Christina's Corner
Freedom Force News
Issue No. 3
Date Published: 05-24-2025
Primed and Ready to Podcast
Recently, Freedom Force Florida was absolutely honored to be invited as a guest on the Texas Prison Transparency Project podcast. I was already familiar with their work, so I knew their audience doesn’t tune in each week just for the stories — they come back because of how powerfully those stories are connected to real people. That kind of storytelling doesn’t just inform — it moves people. It builds community. And that’s what we’re here for.
We Are All Made Here
I love podcasts that make me think. This time, I had the chance to speak instead of listen — and my hope was to offer something grounding. A space that feels like a soft place to land in the middle of a hard, heavy system. There’s something deeply powerful about coming together for the same goal. The power of community reminds me, again and again, that change doesn’t happen alone — it happens in numbers. And this podcast is a perfect example of that.
A Story Never Told
It’s easy to get stuck seeing things from one angle. We forget to ask different questions, or to consider if there might be another way forward. Sometimes the answer is to improve what already exists. Other times, it’s to disrupt it entirely and start in a new direction. That’s a hard thing to figure out — and a necessary one. It takes all of us, bringing different lived experiences and ideas, to know the difference. If ever there was a time to challenge the norm, it’s now.
Run Towards the Roar
This episode dove deep into the brutal summer conditions inside Texas and Florida prisons — where there’s no air conditioning, no ventilation, and no relief. That matters. A prison sentence is the punishment. It’s not supposed to become a death sentence. We talked about how public bias still leans toward cruelty over rehabilitation, and how that’s a direct violation of the Eighth Amendment. We also covered potential solutions — and the tough resistance reformers face from those in power.
Being a part of this conversation was truly life-changing. It lit an even stronger fire under the movement we’re building — a movement for radical, human-centered change in a system that’s already broken.
We Shift Systems Together
We’re just getting started. If you’re ready to be part of the change, subscribe to our blog, connect with us on social media, and share our campaigns. This work needs all of us. We Will Win.
Freedom Force News
Issue No. 1
Date Published: 05-17-2025
Christina’s Corner -Hello everyone! Welcome to our inaugural blog post at Christina’s Corner—a space dedicated to capturing stories of resilience, transformation, and advocacy.
In this first post, I share my personal journey navigating the Florida criminal justice system and how I became an advocate for change. You'll discover the challenges I faced, the unexpected turns my life took, and the mission that emerged from these trials.
When I embarked on the path of Criminal Justice Reform, I was filled with confusion and fear. I didn’t know where to start or how to mend a system so deeply flawed. The idea of engaging with lawmakers was an ambition I held close, yet I constantly questioned why they would listen to me. What could I say about changing laws? Despite my passion for reform, I felt like an imposter unsure if I had the skill or the voice to make a difference.
Today, I am the Director of Operations for Freedom Force Florida, where we strive to reform a system that often prioritizes retribution over rehabilitation and restoration. Join me as I explore the complexities of this system, introduce our approach to meaningful change, and invite you to be part of a movement towards justice and equity.
Where It All Started: My Journey, the System -
Ever had that gut-punch moment when you thought you did everything right in life, but then you find yourself sitting in a county jail and it hits you? Yes, that one. When you realize how easy it is for anyone to end up here.
Let me start by saying that I did not break a life altering law that was created to protect our communities. That is not my story, but what is my story is that I was a victim of domestic violence who when contacted by law enforcement was not believed. I am a survivor of domestic violence, but the official records tell a different story. They reflect an arrest, charges, and a new kind of fear—not of the person who harmed me, but of the very system meant to protect me. Instead of providing safety, it turned against me. My reality was far from the fairy tale I once imagined. My journey through this daunting landscape began when someone I trusted shattered my world.
After enduring an undeserved punishment, I realized I was not the first to be failed by the system, nor would I be the last. This was not the end of my story with the Florida criminal justice system; it was just the beginning.
The Approach: Beyond the Bars -
From my experience, I knew I wanted to transform a broken system—not just for myself, but for everyone affected by a criminal justice system that prioritizes punishment over healing. Together with Freedom Force Florida, we advocate for a comprehensive shift in correctional philosophy.
Our focus is on trauma-informed, evidence-based rehabilitation, including reentry support, systematic rule changes, pre-conviction diversion programs, and operational reforms that balance institutional security with meaningful second chances. We are not just advocating for change; we are embodying it.
Expertise: The Pause that Speaks Volumes -
Amidst the complexities of the Florida criminal justice system, away from the prisons, legislators, and courts, there exists a quiet anticipation—the calm before the storm of Freedom Force Florida. Our team is composed of individuals who have firsthand experience with the system: silent victims, loved ones of the incarcerated, survivors, formerly incarcerated individuals, and advocates.
Together, we are creating roadmaps, sharing stories, and developing strategies rooted in real-life experiences and supported by thorough research.
Conclusion: What’s Next -
Florida's criminal justice system, like many across the United States, faces numerous challenges and opportunities for reform. We are committed to highlighting these issues, fostering informed discussions, showcasing our efforts, and advocating for meaningful changes that can create a more just and equitable system. Our goal is to provide a platform where you can educate yourselves, engage, and contribute to the dialogue surrounding criminal justice reform.
Join us on this journey by subscribing to our blog, connecting with us on social media, and sharing our campaigns.