1st Quarter Newsletter (2026)

Published On: May 22, 2026|Categories: Newsletter|

Coming Down the Home Stretch

It’s been a long 19 month renovation at Pathways to Hope, but amazingly rewarding. The Lord has certainly sent “workers” into this plentiful harvest.

The walk-in cooler had become the biggest “catch all” at Pathways throughout that time. We were chomping at the bit to convert it to a library and computer lab at some point and the time had come.

With a host of amazing help, prayer and donors, we have completed that build out.

So what’s next? There are two majors and a few minors. We’ll keep you posted!

Darryll Davis

Cinematic Inspiration: Recapping Our Night at the Movies

On February 22, 2026, the community of The Prisoner’s Hope gathered for a powerful “Night at the Movies.” With over 110 people in attendance, the event was a vibrant display of fellowship and shared purpose, filling the room with an energy that was both hopeful and focused.

Faith on the Big Screen

The evening’s highlight was a screening of I Can Only Imagine 2. Building on the emotional legacy of the first film, this sequel resonated deeply with our mission, exploring themes of redemption, the power of persistence, and the belief that no story is ever truly over. Seeing these messages play out on the big screen provided a perfect backdrop for our community to reflect on the work we do every day.

Supporting the $26 for 2026 Club

The gathering served as a central rally point for our $26 for 2026 Club fundraiser. As we move further into the year, the pledges made during the event serve as the foundation for our upcoming initiatives. The high attendance and the enthusiasm for the fundraiser underscored a collective commitment to seeing the “Hope” mission thrive throughout 2026.

A Special Thank You

This evening would not have been possible without the generosity of our partners. We would like to extend a sincere thank you to Xscape Theatre for furnishing the movie for our event. Their support provided the professional cinematic experience our guests enjoyed and allowed us to keep the focus where it belongs: on the community and the cause.

Events like these remind us that when we come together, our potential for impact is limitless. Thank you to everyone who spent their evening with us.

Expanding the Team, Deepening the Hope

As The Prisoner’s Hope continues to grow and evolve, our mission remains the same: providing a bridge of restoration and support for those navigating the journey of incarceration and reentry. However, reaching more lives requires a stronger foundation and a more focused vision.

That is why we are thrilled to introduce two new faces to our leadership team—individuals who bring both professional expertise and a deep-seated passion for our community.

Meet Our New Team Members

Steve Green | Strategic Administrator

Steve joins us in a pivotal role designed to streamline our operations and scale our impact. With his hand on the “rudder” of our organizational strategy, Steve will ensure that every resource we have is utilized effectively to serve our clients and supporters.

BIO: From the moment his parents bought him a transistor radio at the age of 6, he knew what he wanted to be when he grew up. Steve spent over 45 years in the broadcasting industry with a passion for Christian radio, connecting people with Jesus and sharing the hope that is only found in him.

Over the last several years, Steve has wrestled with a calling from God to be more on the front lines of ministry. His love for the work of The Prisoner’s Hope has led him to a new phase of life and ministry. In the end, it’s all about seeing lives touched and changed by the loving grace of Jesus Christ.

Steve and his wife Shelly have been married for 34 years and have one son, Luke, who is 24.

Chris Smith | Pathways to Hope Site Manager

Chris steps into a vital role at the heart of our programming. As the lead for Pathways to Hope, Chris will be working directly on the front lines, coordinating the essential mentorship and reentry services that empower individuals to build a sustainable, flourishing future.

BIO: My name is Christopher Smith. I was born on Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, in May of 1961. I traveled the world with my parents and brothers until my Father retired in 1977. We moved to Fern Creek, Ky, where I graduated from Fern Creek High School in 1980. After graduating, I enlisted in the United States Air Force, where I served 8 years as a flight medic. I was called to the ministry in 1988 while attending Houston’s First Baptist Church and was licensed to preach by Dr. John Bisango. Unfortunately, I had not dealt with the Demons from my past and was arrested in 1999 and sentenced to 15 years in the Texas Department of Corrections.

While serving that time, God did a work of healing in my life and gave me a passion for people that are considered to be the lepers of today, those whom society and, unfortunately, even most churches won’t touch. I have prayed since the day of my release for the opportunity to serve in a ministry that wasn’t afraid to reach the forgotten. God always has a plan and that plan came to fulfillment when I was introduced to Darryll Davis and the rest, as they say, is history! I currently serve as the house manager for Pathways to Hope and have the privilege of going to work every day and feeding into the lives of the men that reside there. Never let anyone tell you that the plans that God has for you are impossible. I am living proof that with God all things are possible.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Steve and Chris! Their arrival marks an exciting new chapter for our organization as we work together to turn hope into action.

A Growing Community

We were thrilled to host 68 mentors this year, marking a significant turnout for our mission. Most notably, the room included 22 new mentors who are just beginning their journey with us. Seeing such a large cohort of new volunteers ready to step into this vital role was truly the highlight of the morning, signaling a bright future for our expansion and outreach.

Inspiration and Instruction

The day was packed with high-value sessions designed to equip our team for the year ahead:

The 3/3 DBS Presentation: Gus, Fred and Joe delivered a masterful 3/3 Discovery Bible Study presentation that was as practical as it was engaging. They introduced the PANDO app for online study and their ability to break down complex Bible study dynamics into actionable steps left the room feeling prepared and focused.

Glenda’s Training Session: Glenda led an inspired session that sparked deep engagement. The floor was open to a wealth of audience feedback and insightful questions, proving once again that our mentors are as thoughtful as they are dedicated.

Fueling the Mission

No great training day is complete without a chance to recharge and connect over a meal. Noah’s Kitchen provided a spectacular lunch that kept everyone fueled and ready for the afternoon sessions.

The camaraderie reached a high point when the room broke into a chorus of “Happy Birthday” for Joe, reminding us all that while the work we do is serious, the family we build along the way is what sustains us.

Celebrating Our Team

We took a moment to recognize the engine behind the scenes—our wonderful staff. A special “welcome to the team” went out to our newest staff members, Chris and Steve. Their energy is already making a difference, and we are grateful to have them on board.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up another successful training day, we want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who attended. Whether you are one of our 22 newest recruits or a long-standing partner in this work, your presence makes The Prisoner’s Hope what it is today.

Let’s carry this momentum forward into a year of hope, healing, and hard work.

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