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.
