Widening the circle, Deepening the Impact

Every week, inside California’s prisons, men gather in small circles to do something revolutionary: they look inward. They speak their truth. They take responsibility. They begin to heal.

For 16 years, Freedom Within has quietly transformed lives from the inside out: facilitating more than 4,200 hours of healing circles, making 1,400 prison visits, and guiding 540 men through graduation.

Now, we are ready for our next chapter. Will you help us grow?

Why This Work Matters

Most incarcerated people carry deep trauma and lack tools for emotional regulation. Without opportunities for healing, the cycle of harm continues. But when people are given space to grow, accountability becomes possible – and transformation follows.

Programs like Freedom Within work. About 75% of participants who earn Rehabilitative Credits from programs like ours successfully reintegrate into their communities compared to 56% of those who do not.

And beyond the data lies a deeper question: What kind of people do we want returning to our communities?

Men who have faced their past with honesty, cultivated compassion, and taken responsibility are far more prepared to repair harm and contribute meaningfully.

And for those who will remain incarcerated – don’t they, too, deserve healing and dignity?

Rising to Meet the Moment

Across California prisons, thousands of people are waiting for access to deep restorative programming. Currently, only about 10% of those assessed as needing anger-management or emotional-literacy programs actually receive them. Freedom Within is ready to expand – but we need you. With your support, we will:

• Expand from two prisons to four, reaching 150 men each year
• Train 20 incarcerated peer leaders and 10 volunteer facilitators
• Pilot reentry and family support programs so healing continues beyond the prison walls
• Strengthen community awareness and donor engagement to sustain long-term growth

This moment is an inflection point. Your gift will help close the gap between those seeking healing – and the opportunity to receive it.

Your Gift Makes This Possible

Every dollar directly supports circle facilitation, training, and program expansion. We are a lean organization, and your support goes straight to the heart of the work. You might consider:

💚 $25 — Contributes supplies for one healing circle session
💚 $100 — Supports transportation for a prison visit
💚 $500 — Helps train incarcerated peer leaders
💚 $2,500 — Sponsors a weekend intensive

When you give, you become part of a community committed to healing, accountability, and transformation. And whether you give $25 or $2,500, you are helping someone reclaim their wholeness.

THANK YOU from the Bottom of our Hearts

Together, we are building pathways of freedom – within and beyond the walls.

"The most profound gift Freedom Within has given me is the courage to finally take off my mask. For the first time, I feel comfortable being my authentic self."

-- Timothy "Moose" Gridley, Program Graduate

Prefer to donate via check or Donor Advised Fund? Mail your contribution to: 343 Soquel Ave #77 | Santa Cruz, CA 95062. Please just notify a board or staff member to ensure your donation counts toward our goal.

Have questions? Contact Malcolm Dydo, Executive Director, at malcolm@freedomwithinproject.org.

Widening the Circle, Deepening the Impact

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