A group of volunteers met with representatives from Foothills Correctional Institute (FCI), and Western Youth Institution (WYI) in 2009, to address the high recidivism rate being experienced in North Carolina. Volunteers included then current prison volunteers and numerous local clergy and law enforcement officers from Morganton, NC, Hickory NC and surrounding area.

Transformation Journey, Inc was birthed from this group of individuals and was incorporated in February 2010. The initial intent was to work with teenagers incarcerated in Western Youth Institution. However, this was limited in the number of available participants. Subsequently the WYI was closed and many changes were made at FCI.

Eventually, in conjunction with the Chaplains at FCI, arrangements were made to hold classes in the Minimum Custody Unit for any inmates who would be released with 6-12 months. This provided an opportunity to modify the curriculum and the teaching format.

The current curriculum consists of 12 weekly, 2 hour classes, followed by a graduation dinner ceremony with presentations of certificates, a motivational speaker and a time of sharing testimonies. Each graduate is given a resource packet consisting of information, contacts, etc., for the county to which they will be released. Also included is a certificate, pocket calendar, self addressed stamped envelope with a questionnaire for them to return once they are situated so that we can follow up with them.