
The World’s First Support Group Devoted to Those
Navigating the White Collar Justice System
It’s the Isolation That Destroys Us
The Solution is in Community
7+ Years of White Collar Support Group Meetings
We are a community of individuals, families and groups with white collar justice issues who have a desire to take responsibility for our actions and the wreckage we caused, make amends, and move forward in new way of life centered on hope, care, kindness, compassion, tolerance and empathy.
Our experience shows us that many of us are suffering in silence with shame, remorse, and deep regret. Many of us have been stigmatized by our own families and friends, and by our former business relationships. Our goal is to learn, grow and evolve into a new spiritual way of life and to reach out in service to others.
Nearly one thousand justice-impacted individuals have participated in our White Collar Support Group meetings on Zoom which take place Monday evenings at 7 PM Eastern Time.
Resources for Justice-Impacted Individuals
In addition to our weekly support group, we offer a 24/7 Slack support group, a white collar job and career board, peer and mentor support, a Tuesday Night Speaker Series (open to family and friends), a newsletter, social media channels, advocacy initiatives, and more, all offered on a volunteer basis at no cost to you or your family.
For more information about the ways we have offered support and can help you or your loved one, contact us today. We look forward to being with you.
White Collar Support Group Meets Every Monday on Zoom
Testimonials
"In creating Progressive Prison Ministries, Jeff has established a platform, more aptly a lifeline, for those in the throes of despair, uncertainty, and lacking direction who are either about to be sentenced to prison or addressing the difficulties of life after prison."
- Robert Simels, Connecticut
“Jeff has a pragmatic, objective understanding of criminal justice issues, and more importantly, he is suffused with a spiritual understanding of the holistic emotional and values-driven issues that affect decision-making & healing through this journey. Jeff wears many hats – he is a spiritual counselor, a life coach, a critical thinker, and most important of all, is a friend. Thank you Jeff for your counsel throughout; my family and I are beyond grateful to you and Lynn. Please feel free to share this to offer hope and comfort to others in need.”
– Richard Lee, Chicago
"Jeff’s White Collar Support Group creates a community of people who need support but are almost always unfairly judged when they ask for help anywhere else. In this way, Jeff fills a need that many want to pretend doesn’t exist."
- Peter Tomasek, Esq., Editor-in-Chief, Interrogating Justice
"This support group has given me an opportunity to share my thoughts, concerns and emotional trauma with a compassionate and understanding group of people who all traveled a similar journey and who all have now become good friends. There is no question that those who have experienced the criminal justice system all face common problems, barriers and trauma as we begin our reintegration into society. I am proud to say that I am associated with this fine group of people and hope and pray that some day we can share the lessons and benefits of the peer support and mentoring that has helped me to find my passion and purpose in life. Thank you!”
– Jeffrey Abramowitz, Philadelphia
“I was a ‘Bridgegate’ defendant. For years, Jeff has made it his mission to make sure that no one feels the isolation that can come from being a former inmate.”
- Bill Baroni
“Exactly one year later here I am thanks to the men and women, a melting pot of amazing humans, in the group who helped me defuse the shame of ‘I’m a very smart person, how could I have been so stupid!!!’ … Believe me, we all make at least one big bad decision in our lives, we just have different methods. The support group for me is much like a high end mastermind, with hot seats, getting a diverse set of perspectives, allowing you to observe your situation through new eyes and experiences.”
– Debbie Colbourn, Calgary, Canada
"The group has been my weekly outlet where we are amongst our own, and nothing is off limits to discuss. I learned my issues and obstacles were common amongst others that have been through the same “system” as me. I also learned there is hope and sunshine at the end of a dark tunnel. Thank you Jeff for facilitating a very meaningful group bringing us together in the name of personal growth."
– Leon B., Atlanta GA
"There is no judgment at the meetings and everyone there is trying to support each other. Most important of all, I now realize that I do not need live my life in shame. There is a quote from Brene Brown which reflects what I have received from Jeff and my fellow travelers of the support group: “If we share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.”
– S.P., California
“I spoke to Jeff for about an hour, swapping stories from each of our personal crucibles and realized how many similarities we had. When Jeff mentioned there is an entire group of people like us who meet weekly, I suddenly felt a sense of relief. After sharing my story in 2016 with the group, I decided to explore the professional speaking and corporate training route as a potential second career. A cold email to 400 NYC financial firms went mostly ignored except for one reply who invited me to speak to their firm. Referrals from that first presentation completely changed my life and a second career was born as a professional speaker and corporate trainer. Now in 2021, I’ve presented nearly 400 times to companies, conferences, universities and associations.”
– Tom Hardin, New Jersey
"This group come together sharing what those feelings are like for a lifetime after making a mistake in the hope of criminal justice reform. Of the need to have personal and community growth, but most of all in the chance to shed a stigma of deep regret, shame and suffering and how to become a beacon of hope, compassion and tolerance."
– Fr. Joseph Ciccone, New Jersey
“Whether struggling with the most difficult crucible many of us will ever face before going inside, or coming home and facing the intense personal and financial difficulties of re-entry, Jeff has been a staunch ally and informational godsend for hundreds if not thousands of men and women over the past decade.He has created a caring, open fellowship to help serve others going through the same trials and tribulations that many like myself had to face alone and afraid many years ago when Jeff’s mission hadn’t yet come into existence. Congratulations on 250 and here’s to another decade of hope, love, optimism and support!”
– Michael Kimelman, New York
“Jeff Grant is the real deal; he’s candid and generous with his wisdom. I can’t imagine there is a lawyer in this country more qualified to consider the complex issues facing people prosecuted for white collar crimes and their families.”
- Evan Osnos, The New Yorker
"Getting on Jeff’s call was a breath of fresh air as I was able to meet other men and women who had endured the shame and embarrassment of being a convicted felon. Jeff brings a spiritual component to his group which in my opinion is critical as it helps with the healing process. I applaud Jeff for creating this organization as it helps convicted felons who have been ostracized by society in providing ministerial counseling, empathy, compassion and support. I have met some incredible people in this group and I look forward to being an active participant for many years.”
– Douglas Mairena, Virginia
“I’ve had the privilege to interview and get to know Jeff Grant. His story is nothing short of inspirational. Turning around a life that had spiraled out of control ending with a prison term and now re-dedicated himself to a life of service. He’s built national platforms for re-entry into productive society ranging from white collar crime to those from economically deprived areas. He is a literal bridge to the future. A second chance paragon in a time when we need a second chance society.”
– Jim Campbell (Host, “Business Talk with Jim Campbell”, Author, “Madoff Talks”), Greenwich, Connecticut
"Jeff spoke as if he was living inside of my body at that exact moment. He spoke of shame and isolation; he spoke of uncertainty and fear. His words took the air from my lungs. I sat down, put my head in my hands, and wept. I wept because the words were so raw and personal, and I wept because they were exactly how I was feeling – but I didn’t know how to express it myself.”
– Craig Stanland, New York
"His is the space of responsibility, redemption, reintegration, and a life of love in action. When scripture teaches that one can take what was meant for one’s harm and turn it to good; when we are told that the Lord requires of us to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly, we can turn to Jeff and his prisonist.org work for shining examples."
– Rick Dryer, Colorado
“God bless Jeff and the fellowship he has created. I found him just in the nick of time, several weeks before sentencing. I had never spoken to anyone who had been through circumstances like these, and very soon I had an embarrassment of riches with respect to support. I no longer felt alone, I had many new friends to talk to, and was even able to provide support and comfort in turn to those who were not as far along in the process as I. As Jeff said, none of the questions I had were unique or theoretical – someone he knows has been through it. As with pretty much every aspect of modern life, separation is the chief problem, and helping and asking for help are the solutions. I have been able to get through the days with dignity, love and even a little joy. A great deal of that is due to Jeff’s work.”
– Timothy Litzenburg, Virginia
“I was the elected District Attorney of Philadelphia, I had spent the majority of my professional career working to prevent crime, and hold those accountable that harmed society. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think I would be the target of a criminal investigation, indicted by a federal grand jury or serve time in prison. All of those things eventually happened and I wasn’t ready. I wish I had known then, of Rev. Jeff Grant, his Progressive Prison Ministry and White Collar Support Group. Jeff and his group are now a significant part of my life and I am eternally grateful."
- Seth Williams, Philadelphia
Featured Resources
Navigating International Travel After A Felony Conviction: What You Need to Know.
Americans impacted by felony convictions can travel to foreign counties, but the logistics can be complicated. There are a number of factors that will be taken into consideration: Your ability to obtain a passport; The country you intend to visit and do they require a US citizen to obtain a visa; The type of crime ... Read more
Rewriting The Sentence II Summit
The two-day conference ‘Rewriting the Sentence II Summit on Alternatives to Incarceration’ held in the Dorothy Betts Pavilion on the campus of George Washington University, presented a cross section of significant names with a stake in reforming sentencing within the American Justice System. I rushed into the pavilion five minutes ahead of the start of ... Read more
My First Day at Alderson FPC
This is based on my experience reporting to the Alderson, WV Camp during Covid. Other self-surrender experiences may differ. I knew my first day would be very stressful due to all the unknowns, so I arrived early. When I arrived at the gate, there was a phone on the wall with instructions to dial for ... Read more
Tuesday Speaker Series: Prof. Doug Berman, Sentencing Law & Policy Expert
We were honored to have Doug Berman as the October speaker in our White Collar Support Group Tuesday Speaker Series. Among other important topics, Prof. Berman discussed the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s recent sentencing guidelines revisions for certain first time offenses including a two-point reduction, noncustodial sentences and retroactivity. And there was an extensive Q&A! Professor ... Read more
From Incarceration to Inspiration: My Path of Spiritual Renewal
The last five years of my life have been a life changing journey, filled with some of the most challenging moments I’ve ever faced. Amidst a life that has seen its share of ups and downs, losing my dad and best friend while still in my teens, taking risks in business that looking back seem ... Read more
Repairing Search Results Following White Collar Legal Trouble
After you’ve been involved in a legal case, your Google search results may be overwhelming to the point where you wonder if your online reputation will ever recover. You may have had conversations with search specialists who promise the moon in exchange for an exorbitant fee, or spent serious time watching supposedly-instructional YouTube videos. And ... Read more
My First Weeks in the Residential Drug Abuse Program
I was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison in January 2022 and was designated to Alderson Federal Prison Camp. I reported on February 28, 2022. Based upon my allocution, the judge made a recommendation RDAP as part of my Judgment and Commitment. RDAP (Residential Drug Abuse Program), is a 500-hour Bureau of Prisons substance ... Read more
How Do First Step Act (FSA) Earned Time Credits Work?
What Is The First Step Act? The First Step Act is a bipartisan criminal justice reform bill signed into law in December 2018. The Act focuses on reducing recidivism by expanding educational and vocational programs and granting inmates early release credits (FSA Time Credits, aka FTC) for participating in these programs. It also includes provisions to ease mandatory minimum sentences for ... Read more
Holidays in Federal Prison – Book Excerpt
“What are holidays like in prison?” It’s a big and important question because so many fears course through our minds as we walk this path, and this is one of them. So much so, I dedicated a chapter to it in “Blank Canvas, How I Reinvented My Life After Prison.” An important aspect of a ... Read more
Entrepreneur: 9 Things to Know when Hiring a White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer
Hiring a defense attorney is a monumental task, and most are monumentally unprepared for the effort. By Jeff Grant, Reprinted from entrepreneur.com, Sept. 7. 2021 Hiring a white-collar defense lawyer is a monumental task — and one that most entrepreneurs and businesspeople, even those who are sophisticated legal consumers, are monumentally unprepared to do. I ... Read more
Letters from Prison: Scott Farah
Scott Farah is currently incarcerated in the Satellite Camp at FCI Loretto in Cresson, Pennsylvania. He is a Member-in-Absentia of our online White Collar Support Group that meets on Monday evenings. We will celebrate our 250th weekly meeting on Monday, March 29, 2021, 7 pm ET, 4 pm PT; all Fellow Travelers are invited. I ... Read more
Announcements
Tuesday Speaker Series: Prof. Doug Berman, Sentencing Law & Policy Expert
We were honored to have Doug Berman as the October speaker in our White Collar Support Group Tuesday Speaker Series. Among other important topics, Prof. Berman discussed the U.S. Sentencing Commission’s recent sentencing guidelines revisions for certain first time offenses including a two-point reduction, noncustodial sentences and retroactivity. And there was an extensive Q&A! Professor ... Read more
Tuesday Speaker Series: REMISSION NOW “Fairness in Restitution” Town Hall
To Register: https://zoom.us/…/tJIlcu6hrjIuEtc4CSBIG_WenyN5bgnR3krp From Fellow Traveler Tanya Pierce: “In 2022, The Ladies of Hope Ministries launched the #REMISSIONNOW campaign (https://thelohm.org/remissionnow/). We held a lunch and learning session with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the U.S. Pardon Attorney to raise awareness about the impact of restitution, share how restitution for many is a “life sentence,” and advocate ... Read more
Center for Justice & Human Dignity Rewriting the Sentence Summit II on Alternatives to Incarceration
Our friend and White Collar Week podcast guest Christopher Poulos, Executive Director of Center for Justice and Human Dignity , has organized this important conference. It is especially on-point for Fellow Travelers and all members of the white collar justice community. We will be sending a contingent and hope to see you there! “Join us on October 16-17, ... Read more
American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section Fall Institute, Washington, DC, Open to All
Please join us for the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Fall Institute on Friday, November 3, 2023 at the Madison Hotel, 1177 15th Street, Washington, DC. Last year, 15 Fellow Travelers attended this conference together and then we all went out to Carmine’s Italian Restaurant for an evening of camaraderie, stories, laughter – and great ... Read more
Jeff Grant has been Appointed Co-Chair, American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section Reentry & Collateral Consequences Committee
The American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section has announced the appointment of Jeff Grant as Co-Chair of the Reentry & Collateral Consequences Committee. Jeff Grant brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to criminal justice reform to his new position as Co-Chair. He has consistently demonstrated a dedication to addressing the challenges individuals ... Read more
Event: Legal Action Center’s Arthur Liman Public Interest Awards Benefit, NYC, Tues., Nov. 7, 2023
Join us for Legal Action Center’s Arthur Liman Public Interest Awards Benefit on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at Tribeca Rooftop. Legal Action Center I am honored to serve on the Board of Directors of Legal Action Center – Jeff Reserve your tickets now: https://secure.givelively.org/event/legal-action-center/50th-anniversary-arthur-liman-public-interest-awards-benefitFor over half a century, the Legal Action Center has been the only ... Read more
Social Justice: The Keepers of the Commons at The Nantucket Project
Keepers of the Commons is creating a new way to stimulate neighborhoods by identifying and connecting often overlooked community leaders to well-established policy and ideas events. We are cultivating local talent to diversify the pipeline by thinking differently about the traditional leadership development paradigm. I am honored to have been a 2017 The Keepers Of ... Read more
P.R.I.D.E. Entrepreneurial Program in Connecticut
A course filled with information on how to go into business. It is exclusively for inmates, released inmates & people with a criminal background. It covers all areas such as Banking, Law, Insurance, Accounting, Marketing , Sales, Life Lessons, Business Plan, Positive Mental Attitude & more. What makes it unique is that it is 60% ... Read more
Emily Hart Elected to the Board of Directors of Family ReEntry
Emily Hart recently expanded her involvement with the non-profit community from New York to Connecticut when she joined the Board of Directors in September 2016. Previously, Emily worked as a Substance Abuse Counselor in New York providing counseling services for prevention, alternative to incarceration, and parole and probation treatment mandates. After receiving her LMSW from ... Read more
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Contact Information
Mailing
Progressive Prison Ministries, Inc.
516 S. Dixie Hwy., Box 222
West Palm Beach, Florida 33401
Phone
(212) 671 3250
E-Mail
info@prisonist.org