Remember Shaunte?

Shaunte went from being one of Oklahoma’s most notoriously difficult prisoners to a life of true freedom.

It’s been 7 years since Shaunte was released from incarceration for the second time. She shared the fear and confusion she felt not knowing how to live a life without crime outside of prison. That fear faded as she spent a year working closely with Stand in the Gap Ministries Women in Transition Program.  

Through living in a transitional home, being surrounded by mentors in her small group, and gaining and keeping employment, Shaunte learned she could take ownership of her life. “Things were restored to me during that first year with Stand in the Gap Ministries that I never thought I’d have again”, Shaunte says.

Shaunte is now co-leading a Women in Transition class at Eddie Warrior Correctional Center with Rhonda, the Stand in the Gap team member who led Shaunte when she was incarcerated. During their weekly visits, Shaunte teaches our Women in Transition course curriculum to inmates in her small group and mentors them by sharing her story and experiences. “The women see themselves in us when they see us back inside the correctional center, but this time by choice,” Shaunte says. “God really cares that the women are able to succeed.”

Shaunte has been owning and operating her own business She Does Odd Jobs With Integrity since 2015. She continues to be an active parent for her daughter and grandparent to her two grandchildren. Shaunte proudly shares that she is a mom, grandma, daughter, volunteer, business owner, and soon-to-be homeowner, all while giving God the credit. “God continues to restore people through Stand in the Gap Ministries,” Shaunte says. “I see it every week.”