THE CHARLES COLSON HOPE AWARDS
The Charles Colson Hope Awards, sponsored by Prison Fellowship, recognize people who have faithfully and courageously worked to restore those affected by crime and incarceration. Charles Colson, who founded Prison Fellowship 40 years ago, was at ease with presidents, prisoners, wardens, pastors, laypeople, and legislators. In all times and places, he was a passionate advocate for incarcerated men and women, and their families, sharing his faith in the Gospel and honoring the God-given value and potential of each person. His impact on prison ministry, prison culture, and prison reform has been broad and lasting. In keeping with his inspiring legacy, the Charles Colson Hope Awards honor people who, in following his example, have been role models to others and brought restoration through their sphere of influence.
2016 HOPE AWARD HONOREES
SERVANT OF HOPE
The Charles Colson Servant of Hope award is bestowed annually on a person who has brought the message of hope, redemption, and restoration into correctional environments. Whether as a prison administrator, policymaker, or volunteer, the awardee has demonstrated servant leadership in changing the culture behind bars, making prison a place of renewal and second chances.
BURL CAIN
The Servant of Hope award goes to someone whose work in correctional environments has had an enduring, restorative impact. Perhaps no one has fulfilled that role better than Burl Cain, the legendary former warden of Louisiana’s Angola State Penitentiary. READ MORE
CHAMPION OF HOPE
The Charles Colson Champion of Hope award is bestowed annually on a person whose life has been directly impacted by incarceration—either as a former prisoner or as the child of an incarcerated parent. The awardee has overcome obstacles and opposition to realize their God-given potential and is now making a significant contribution to their community and helping others affected by incarceration.
DANNY CROCE
Danny Croce is what Chuck Colson called a "living monument" to the power of the Gospel. Once a resident at Massachusetts’s Plymouth County Jail, he now serves as chaplain there, and the head of New Hope Correctional Ministry. READ MORE
LEGACY OF HOPE
The Charles Colson Legacy of Hope award is bestowed annually on a person or foundation that has invested faithfully and generously in the restoration of those affected by crime and incarceration. With visionary stewardship, the awardee has enabled the ministry to make significant advancements in its mission.
DAVID & CHARLOTTE CAUWELS
The first Legacy of Hope award goes to David and Charlotte Cauwels and family, who have spent nearly 40 years generously investing in the restoration of those affected by crime and incarceration. READ MORE
ADVOCATE OF HOPE
The Charles Colson Advocate of Hope award is bestowed annually on a person with a record of faithful, unswerving, and winsome advocacy for restorative criminal justice reform—a person whose leadership blazes a trail toward a future of proportional punishment, constructive prison culture, second chances, and safer communities.
SENATOR JOHN CORNYN OF TEXAS
The inaugural Advocate of Hope award goes to Sen. John Cornyn, whose leadership blazes a trail toward a future of proportional punishment, constructive prison culture, second chances, and safer communities. READ MORE
RESTORER OF HOPE
The Charles Colson Restorer of Hope award is bestowed annually on a person who, with sustained compassion for the terrible weight borne by the families of the incarcerated, has come alongside to help carry their burden, share God’s love, and offer hope for restoration.
MARY KAY BEARD
Mary Kay Beard understood that when parents become prisoners, they retain their love and concern for their children. By creating Angel Tree, she helped them restore and strengthen their relationships with their sons and daughters. READ MORE