TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) --
Just in time for Father's Day, a local church is recognizing those who have turned their lives around. According to the National Resource Center on Incarcerated Children and Families, before they were incarcerated, 50% of fathers had at least one child living with them.
"There's no words. I mean, I'm really, really just blessed. It's humbling and it's something I'll never take for granted again." says Sterling Westberry. He was sentenced to life in prison for a non-violent drug charge. He got out early, 1 year ago. This Father's Day, he's with loved ones.
The Joseph International Project helps men like Westberry acclimate to their families and the community when they're released from prison. The program helps them get housing, education and employment. For Westberry, it pushed him to do much more. Westberry is the owner of Westbucks Fresh Fruits. He says, "I've also started 2 businesses. I have a fruit businesses that's mobile around town and I have a seafood company, me and my wife. I've accomplished being a great grandfather since I've been home, a man of God and a leader in my community."
Pastor Greg James has helped hundreds of returning prisoners since starting the program in 2013. This Father's Day, he threw a celebration at Life Church International Center in honor of those who have returned their heart back to their family, friends and community. Pastor Greg James says, "There are 1.5 million people who are presently impacted by returning back. Every household, possibly, can say I know somebody or I have somebody."
That's why Pastor James started this project, offering a path in the right direction. The Joseph International Project is a compass for men and women who want to turn their lives around, to recommit to their families and their future. Every year, more ex-convicts are reunited with their families thanks to this project.
Westberry's success story is one of many. Keith Allen also has his own business now. He says, he wanted to be a role model for his grandchildren. Keith Allen is the owner of Big K Lawn Service. He says, "A lot of guys don't get a a chance to see their grandkids and their families that's locked up. So, it's a big honor for me to have my grandkids and my daughters and my wife. "
