The InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI) is a revolutionary, Christ-centered, faith-based prison program supporting prison inmates through their spiritual and moral transformation. The InnerChange Freedom Initiative (IFI) is a proven faith-based Reentry Program that was started by Prison Fellowship (PF) in 1997. In 1999, IFI became a separate 501(c) (3) and now contracts with PF for staffing and support services. IFI operates in prisons in cooperation with the state. The state continues to provide food, clothing, shelter and security to the inmates while IFI staff provides the intensive program. The state continues to provide food, clothing, shelter and security to the inmates while IFI staff provides the intensive program. 

This mission of IFI is to create and maintain a prison environment that fosters respect for God's law and rights of others, and to encourage the spiritual and moral regeneration of prisoners. Therefore, they may develop responsible and productive relationships with their Creator, families and communities. 

IFI is very different from many other rehabilitative programs. It utilizes a transformational model of change rather than a therapeutic model. IFI seeks a radical transformation that is only possible through God's power not through human relationships alone. IFI is an integral part of bringing a biblical sense of justice to correctional facilities in America. We are confident that the results will matter. States will realize a spectacular reduction in the rate ex-offenders are returned to prison and Prison Fellowship through equipping, exhorting and assisting the local church to minister to prisoners, victims and their families will realize souls won for the Kingdom of God. 

IFI's unique plan of restoration and progressive programming begins 18 to 24 months before an inmate is released. Provisions have been made for long term inmates to participate in IFI where the security level of the prison is appropriate for long term offenders. The program continues for an additional 6 to 12 months of aftercare once the inmate has returned to the community. Inmates volunteer for the program and must meet several criteria before they are accepted. 

Anchored in biblical teaching that stresses personal responsibility, the value of education and work, care of persons and property and the reality of a new life in Christ, IFI consists of three phases:

Phase One: focuses on the prisoner's internal transformational process and seeks to build spiritual and moral filters. A heavy emphasis on education, work and support helps create a new foundation for productive growth.

Phase Two: tests the inmate's value system in real-life settings and prepares him for life after prison. Inmates may spend much of the day in off-site prison work programs or involved in the Re-Entry portion of the IFI curriculum.

Re-entry: the IFI members are transferred to a Work Release or Halfway House facility to continue their transition process. 
IFI draws heavily upon the local church communities to provide a wide range of volunteers to assist both the inmate and his family during the course of IFI.

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