Is there hope after prison?

As I wrote on my website, http://unavozeneldesierto.vpweb.com, we are all one mistake away from prison. I get a lot of questions about the prison ministry: "Why are they there for?"; "Aren't you afraid when you go in?"; "Do you see change? Is there a way for you to follow, to know if they do change their behavior?" I covered the other questions on the website. But the last question, I waited since I wanted to contact some of the ladies first for permission on sharing their testimonies though I'm not interested in sharing names, I still wanted them to let me share.
Since I started teaching almost two years ago, I have taught over 150 women Spiritual Healing and Boundaries. This is counting only the classes that end with certificates for those who finish. One lasts nine weeks the other six. These women have to commit to take these classes. Once they sign, they can't just leave and the only excuse absence is being sick. By the time we are done, a few have identified with me as their mentor and a bond is formed. Depending where they go after being released, I stay in touch - their decision - at least for a few weeks with some; longer with others. Unfortunately, most of them once we say our last good-byes on the day of their release, I don't hear from them. Some other volunteers may hear and tell me how they are doing. I can testify that of twelve I still see, visit or write to, only one is back in prison. I know of quite a few others that are back but I only knew them by my visiting the dorms often but they did not attend my class. Even the one that is back in prison who took one of my classes, is writing to me because she asked a common friend I write. That's what I mean "their decision". I give them my P.O. Box and is up to them if they want to get in touch. I'm proud to report that of the other eleven ladies whom I hear from regularly, three are in college, four have full-time jobs, two are searching for jobs, one decided to pursue more healing at a center before joining her family, and the other is staying home raising her kids and working on her marriage. Through other ex-inmates I hear from others, and last week I found out that another lady is working and studying and two others have returned home to their parents and are leading full lives staying away from trouble. I believe there is hope for those coming out but they have to want to change and as I tell them submit to GOD and let HIM guide your steps. We can't do it alone. We need HIM and a good support of friends, mentors, and family. I have known of a few others that I met during night services (Church) who are back on the streets. Just last week a lady we had great hopes for and was busy leading others in prison, is back on drugs herself. This lady never attended my classes. She already "knew a lot". She'd bring me other ladies so I'd pray for them and to see if I could take them in my class. But she herself felt too confident that this time (her third) was her last in prison. Raised in a Christian home was introduced to illegal drugs by her husband. A mother of two never could hold a job too long due to her addiction. When I was introduced to her the first time two years ago, she was walking on clouds. She said, "I know why God has me here. This time I got it." I was very sad when I hear about her situation but also thought at how easily pride and the devil's lies can keep us away from what God wants to do with us. Her feeling that she did not need to take my classes or others, kept her away from growing spiritually and forming a strong foundation with Christ. Life after prison? Yes, there are many women who can attest to that, but each individual has to be a willing participant in change.