The World’s First Support Group Devoted to Those
Navigating the White Collar Justice System

"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