten, and rarely thought of in a positive way. This fact is even more profound concerning Deaf inmates. They are isolated, socially and emotionally cut off from the general population. By and large, the prison system is designed for the hearing; many of the Deaf are excluded from the helpful programs and services because of communication barriers. Many Deaf do not have the skills needed to succeed in the prison world, as we know it. Often, families of the Deaf have abandoned them in prison; there they lose the vital support of loved ones.

However, most of the Deaf will be released eventually and become someone’s neighbor. This is where programs such as Healing Hands Ranch are so important. Aftercare programs will give Deaf inmates a positive environment to transition to where they will start working toward their future success in every area of their lives. It is critical to have a program that offers spiritual guidance and mentoring in both the Bible and life skills, as well as providing work skills training. The outcome is to have men who can be gainfully employed and become an asset to their community, rather than a burden by being trapped in a world that first led them to prison simply because it was the only world they knew.

I am so thankful that Healing Hands Ranch has given me the opportunity to be on staff as property manager. You too can have a positive impact on the lives of Deaf ex-offenders by praying, giving financial support, or volunteering your time. God has given me a second chance. I wish to do all I can to help others have the same opportunity. Thank you and God bless!