An Inmate Led Outreach
In partnership with Jefferson Correctional Institution located in Monticello, Florida, Higher Love’s Amplify Dorm Program opened its doors in April of 2024. In March of 2026, the Amplify Program expanded to two dorms with a combined capacity of 136 men.
HEAL
GROW
INSPIRE
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FDC approved photos
“I’ve been in prison most of my life and I didn’t see a reason to keep on living. But now, I can take the things I’ve learned in Amplify and share it with young men who come here, so hopefully they can change their lives. I now see that I have a purpose.” (M.L.)
Since I’ve been in prison (five years...with many more to
go), I pretty much lost everthing I held dear, including
myself. Had you told me six years ago that I wuld have
the privilege and honor of leading 70+ men to a new
way of thinking and giving them a positive
perspective on life and the prison mentality, I would have laughed!
The lessons I’ve learned and the tools I’ve
been given since being in the Amplify
Dormitory Program have been an amazing
gift. The team has taught me to give up the
hurtful habits and painful memories that
have held me down my whole life, and how
to turn them into positive life lessons that
I can teach others..like, how to overcome
their past hang-ups and hurts. I’m still
“healing” from my past, I’m “growing”
mentally, and now I get to “inspire” other
men to do the same with hopes that they will accomplish the same for themselves and teach others. [AMPLIFY, HEAL,
GROW, INSPIRE!] My journey is far from over, but my
future is far brighter than it used to be!
THE CURRICULUM
The Amplify Dorm curriculum is a unique, creative and researched based curriculum, using the power of “Story” and education to provide healing, growth and to discover ways to inspire others. The use of lecture, small groups, art, music, journaling and books are part of the learning and living environment.
The curriculum is best described as a hybrid model. Some of the curriculum is presented in a Training of Trainer model by identified inmates, and other courses involve professionals who come to the prison to provide core classes and electives, utilizing a variety of educational modalities. In addition to the 7 core courses, participants are required to be participating in 3 elective activities at any given time.
DORM LIFE
Our goals for those living in the Amplify Dorm include not only reducing recidivism but also enhancing their sense of purpose as well as creating a safe environment to be vulnerable as they practice new skills to live in community, whether that be inside or outside the prison walls.
"One of the main skills Amplify has helped me develop, is recognizing when something is just not right with my emotions. If troubling thoughts and beliefs were trees, I've identified several that I've been ignoring, as well as some I chopped down long ago, but forgot to dig up the roots." (JF)
Having spent more than half of my life in prison (36
years). I feel that I’ve finally found my purpose in the
Amplify Dormitory Program. I consider myself
intelligent, but I’ve learned
that intelligence
without heart is just
intelligence!
I’ve found peace, love,
God, and family right here
behind the wire. I
guess...if you really
come down to it, I’ve found
freedom!
MINISTRY OF PRESENCE
The presence of regular visitors to the dorm falls within what Higher Love calls the "Ministry of Presence". The men call it MOP. The Amplify Program utilizes volunteers who develop and provide various elective and required courses, creative and educational workshops, provide various avenues of support for special events and engaging with inmates via regular visits in the dorm. Involvement of volunteers communicates to the men their value as a human being and that they have worth. As the men assimilate these concepts, it builds trust which encourages vulnerability, changes their sense of worth, self-concept and helps to transform maladaptive schemas.
"Since moving into the Amplify dorm, you all keep coming in. You seem to really care. I don't want to let you down." (KB)