Resident Stories
Da'Lyn Witherspoon
Current Resident
Da’Lyn Witherspoon is 22 years old. He served 5 years of a 10 year prison sentence. He grew up in the DSS system and belonged to a gang in his teenage years, which was a catalyst for committing his crime of Assault & Battery. He was on trial for murder on two different accounts with not having committed the crime. He prayed as hard as he could the night before he went on trial. The next morning the case was lifted because officials did not trace any evidence of Da’Lyn being connected to the murder. That’s when he knew God had a better plan for his life. Watch Da’Lyn Witherspoon’s documentary above to see how he blossomed into a true man of integrity.
Otis Frazier
Current Resident
Otis praises God that he got out on a life sentence. Once he found Jesus in prison his mindset shifted for the better. His thought process in prison was,”If I want to improve my life, I better start acting like Jesus.” Otis’ gentle and kind soul is highly loved by everybody at FreshStart.
Otis is a survivor of cancer, who spent 22 years of his life inside prison. Otis has seen it and been through it all. But that doesn’t ever detract from the selflessness he gives to this ministry. Unfortunately, Otis’s mediate family are all deceased. He views the people of FreshStart as his family. Therefore, Otis’s dream is to stay and grow with FreshStart for as long as he lives. Otis’ desire to serve his fellow brothers radiates through his words and actions. He is a lovable man who has certainly changed his life. He admits his positive change wasn’t through his own will, but through his savior, Jesus Christ.
Donald Bude
Current Resident
Don Bude has struggled with alcoholism for many years. He has served time for multiple DUI convictions. Don needed a place to stay that would provide stability for him upon release from prison. He constantly expresses his gratitude for FreshStart and has stated he would have already been re-incarcerated, if it weren’t for the residents and staff at FreshStart Visions.
Unfortunately, Don’s chronic health conditions have prohibited him from furthering his employment training through Vocational Rehab, but FreshStart has supported him through his health scares. Don views life on the bright side and his love and respect for others is contagious. Don certainly establishes an optimistic tone for the rest of his brothers in this ministry.
Want to help Don along in his path to rehabilitation? Click GET INVOLVED to be his mentor.
Kelvin Green
Current Resident
Kelvin Green was convicted of Armed Robbery and served a ten year sentence. We accepted him into this program the day he was released, March 1st, 2019. Within three weeks of being at FreshStart, Kelvin earned a leadership role in his house, due to his consistent organizational skills, cleanliness, and constant respect.
As a house manager of FreshStart, Kelvin is currently learning how to apply problem-solving skills for all daily problems. The most recent learning curve has been attempting to fix his house’s hot water heater.
Kelvin works for a local landscaping company and loves it. His goal is to develop his own landscaping business. Kelvin also hopes to speak at schools and juvenile detention centers telling his story, with the hope of influencing youth in a positive direction and away from poor choices. Kelvin’s enthusiasm and joy for life puts a smile on everybody’s face. He knows how to make his brothers laugh in the most opportune times.
If you feel a strong desire to help Kelvin and advance his personal skills, please visit our GET INVOLVED tab to become his mentor.