"Volunteering with Lion Life at the jail has been a transformational experience for both myself and for the incarcerated people I have been able to work with one-on-one. What started as an opportunity to help inmates learn so they could pass the General Education Development (GED) Test turned into a project more impactful than I could have ever imagined. I have seen both men and women regain hope for their futures and witnessed the priceless look on a student’s face when she learned the news that she earned her GED. This experience has more than exceeded my expectations. Since my first day, I have had the pleasure of helping them change their lives, while at the same time, allowing them to change mine as well. My life’s work, whether it be working as an attorney or helping people get their lives back on track, has been confirmed through this experience."

“I have been in and out of jail since 1999 and never experienced ANY classes like the ones Lion Life provides! They really care and you can feel it! The classes transformed and are continuing to transform my life! They have given me understanding and hope for where my life is going, and confidence for my future. If you truly want to change, they can show you how!! It will keep you out of jail and better your life!!!”

"Working at the Jail is a humbling experience. Many of the inmates were discouraged by the choices they made leading them into jail and had a negative outlook on the future they would endure. The GED program can be used as a leading definition of reducing recidivism, helping inmates remember that they have the choice to change. Some of the inmates I worked with were convinced that they were not good enough and not smart enough to obtain their GED. Comments such as “I am too old” or “I am not good at math” were the negative thoughts that consumed some of the inmates, but with time and practice they were able to succeed.”

"I began my journey at Lion Life with an endless sea of “what am I going to do when I graduate?” As my GED training and compassion for incarcerated individuals intertwined, I began to see a plan in the distance. Working with individuals who decided it was time to take control of their lives and their future led me to a path of working in restorative justice. I am currently enrolled in a program that will help me gain the skills I need to help guide people away from incarceration and further toward a life of success, whatever that may be.”

“The courses opened up an entire new world for me. They gave me something constructive to do while I was locked up. It became a way to escape a stressful situation. I had never thought of myself as a writer before and would not have discovered this talent if it were not for the classes. Now, I write through my problems. I wrote an entire novel while I was incarcerated and have written two more since I’ve been released. It has become a major source of healthy entertainment for me. Creating fiction helped me put my mind on paper. I could then evaluate myself and the world in new ways. This exercise has impacted me in incredible ways.”

“Listening to the inmates share their stories with you is an eye-opening experience.  You realize this opportunity is one that can bring real change to the lives of those participating in the program.

I’m a firm believer in second chances.  Without a high school diploma, most are caught in a destructive cycle from which they are unable to break free.  This is a chance to do and be better for them and their family.  Most of the ladies I have worked with, have motivation to get their GED.  Some say, “My kids will be so proud of me.”, some say, “My parents will be so proud of me”.  By the time they pass the tests, they say, “I am so proud of myself”.  Hopefully this will be the boost they need to get a better job upon release, and continue their education.  It allows them to leave with more than they had coming in.  Many have aspirations of continuing education and business ownership.”

“I am now more informed on the opportunities provided for higher education as well as motivated to continue progressively striving for a better future. The information which is available to everyone (through Lion Life) allows me to point others in the direction of this community, to work together to accomplish our individual goals.”

“I learned how to communicate feedback more effectively in the composition classes I taught. I was able to help students focus on their learning needs because I could now better understand how to support students with a variety of skill levels in the same class. Before this, I could not do this as effectively. When you are in a jail setting, the individuals you work with have such a variety of backgrounds and educational levels.”