About Us
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”
- Ephesians 2:10
The Founders:
Cliff and Sue Parrish
Many times, Christ calls us to lead through our own personal experiences. This is no different for Cliff and Sue Parrish.
Married for more than 35 years, the Parrish’s have been serving as missionaries locally and internationally for decades. During some of their mission trips, the Parrish’s became friends with a prisoner in Asia. When he was released, they supported him with employment and housing in the hope that these efforts would help him reestablish a life beyond prison, finding happiness and financial security. Despite their efforts, the man committed suicide after a few months outside the prison walls. It was then they realized that freedom is more than living outside of prison walls - it’s freedom from the prison created inside each prisoner. This is when they began to develop a framework based on Biblical principles. This would become the basis of their program: Transformational Rhythms.
Transformational Rhythms is Introduced
Transformational Rhythms is introduced first in the Illinois prison system. It was received so well, the Parrish’s decided to leave their jobs and enter mission work full time. Today, the Transformational Rhythms program is being taught in several prisons throughout Illinois. More than 1,000 students have graduated from at least the first-level class called Foundations For Life, finding transformation and freedom from their past lives.
Freedom from Within
The accomplishment of Freedom from Within is credited to the generous contributions of its Board, local business partners, and individuals with a heart for those in need of a second chance.
We appreciate the numerous volunteers who assist in the dynamic activities that inspire our students' transformation. These volunteers play multiple roles by contributing their skills, and compassion inside and outside the prison walls with the belief that sustainable Freedom comes from Within.
Freedom from Within Podcast
“Ever since I have been in the Freedom From Within programs, I have wanted to help other people to know what this program has taught me.”
— Prisoner
