FreedomWorks Staff

George was raised in St. Paul and currently lives in Blaine with his wife Ana and their children. George and his family attend Emmanuel Christian Center in Fridley.  George leads FreedomWorks as an example of a life transformed by Christ. Having served three prison sentences, he knows the struggles of reentry firsthand. George’s call to serve men comes from Isaiah 42:22 “These are my people hidden away in caves, dungeons and prisons with no one to speak for them.”

Most of Brad’s professional life has been spent in nonprofit leadership—first with a conservation association and most recently with a veteran medical organization. Brad is a lifelong Minnesotan who loves the outdoors and watching professional and college football and hockey. He enjoys playing the guitar and riding his motorcycle. Brad is married to his wife Stephanie. They have four grown kids, one in Minnesota, one in North Dakota, and two in the Denver area. His favorite bible passage: Psalm 23 (1-4) “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me”.

Randy joins us after returning to the State of Minnesota from Wisconsin where he resided with his wife and three children over the past 15 years.  Randy has worked with at-risk populations throughout his life and ministry in a variety of direct care, and management capacities impacting populations in need of reentry and aftercare service.

Jeff came to FreedomWorks in April 2015 having worked with two other business/ministries that work with people coming through reentry and recovery. His heart is to work behind the scenes to help others be successful.  Jeff’s organizational skills enable him to support both the ministry as well as the others who support it.

Candy has a heart & passion for the recovery community. Having lived most of her life in addiction she knows firsthand what it’s like to be given second chances. Recently she graduated the Healing House program where she was given a second chance at being a mother to her youngest son and has seen countless miracles. Before, joining the team at Freedom Works, she came to Thursday night connection and volunteered.  Candy has 15+ years of experience working in various healthcare roles of management, administration and direct patient care. She looks forward to being able to serve on the team here at Freedom Works

Marissa has been a friend and support of FreedomWorks for many years. She returned to our office in September 2018 bringing her administrative skills to support the FreedomWorks program and the Executive Director.

Stephanie is a single mother of three teenage boys. After multiple medical problems led her to fall into addiction on pain medication she struggled with losing her family, prison and homelessness.  In 2018 she went to Mn Adult and Teen challenge and took control of her life. Surrendering to God and listening to Him, she came through this addiction and God has restored her life. She is currently a full time student at Charis bible college and is learning how to spread the love of Jesus Christ. Wanting to help ease the pain of others in similar situations, she has been volunteering and working with treatment centers and recovery churches. Earlier this summer Stephanie started volunteering here at FreedomWorks.  She has now joined our staff as the Volunteer Coordinator and looks forward to helping others utilize the gifts God has given there here at FreedomWorks.

Marlin has been with FreedomWorks since the fall of 2019 and has deep ties with the recovery and transition community. Marlin is an advocate for affected people touched by incarceration and substance abuse.

Brent is 43 years old, married and raising one child. He has been sober for 10 plus years and believes that Christ came to set us free.  Brent feels blessed and honored to work with men who are searching for a deeper relationship with Christ. God promised that he would be close to the brokenhearted, and he wants to be apart of that in his service to the church.

Tyler came to FreedomWorks after graduating MNTC long term program. God put it into his heart to help others overcome struggles that they are going through.  FreedomWorks blessed him with a platform where he can share the work that God has done in his life and continues to do.

Pedro came to FreedomWorks not knowing what to expect. Through his journey here, he has learned a lot about himself and God. He feels he has gained a family here at FreedomWorks. He feels super blessed to have the opportunity to work here and see people grow in their faith and their desire to better themselves. Every day is like a journey for him trying to better himself and grow closer to God.

Joe was looking for a place to maintain his sobriety and work on his faith. Marlin took his call at the last minute and sold him on FreedomWorks. During his time here, Joe has mentored and volunteered. He was eventually hired on as a maintenance technician, and has now become our full-time Property Manager. He has an associate’s degree in Commercial HVAC, is working on a bachelor’s degree, and has over 15 years of experience in HVAC and related businesses.

Larry came to FreedomWorks as a resident in November 2017. He is giving back by providing assistance to our program staff.

For years Ronda has blessed countless people by providing meals that supported weekly programs and special event dinners.  Her meals, served with love, exhibit her gift of hospitality and make all feel welcomed.

Buck arrived at FreedomWorks during the winter of 2019 with a desire to break free from the drug addiction and the revolving door of prison.  After completing his Intensive Outpatient Program, he participated in the Reentry and Aftercare Program.   That fall, Buck became a House Manager.  He serves all residents on our campus in their various states of participation and is a tireless, selfless servant.

Judy has been in recovery for over 7 years and is thrilled to be working her “Dream Job.”  She retired in March of 2022 after 25 years in food service.  She came thru the doors of Freedom Works and was moved to volunteer with her friend Stephanie.  Judy is honored to bring her food expertise to help the Bread of Life.  This job is an answered prayer and shows Gods perfect timing.  Every person she has had contact with has been open to God and shown genuine love of the Lord. Judy looks forward to putting her best foot forward for Bread of Life and Freedom Works.