Rev. Byron E. Vaughn, Sr. & "Civil Rights Activist" Dick Gregory

Our mission is to assist ex-offenders in their transition from incarceration to release by re-integrating them both productively and socially back into the mainstream of a community environment, and provide intermediary support to youth who cope with parental loss through incarnation.

Reverend Byron Vaughn, Sr.

CEO/Founder of Prisoner's Reformed United, Inc.

While serving a 15 year sentence at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City in 1991 the conception of this program (PRUI) was given to me. I had come to know Jesus as my personal savior during my period of incarceration and wanted to be used as a beacon of light to others in my same situation.

The county jails and state prisons are still today full of men such as myself that are serving sentences that are looking for help and hope to help them as they transition from incarceration to open society. I made a vow to serve God in this capacity on the day he gave me the vision of what my ministry was to be. I could indeed be of service to these unfortunate souls that are frustrated with the system, with themselves, their families, prospects of finding sutiable housing, and jobs when they are released.  

When I was released in 1997 the program came to life in Indianapolis Indiana . In 1998 PRUI became a viable 501(c) (3), not-for-profit intity that was to serve those preparing for release from prison and/or jail. It was then and continues to be a ministry that offers hope to those that have seen the error of their ways, have accepted Jesus Christ, and are worthy of a second chance.

Since my release from prison I have served God in many ways. I have visited multiple state prisons, county jails, and missions for the homeless bringing the message that God gave me to deliver, "you are worthy of a second chance". I am now an ordained minister and I am an active member of Eastern Star Baptist Church serving under the leadership of Pastor Jeffrey Johnson, SR. I have been blessed to have a lovely wife that is supportive of this ministry that God has placed me in charge of.  I am always seeking additional volunteers to assist in this ministry, to bring whatever gifts they have to be used to help the ones we serve. 

I have, on many occasions, been invited to speak at various meetings, conferences, and to school groups. I am still open to this forum to enlighten the public about the ministry of PRUI. And, last but not least, this ministry operates 100% on donations that come from our supporters realizing that as a 501 (c)(3) entity these contributions are fully tax deductible.