Starting Over On The Inside
A LIFE-CHANGING PROGRAM THAT EQUIPS OFFENDERS WITH THE NEEDED CHARACTER QUALITIES AND LIFE SKILLS FOR THEIR SUCCESSFUL RETURN TO SOCIETY
52% of released prisoners reoffend
Without addressing prisoners’ real-life issues before their release and if their hearts aren’t transformed by the love of Jesus Christ, the revolving door of the national 52% recidivism rate continues
We want to change that crazy statistic.
Yesterday and Today
Starting Over on the Inside is about learning from failure and the ability to overcome it and succeed. For more than thirty years, the original Starting Over Workshop has helped over nine thousand people who have experienced life-changing setbacks who learn how to start over and experience healing, hope and a real sense of purpose.
In 2026, inmates are participating in the “Starting Over on the Inside” program. Men and women are experiencing restoration through Jesus Christ, discovering His transforming love, peace, and purpose.
Inmates are acquiring essential life skills and character qualities that will help them successfully transition back into society.
Their life change impacts their families, communities, and the state of Colorado. This ministry plays a vital role in reducing the recidivism rate, which currently stands at 52% in Colorado and beyond!
Effective Results
Worthy in His eyes
Many of us have made poor decisions and for some those choices have led to incarceration. There are good reasons for being sentenced to prison, but a prison sentence does not change that people are created in God’s image and have worth in His eyes.
Prison is, however, a dehumanizing environment for most. Many prisoners have been forgotten and disconnected from family or friends during their time behind bars, but God has not forgotten them. He knows their names, and their stories and they matter to Him. Nor have we forgotten…
Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison.
Hebrews 13:3
LIFE CHANGE IS A MATTER OF THE HEART AND THIS IS WHERE GOD BEGINS TO CHANGE THINGS
Stories of Life Change
Transforming Lives Together - Your Support is Making a Difference!
October 2026 Update
Thank you! Your faithful support—your prayers, encouragement, and generous gifts have made a lasting difference. God has continued to open doors, and we’re grateful to share what He’s doing through your partnership.
On the Ground in Colorado
Our work in Colorado keeps bearing fruit. We recently celebrated our 58 on-site course since 2021, with more than 1,600 graduates. Our tablet platform continues to expand its reach nationwide.
Nationwide Impact
Since launching our self-paced tablet format in 2024, we have has seen remarkable growth.
As of September 2026, there has been over 76,000 English and 37,000 Spanish graduates for a combined total of more than 113,000 graduates.
In addition we began tracking salvations online in late August and over 1,500 have come to Christ!
Now that is absolutely amazing!
Through these courses, thousands are hearing the gospel, many for the first time. Students study at their own pace, complete meaningful lessons and quizzes, and earn a Certificate of Achievement recognized by their facility. The result is real spiritual transformation that equips men and women for healthier lives and stronger reintegration into their families and communities.
Prayer Requests for 2026
- More lives transformed by Christ through workshops, teaching, preaching, and the tablet program
- Families witnessing the positive change in their loved ones
- Increased funding through faithful donors, new supporters, and grants
- New partnerships that help “Starting Over” reach even more inmates.
2025 was a year of significant growth in changed lives, even as it brought financial challenges. Your continued partnership is what makes this work possible.
Thank you for remembering those in prison as if you were there with them (Hebrews 13:3).
With friends like you standing alongside us, we’re ready to walk through every open door.
In The News
- Podcast 11/19/22 CO Dept. of Corrections Ex. Director Dean Williams
- Podcast - 4/28/2022 CO Dept. of Corrections Ex. Director Dean Williams
- Gazette Telegraph - 12/18/21 Chaplain's workshop in Colorado prisons gives inmates the important parts of what they're missing — hope, value, worth
- Podcast 6/24/2021 Starting Over On The Inside Program
- Podcast 5/20/2021 CO Dept. of Corrections - Ex. Director Deam Williams
- Podcast 2/21/2020 CO Dept. of Corrections Pt. 1 - Ex. Director Dean Williams
- Podcast 3/4/2020 CO Dept. of Corrections Pt. 2 - Ex. Director Dean Williams
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Starting Over On the Inside Graduates and other photos
The pictures above are of prison graduates. Their certificate helps their case managers and parole officers know that they are making intentional efforts to equip themselves before and after their release.
Some graduates or classes may not appear in the photos due to restrictions at certain prison facilities. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and assure you that we have done our best to capture all the graduates in the pictures.