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.”

Tim spent 40 plus years in various aspects of post-secondary education, starting out as a teacher of Electrical Principles. In 1986, Tim and his wife Dia answered the call to the mission field in southern Mexico, blessed with the privilege of bringing the good news of salvation to the various villages in the area. In 1994, Tim and his wife returned to Minnesota due to health issues, and Tim continued his work in education. After retirement in 2015, Tim has continued in various ministry opportunities, such as the current adventure here at Freedom Works, as God would direct. “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good news.” Romans 10:15.

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.

Gloria has lived in Minnesota since 1969. She studied at Minnesota School of Business and Hennepin Technical College. She was formerly employed by Honeywell, Target Corporation and Westminster Presbyterian Church.  Currently, she is a Member and Secretary at New Bethel Baptist Church, Mpls. She has been sober 37 years and feels grateful to carry the “Message”.

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.

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.

Ashley Isaacson has lived in Minnesota for most of her life, with a few out-of-state adventures along the way — the US Army, Russia, and most recently, Texas. God saved her when she was fourteen at an Acquire The Fire youth gathering, where He convicted her that she was a sinner and needed a Savior. Since then, she’s learned how much of a savior Jesus is and how deeply she needs Him. She’s experienced healing from depression, loneliness, anxiety and many insecurities, as well as the sins that arise from these areas of brokenness and from her old nature. She’s so thankful for how Christ has and how He continues to transform her and help her live out her identity as a daughter of God.

To share and express her journey of transformation and the insights God’s given her about life, people, and relationships in creative ways, she’s published two historical novels and has written articles for a Christian website, The Bottom Line. She feels blessed to use her gift of writing to tell other people’s stories of redemption through her role at FreedomWorks as a Development Writer.

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.

I came to Freedom Works in March of 2019 and found an outpost of the Kingdom of God, which I needed more than ever. I witnessed God working through this community and I knew then this was where I was supposed to be. After graduating Nuway 3R’s and volunteering as a house manager, I now get to work here and help others like Freedom Works has helped me. God is good.

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.