CMI Award

Linda Strom

2022

Linda, President of Discipleship Unlimited, co-founded Discipleship Unlimited with her late husband, Dallas, in 1974. She is astounded at what God has done with Faith Based Dorms, reentry, and relationships. Women’s lives have been restored and redirected to Christ.

Linda was introduced to death row inmate Karla Faye Tucker in 1987. They were friends for 11 years, and Karla was a vital participant in the ministry of Discipleship Unlimited. When Karla received her execution date, she asked Linda to walk alongside her on her journey. Linda wrote a book about this adventure entitled Karla Faye Tucker Set Free that is now published in French, German, Spanish, and English.

Linda has developed a partnership with Texas Department of Corrections (TDCJ) for Discipleship Unlimited to offer STRIVE-Reentry Faith-based Dorms in multiple prisons and the DU Ranch-Transitional House for the formerly incarcerated.  Additionally, DU offers weekly programs and yearly outreaches that enrich the incarcerated, including ministry to women on death row and in protective custody.

Every DU program is designed to lead men and women to salvation through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Our goal is to transform hearts from the inside out.

The faith-based dorms shepherded by Discipleship Unlimited exist to equip women to function as a model of Christian community. Through Christ-centered programming, curriculum, and interactive small groups, these dorms have proven themselves as effective methods of battling recidivism and spreading the news of the Kingdom.

Discipleship Unlimited’s first faith-based dorm in the Murray Unit at Gatesville, Texas, began in 2006, and its rapid success resulted in the establishment of additional dorms at Hobby, Mountain View, Hilltop Trusty, and Marlin N-1. With God’s provision, the hard work of our volunteers, and the generous donations of our supporters, we will continue to minister to the women in white.

Joseph Williams

2021

Leading social entrepreneur Joseph Williams is on a mission to restore the lives of those affected by crime. His passion for helping the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and their families reach their God­ given potential is born from his own personal battles.

As Founder and CEO of New Creations Community Outreach (formerly Transition of Prisoners), he developed and implemented a number of innovative approaches that have helped others to experience total restoration. An evaluation of New Creations’ TOP program found that those who graduated from the TOP program were ten times less likely to have any further contact with the criminal justice system than a control group consisting of those who did not go through the program. As a result of the innovation and success of the TOP program, Joseph was recognized as an outstanding social entrepreneur in 2006 by Ashoka: Innovators for the Public, a global organization that promotes unique ways of addressing pressing social problems.

These successes continue to provide Joseph with the opportunity to share his expertise with other professionals at various forums around the nation. Among them are the prestigious bodies of the U.S. House of Representatives and the National Institute of Corrections. Joseph has served as a visiting professor for Great Lakes Christian College.

R. Steve Lowe

2020

Serving justice-involved youth in juvenile halls, camps, and ranches since 1970, Steve Lowe has over five decades of experience as a Deputy Probation Counselor, Institutional Therapist, Para-chaplain, and Correctional Chaplain.

Steve has served as the Senior Protestant Chaplain for the Orange County Probation and Social Services Department since 1981. In 1985 he founded Pacific Youth Correctional Ministries, which currently serves in 3 states, 13 counties and approximately 50 facilities. As Executive Chaplain, Steve oversees the ministry of Pacific Youth. 

Steve collaborates and networks with major justice-related organizations, including Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association, Correctional Ministries Institute, Marsh Center for Chaplaincy Studies, Every Youth—Every Facility, Lausanne—North America, Christian Association of Youth Mentoring, Prison Fellowship and more. Steve is an ordained minister of the gospel, married to his helpmate Jan for over 56 years, and has 2 grown children: Jeff and Jessica.

Queen Mother Helen Sinclair

2018

Helen Sinclair, known as Queen Mother, born in 1920, is a second-generation chaplain.  She picked up the caring mantle from her mother, the Rev. Jessie “Ma” Houston, who founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference Prison Ministry under the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  The work presently continues with Rainbow PUSH Coalition under the leadership of the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr, President & Founder. 

Queen Mother drove her mom’s van, which had on it, “I was in prison and you visited me” and served as her secretary before old enough to go into the prison.  A Warden saw the faithfulness of Helen and her mother, and he hired them to serve as Chaplains and gave permission to minister in every prison in the State of Illinois.  Queen Mother, ordained by the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, has served the incarcerated not only in Illinois but in Cuba, and Central and South Africa. As one article states, “Queen Mother is still a beacon of hope to the incarcerated.” When I talked with her yesterday, she said, “I love it.  It keeps me young.”   

Thank you for your many years of faithful service and bringing the hope of Christ to so many.

 Her mother Jessie “Ma” Houston, known as the Rosa Parks of the North, was a prison chaplain and prayer warrior.  Dr. King said when Ma Houston prayed, he felt safe.  Ma Houston began reading the Bible to a friend’s son who was incarcerated and was known as the Angel of death row as she ministered with the men.  Her van had the verse written on it, “I was in prison and you visited me.”

Dale Pace

2017

Dale K. Pace has written extensively on Correctional Chaplaincy. He authored A Christian’s Guide to Effective Jail & Prison Ministries, “Religion and Offender Rehabilitation,” Holistic Approaches to Offender Rehabilitation, “The Potential of Christianity to Rehabilitate Criminals,” Journal of American Scientific Affiliation, “Religious Programs in Jails,” Corrections Today (April 198), and “Dealing With The Whole Person,” American Jails, September/October 2000.  Pace served as a chaplain and Central Virginia regional coordinator with Good News Jail & Prison Ministries throughout the 1970’s. During that time he was certified as a Supervisor Chaplain by the Association of Evangelical Institutional Chaplains and led reviews of jail chaplaincy programs in five states.  In 1979 he returned to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, retiring from its Principal Professional Staff a specialist in operations research in 2005.  In the summer of 1979, he was asked to become the leader of Christian ministry at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC) in Maryland and founded what is now known as Christian Jail Ministry, Inc. (CJM).  He has served in every role at CJM including chaplain and president of the CJM Board. At present, he is the CJM Lead Chaplain (a role that combines executive leadership of the non-profit CJM and ministry as a chaplain). He has been the primary trainer of CJM volunteers for the past two decades.

Scottie Barnes

2016

Scottie grew up visiting her father who was in prison.  At his grave she remembers saying, “If God could ever use the story of his life, I’d share it wherever God wanted it told.”  God provided open doors for her to share in prisons, churches, and children’s homes. 

In October of 2000, Forgiven Ministries was established which provides One Day with God camps where parent and child could reconcile with one another and spend time together with God-anointed mentors beside them.  The day includes games, crafts, lunch, music, clowns, an illusionist, face painting, and a parent and child quiet time.  It is a divinely appointed time for both child and inmate where both can experience the love of God and find forgiveness and reconciliation.  If one child could have a Christ-centered Mom or Dad return home from prison, there would be a joyous change in that home forever, and it could change the path that child takes in life. 

Ilinda Jackson

2015

Ilinda Jackson is pastor of the Secret Place Community Church, a church with a heart for the surrounding community, including hurting women and their children. She is dedicated to taking a message to the community; that it will take not only the participation of individuals, but also that of the business owners, churches, and foundations to bring community wholeness. She is the founder and CEO of Raising the Standard Ministries, Inc., located in Oklahoma City, OK, a unique and innovative ministry that has apprehended the true essence of “transitional living” with six life-changing houses.

Ilinda is also a chaplain and works with the Oklahoma Department of Corrections as the Agency Volunteer Services Coordinator. She is President Emeritus of the Correctional Ministries and Chaplains Association (CMCA).

Jerry Blassingame

2014

Jerry Blassingame is the Executive Director of Soteria Community Development Corporation and Senior Pastor of Soteria Christian Fellowship. He endeavors to empower individuals and the community through education, affordable housing, financial wisdom, community and economic development, and entrepreneurship.

Pastor Jerry enrolled in correspondence courses at Columbia International University and studied architectural engineering at Greenville Technical College. He was employed as a senior technician at a geo-technical engineering firm. In 1999, Pastor Jerry opened the doors of Soteria World Outreach Ministries (SWOM), a prison ministry, transitional housing provider, and mentorship program for men and women released from South Carolina prisons that have proven that they want to re-enter society as positive influences. SWOM has received state and national acclaim for its work to inspire hope, rebuild lives, and reduce recidivism. As the services expanded, so did Pastor Jerry’s role as Executive Director of SWOM. His duties and leadership role included managing housing, organizing regular community projects concerning economic development, and operating a community foodbank and an outreach program at Redemption World Outreach Center. Later, it became apparent that SWOM and Redemption Community Development Corporation shared a similar purpose to promote housing, transitional services, economic development, and financial education. In 2007, the two organizations merged, forming Soteria Community Development Corporation (CDC).

Since the merger under Pastor Jerry’s leadership, Soteria CDC has continued to receive recognition for its community service:

Lennie Spitale

2011

At the age of 30, Lennie Spitale’s anger and rebellion resulted in over 35 different jobs, several incarcerations, and finally a prison sentence for armed robbery in 1966, a charge which was later reduced to assault and robbery during the trial.

Upon release, Lennie continued to drift and to get into trouble. In the spring of 1975, God broke into life and granted him saving faith in Jesus Christ. He quickly began to experience God’s life-changing power. In 1977, he started leading weekly Bible studies at a local jail and visiting the men at their cells. In1979, he and his wife joined the prison ministry team of Campus Crusade for Christ. 1982, Lennie joined Vision New England, serving them as Director of Prison Ministries for the next 22 years.

In August of 1993, Lennie became one of the few men in recent New Hampshire history to receive a complete pardon from the Governor and his council. In 2002, the fruit of his ministry led to the publication of his first book, Prison Ministry: Understanding Prison Culture Inside and Out by Broadman & Holman Publishers, which Chuck Colson endorsed by saying, “This may well be the definitive book on prison ministry.” Four more publications followed: a guide for families experiencing the sudden incarceration of a loved one; a booklet for helping families maintain good relationships while separated; and one that provides guidelines for a healthy re-entry process. In 2012 a correspondence course for Christians in prison was also released

Lennie served with Good News Jail & Prison Ministry from 2004 to 2008 as part of their chaplaincy training team and as a regional director. He has served as a chaplain and today he volunteers weekly in two local county facilities. He continues to write and speak as the Lord provides opportunity. Lennie lives in the Philadelphia area with his wife, Gwen.

Manuel Cordero

2010

Chaplain Manuel A. Cordero, D. Min. is the Correctional Ministries Representative of the Assemblies of God.  He began serving in prison ministries 34 years ago as a volunteer.  He then served as a staff chaplain, supervisory chaplain, regional chaplain and retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons as an Assistant to the Chief of Chaplains in Washington, DC. Chaplain Cordero has not only preached Jesus but has also exemplified Christ’s life in action by working diligently where ever he could, to assist inmates in receiving proper care. In his recent trip to Uganda he met with prison officials in that country and organized a means by which the Gospel was preached, clothes and personal hygiene items were provided, and Bibles were presented. Manuel’s compassionate heart prompted him to personally organize resource raising efforts to provide care items for men and women locked behind bars in foreign countries. He also continues this same effort for inmates in the U.S. as well.

Dr. Cordero earned an M.Div from the Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and a D. Min. in marriage and family therapy from Palmer Seminary.  He is a professor at the Washington, DC of Nyack College.  He is an internationally sought after trainer and speaker.

Jody Pinckney

2009

Jody Pinckney devoted many years to serving the women at Washington Corrections Center for Women in Gig Harbor, WA.  Her vision of a women’s conference in prison became a reality, when she launched the first Women of Faith Conference in 1997 and it continues on through the present.  The weekend conference transforms the chapel into a beautiful sanctuary, with candle-lit dining tables, guest speakers and Gospel singers.  It has become the premier event that takes place at WCCW for both staff and inmates.  During her 15 years at WCCW, she established a Leadership Team, led weekly church services,  launched a Leadership Development program and developed Bible study series.

“Ms. Pinckney’s ministry exemplifies pastoral leadership.  She has deep concern for people and respect for those who differ from her.  She has prophetic insight which leads to opposing injustice wherever it is found; for her commitment to Christ in seeking reconciliation between offenders and their families.  She is kind, humble, forgiving and full of love.  She is a true Ambassador of Christ.” ~ Belinda Stewart, Communications and Outreach Director, Department of Corrections, Washington State.

Carmen Warner-Robbins

2008

Carmen Warner-Robbins is the founder of Welcome Home Ministries, a faith-based women’s re-entry ministry located in San Diego County, California.  Welcome Home is staffed by women who have been successful in their re-entry and who have experienced the hopeless feelings of incarceration.  Carmen has been in correctional ministry for approximately 20 years.  She started by volunteering in the Kairos community at Donavon Prison for men but after seven years of working with men, launched into ministry primarily to women.  She became one of the chaplains for the Vista County Jail and started meeting with incarcerated women one-on-one.

“Carmen’s Christian commitment exemplifies Christ.  She exudes the godly-woman Christ has called her to be.  Carmen walks in God’s light and never wavers from her calling to preach the Good News.  She is the sevant God has asked her to be, humble; stepping into areas she has never been in, only to tell all who will listen about Christ’s love for them. She has shown us how to become the women God created us to be.  She is our mentor and has taught us the art of being a refined lady.  She has set the bar higher for our growth, and believed in us when we couldn’t believe in ourselves.  She never accepted the “I can’t,” she always showed us we could.” ~ Donna Nickel, Reentry Coordinator at WHM

Emmett Solomon

2006

Emmett began jail ministry as a volunteer in 1955.  After attending seminaries in New York, Kentucky and Fort Worth, TX, he began his career as a Correctional Chaplain in 1964 at the Huntsville Unit of the Texas Department of Corrections.  He has an M.S. in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University.  After 20 years as a Chaplain he was promoted to the Director of Chaplain’s Office where he served for 10 years.  In 1993 he took an early retirement and founded the Restorative Justice Ministries Network.  In conjunction with the First Baptist Church, the network distributes to churches and ministries, the names and addresses of formerly incarcerated people who have asked to be contacted by churches and ministries after they return to their home communities.  Emmett is anticipating his 48^th wedding anniversary and his wife Jan, they have two sons, and three grandchildren.

On August 2, 2006, the office of Restorative Justice Ministries Network burned down and all was lost.  Emmett’s response:  I have just talked with Emmett Solomon and he said they are doing well.  He thanks all of you for your prayers and feels blessed – the Lord is providing!   Continued prayer for the RJMN staff as they deal with the trauma and details of re-establishing the ministry office would be appreciated.  He said “it’s the Lord’s ministry and knowing that reduces the stress.”

Warden Burl Cain

2003

(Updated 2020) Nathan “Burl” Cain is a renowned correctional professional known for his transformative and innovative work in the Louisiana prison system during a storied career spanning more than 40 years. Gov. Tate Reeves appointed him as Commissioner for the Mississippi Department of Corrections effective May 21, 2020.

Cain retired from the Louisiana Department of Corrections (LDOC) after leading an evolution of change at the Louisiana State Penitentiary (LSP), once known as the “Bloodiest Prison in America.” Under his 21 years of leadership, LSP, the state’s only maximum-security prison, became one of the safest, most secure, and progressive maximum-security prisons in the nation. The prison houses more than 6,300 inmates with more than 4,000 serving life sentences for violent crimes. Two award-winning films about the prison were produced during Cain’s administration. The stories are “The Farm: Angola, USA” (1998) and “The Wildest Show in the South: The Angola Prison Rodeo,” (1999), which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short.

In addition to the film, Cain’s work at Angola also has been the subject of numerous articles and books. The book The Angola Prison Seminary contains evidence-based research from Baylor University substantiating the reduction in violence and other positive effects of the faith-based ministry. Another book is Cain’s Redemption: A Story of Hope and Transformation in America’s Bloodiest Prison.

Cain served as Regional Warden from 2007 to 2015, supervising the administration of five prisons, including the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women, and as Warden at LSP from 1995 until 2015. During his tenure as Warden, he founded the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum, KLSP prison television station, the Accredited Hospice Program, and Bible College in conjunction with the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He also expanded the Angola Prison Rodeo, raised private funds to build seven chapels for inmate use, and created a re-entry court program allowing long-term inmates to mentor and equip short-term inmates with job skills to increase employability, successful re-entry, and save tax dollars. He worked with Awana to establish the Malachi Dad’s program, which reconnects inmates with their children and trains them to become positive role models. Through these progressive and rehabilitative programs, LSP’s violence rate dropped more than 60 percent, and gang affiliation disappeared during Cain’s time as warden.

Before his arrival at Angola, Cain served as Warden of Dixon Correctional Institute in Jackson, La., from 1981 to 1995. He began his career in corrections as Assistant Secretary of Agribusiness for the LDOC from 1976 to 1981.

Cain serves as CEO and Founder of the Global Prison Seminaries Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes positive changing of prison culture through theological education programs in prisons throughout the United States and internationally. Prison Seminary Model programs now exist in 17 states, including Mississippi.

Cain is active with the following organizations: American Correctional Association (ACA), where he serves on the Resolutions and Policy Development Committee and as chairman of the Religion and Faith-based Services Committee; Prison Fellowship Ministries, where he serves on the board of directors and the advisory panel for the Warden Exchange Program, which he helped to establish; the Brooklyn Tabernacle, where he serves on the board of directors for the Brooklyn Tabernacle Church; and the Louisiana Department of Corrections Credit Unit, where he is board chairman. He also is a former president of the North American Association of Wardens and Superintendents (NAAWS) and former vice-chairman and state employee representative for the Louisiana Civil Service Commission.

Cain earned a Bachelor of Science degree in vocational agriculture from Louisiana State University and a Master of Science in criminal justice from Grambling State University. Cain is a Certified Corrections Executive through the ACA and is an Emotional Intelligence Certified Practitioner.

Cain is the married father of three children. He is the recipient of the Salvation Army’s Others Award, the 2016 Prison Fellowship Servant of Hope Honoree, the ACA’s E.R. Cass Award for Excellence in Corrections, NAAWS’ 2003 Warden of the Year, and the 2003 Recognition of Outstanding Service in Prison Ministry at Wheaton College’s Billy Graham Center.