In the unsettling aftermath of being charged with a white-collar crime, individuals often find themselves at a loss for what to do next. The road ahead can seem daunting, filled with legal complexities and the fear of the unknown. It’s during these trying times that Jeff Grant, co-founder of the White Collar Support Group™ hosted by non-profit Progressive Prison Ministries, offers a guiding light with a simple yet powerful message: “Start Here.”
Jeff Grant‘s journey is one marked by transformation. Having faced his own legal battles and serving almost 14 months in federal prison for a white-collar crime, Grant emerged with a renewed purpose. Alongside his wife, Lynn Springer, he founded Progressive Prison Ministries, the world’s first ministry devoted to supporting individuals and families affected by white-collar crimes. His experiences, both as an attorney and as someone who has navigated the criminal justice system from within, have endowed him with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by those in similar situations.
Recognizing the profound sense of isolation and despair that often accompanies white-collar charges, Grant and Springer initiated the White Collar Support Group™ in 2016. Since its inception, the group has convened over 400 weekly meetings, creating a sanctuary for more than 900 participants from across the globe. This online community offers a space for individuals to share their experiences, fears, and successes, thereby fostering a supportive environment that encourages healing and growth.
What sets the White Collar Support Group™ apart from other forms of legal or psychological support is its comprehensive approach to the challenges its members face. Under Grant’s guidance, the group tackles not just the practical aspects of preparing for and living through a sentence, but also addresses the emotional, spiritual, and familial upheavals that white-collar charges bring about. Each meeting is an opportunity for members to gain insights into managing their situation, from the intricacies of the legal process to the rebuilding of their lives post-incarceration.
To commemorate the milestone of its 400th meeting and to further its mission, Progressive Prison Ministries has launched a new outreach initiative aptly named “Start Here.” This program embodies Grant’s philosophy that reaching out for support at the earliest stages of facing white-collar charges can make a significant difference in the outcomes for individuals and their families. “Start Here” aims to be the first step for those feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances, guiding them towards a path of recovery and redemption.
Grant emphasizes the benefits of seeking support early in the journey through the white-collar criminal justice system. He notes that individuals who connect with the White Collar Support Group™ at the beginning stages of their legal troubles are better equipped to navigate the challenges ahead. By sharing in the collective wisdom and experience of the group, members can avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions about their future.
For anyone facing white-collar charges, the message is clear: you don’t have to go through this alone. The White Collar Support Group™ offers a welcoming community for individuals seeking guidance, support, and understanding. By starting here, members find not just a support group, but a beacon of hope and a roadmap for navigating the difficult journey ahead.
For more information or to register for the next White Collar Support Group™ meeting, visit prisonist.org/contact. In the words of Jeff Grant, “Start Here” is more than just advice—it’s the beginning of a journey toward healing and redemption.
Published By: Aize Perez
