In the white-collar crime world, the path to redemption and recovery is often clouded with uncertainty, fear, and isolation. For those navigating the treacherous waters of the white-collar criminal justice system, the prospect of finding guidance and support can seem daunting. Enter the non-profit Progressive Prison Ministries and its groundbreaking White Collar Support Group™ — a beacon of hope for many who believe their circumstances necessitate the services of a prison consultant.
On the eve of its 400th meeting, set for February 19, 2024, the White Collar Support Group™ continues to demonstrate that what individuals facing white-collar charges truly need is not a consultant, but a community. Founded in 2016 by Jeff Grant, an ordained minister and lawyer, and his wife, Lynn Springer, the group has forged a unique space where affected individuals and their families find solace, advice, and a way forward.
Unlike prison consultants, who offer advice for a fee, often focusing on how to physically and mentally prepare for incarceration, the White Collar Support Group™ operates on the principle of shared experience and mutual aid. It’s a place where the currency is empathy, understanding, and collective wisdom. Over the years, the group has attracted more than 900 participants from across the globe, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Israel, South America, and the Caribbean, proving the universal need for connection and guidance in the face of adversity.
The group’s weekly meetings on Zoom cover a plethora of topics crucial to those impacted by white-collar crimes — from preparing for prison to rebuilding careers and relationships post-incarceration. These sessions are not just about coping with the immediate challenges of the justice system but also about envisioning and working towards a reinvented life on the other side.
Jeff Grant’s own journey from a federal prison inmate to a beacon of hope for others in similar situations underscores the transformative power of support and understanding over mere consultancy. With both law and Master of Divinity degrees, Grant brings a unique perspective to the challenges faced by those in the group, providing not just guidance but also a living testament to the possibility of redemption and a new beginning.
Deputy Director William Livolsi reinforces the idea that the group’s strength lies in its collective experience rather than prescriptive advice. This approach has cultivated a supportive environment where members learn from each other’s experiences, fostering resilience and growth amidst the most challenging circumstances.
The success of Progressive Prison Ministries and its support group has not gone unnoticed. Featured in prominent publications and media, including the New Yorker and Forbes, and highlighted in platforms such as The Rich Roll Podcast, the ministry’s impact is both profound and far-reaching. It offers an alternative narrative to the journey through the white-collar criminal justice system — one that emphasizes community, spiritual growth, and personal transformation over the transactional nature of prison consultancy.
As the White Collar Support Group™ gears up for its 400th meeting, its message is clear: In the face of white-collar crime prosecution, you don’t need a prison consultant. What you need is a community that understands, supports, and guides you through the darkness towards the light of a hopeful future. For those feeling lost and isolated, the White Collar Support Group™ lights the path forward, proving that together, a new chapter is not just possible, but within reach.
For anyone directly impacted by white-collar criminal justice issues and seeking a path forward, visit prisonist.org/contact to join a community that understands and offers a beacon of hope and support.
Published By: Aize Perez
