Our History

Our History

Community Forgiveness and Restoration Initiative (CFR)

A Faith-Based Reentry Movement of Hope and Transformation

The Community Forgiveness and Restoration Initiative (CFRI) Initiative was founded by Dr. Thomas Robinson, who has been incarcerated for over 27 years. While confined at SCI-Graterford, Dr. Robinson experienced a profound spiritual transformation that inspired him to glorify God without compromise. Through this divine calling, he created CFRI a faith-based reentry program rooted in the life-giving principles of Christianity, designed to help others experience healing, growth, and purpose.

Dr. Robinson holds Doctoral Degrees in Theology and Christian Counseling, is a preacher of the gospel, and a dedicated jailhouse legal assistant, offering both spiritual and legal guidance to fellow incarcerated citizens. His passion for ministry, education, and justice has laid a powerful foundation for lasting transformation.

After interviewing hundreds of individuals who returned to prison and conducting extensive research on recidivism, Dr. Robinson saw the urgent need for a comprehensive, faith-centered solution to break the cycle. CFRI launched on April 22–23, 2015, with the original stage play “Going Home”, written and performed by residents at SCI-Graterford. CFRI was guided by a passionate Internal Board, led by men of vision and faith:

CFRI Internal Board Members:

  • Dr. Thomas Robinson, Ph.D., D.Min. Chairman

  • Jorge Cintron, Jr., Co-Chairman

  • Steve Colegrove Assistant to Chairman/Treasurer

  • Warren Summer Assistant to Co-Chairman/Treasurer

  • Fred Page, Secretary

  • Lloyd T. Reid, Board Member

  • Romanus Miles, Board Member

  • Anthony Gonzalez, Board Member

  • Mojica Francisco, Member

  • Alex Crespo, Member

  • Lanier James, Member

CFRI hosted its first Restoration Conference (with the support of prison administration), introducing the initiative to elected officials, clergy, and community leaders. That year, CFRI also began supporting families by donating clothing, toys, and Christmas gifts for the children of incarcerated parents.

From 2015 to 2017, CFRI laid a solid foundation through internal workshops, financial seminars, clergy conferences, and the development of its 16-week transformation curriculum.

In 2018, CFRI took a major step forward by establishing an external support team to extend its mission into the community. This dedicated team included:

  • Dr. Larry Anderson, Pastor of Great Commission Church

  • Pastor Darryl Dade, Pastor of Living Water Christian Fellowship

  • Penny McDonald, Certified Biblical Counselor, Co-Founder of Multiple Lifers Initiatives

  • Dr. Jean Wright, Author, Speaker, Clinical & Forensic Psychologist

  • Rodney Little, President/CEO of RL Little Consulting, Veterans Multi-Service Center

  • Linda Chester, Mental Health Therapist, Deaconess at Great Commission Church

  • Regina Russell, Mental Health Therapist, Certified Biblical Counselor

  • And many others who embraced and supported CFRI’s Vision

This transition marked the evolution of CFRI from an in-prison initiative to a community-supported reentry network, offering holistic support and wraparound services to returning citizens and their families.

From 2015 to 2025, CFRI served over 100 individuals annually, providing a wide range of transformational services including:

  • GED and computer classes

  • Free two-year college enrollment

  • Mental health and clinical services

  • Financial literacy and legal rights education

  • Job readiness, interviewing skills, and job fairs

  • Housing and veterans’ rights support

  • Music lessons and free instruments

  • Stipends, clothing assistance, and alumni membership

  • Encouragement from elected officials, judges, and spiritual leaders

  • One-on-one Life Coaching and long-term mentorship

  • And many other resources

CFRI’s success is most visible in the extraordinary stories of men and women who have committed to and graduated from our program. Many now serve as Life Coaches, walking alongside others on their journey of reentry, proof that transformation is not only possible, but powerful.

Our mission is driven by Love, fueled by Faith, and sustained by Purpose. CFRI continues to grow because the need is great, and our passion is greater.

Our motto is: Don’t Let Your Past, Dictate Your Future.

CFRI is more than a reentry program it’s a Movement of Restoration, Hope, and

Second Chances through the Power of God.

Dr. Thomas E. Robinson