Greater Detroit District Juvenile Lifer Project Celebrates Freedom and New Beginnings
Over the past several years, the Greater Detroit District Juvenile Lifer Project has helped celebrate the freedom of 71 individuals released from Michigan prisons after serving juvenile life sentences. Of the 176 juvenile lifers released statewide to date, each person supported through the project received approximately $350 worth of life essentials packed in a backpack and duffel bag, presented to them on their very first day of freedom.
This outreach has been made possible through the generosity and partnership of five United Methodist churches currently supporting the project: Birmingham First, founder of the Juvenile Lifer Project, along with Cass Community, Troy First, Brighton First, and Scott Memorial.
Recently, Michigan expanded the Juvenile Lifer designation to include individuals who were 20 years old or younger at the time of their crime, increasing the juvenile lifer population by approximately 600 people. As the need continues to grow, the Greater Detroit District Juvenile Lifer Project welcomes additional churches interested in supporting this compassionate ministry. Churches interested in learning more or becoming involved may contact [email protected].