Testimonials
Clayton Parrish
I was released from federal prison in March 2024 with nothing, absolutely nothing, except the clothes on my back--no money, no place to live, no food. When I say nothing, I mean exactly that— NOTHING! That’s when I met Michael Morton in the parking lot of the Daily Planet. He has helped me get connected with the Social Security Department and helped me learn to use a cellphone. Before my release I had never used a cellphone. He gave me rides to and from various important appointments, information, and a room the first couple of nights. His contacts, OAR, and multiple others have helped me make it. And now I am doing good!
Thomas Hawkins, III
The beginning of my involvement with Michael Morton started with the release from prison of my friend Clayton Parrish.
Clayton was a childhood friend who was incarcerated for 27 years in Virginia and Federal prisons for crimes he committed in 1997. Clayton was released from custody in April of 2024 from Fort Dix Prison. Upon release, he was given $100, of which $75 was deducted for his bus ticket to Richmond, his home town. With $25 to his name, Clayton came to Richmond and walked several miles to the Daily Planet Health Services office. This was the address given to him at Fort Dix as the location of the Safe Haven transition housing facility. After sitting on the front steps from 2:00 a.m. to about 7:00 a.m., Clayton was fortunate to meet Michael who recognized right away that he was an inmate just released. A check in at Daily Planet showed the Bureau of Prisons had not actually done the proper paper work to enroll Clayton into Safe Haven or any other transitional housing program.
Michael took control of the situation and helped Clayton get a hotel room to stay in. I had been planning all along to be in Richmond to help Clayton with his re-entry into society. With Michael's help, I was able to take over the financial costs of the room and provide operating funds for Clayton. Once I had gotten to Richmond, I met with Clayton and soon thereafter meet Michael. Michael was assisting Clayton in getting to the Social Security office, the SNAP office, and other transportation needs. This assistance was provided free of charge by Michael. That assistance continued the whole time I was in Richmond helping Clayton.
My growing appreciation for Michael's help made me aware that I could help him with my knowledge of the non-profit world. My discussions with Michael made me aware that we shared some of the same concerns about released prisoners. Due to my background in working with non-profits, I have been able to assist Michael with his 501.c.3 status, and give him advice on other aspects of operating a non-profit organization.
I am very glad to see the progress Michael has made into providing help for released prisoners. This work is necessary due to the limited help provided by the Bureau of Prisons. People like Michael Morton are the key to helping released inmates get back on their feet and become productive members of society.
SGT Jason Bryan
When I was released from Riverside Jail in May 2024, I was homeless and had nothing. I had to report to my probation officer but I had no way to get to him. My probation officer said he is going to call someone named Michael that would meet me and get me to the Petersburg probation office for my check in. Michael picked me up, and with the help of his organization and several churches got me a hotel room. He also helped me get food and some clothes provided by a local church.
After learning that I was in the Army Reserves, Michael introduced me to Pastor Alan Pomavillle, a retired army chaplain who works with veterans, and with their help, I was able to get a car. They also put me in contact with the Virginia Supportive Housing office in Richmond, which helped me get into the rapid housing program for veterans. Pastor Alan introduced me to a retired army colonel who owned a roofing company, and he offered me a position where I am working now. Once I started working for the roofing company, the Virginia Supportive Housing office was able to get me into a two-bedroom apartment in Petersburg.
I have been truly blessed by Michael, Pastor Alan, and others who had faith in me and gave me help when I most needed it. I will continue to move forward to follow God's plans and do all I can to help anyone I can when I can.
Antonari Alexander, Jr.
Live in Your Purpose Today has & is still affecting the many communities in the VA region. With all the hard work & time & calls made 4 the wellbeing and wellness of our citizens that are newly coming home after being released from incarceration, Mr. Morton is so effective. I did 19 years & because of God & his creating people that work for him, like Mr. Morton, my life is now on the right road & path 2 success. He has given me a way to fend for myself in a way that is efficient. He has donated to me a new lawnmower to make a living & help my many bills get paid.
Live in Your Purpose Today... Is working on bettering mankind. He is doing prison reform. He is giving brothers and sisters an opportunity for a lifetime to praise God & be one with him & all of the trials and tribulations, that we must go through to be eternally grateful & pleased with all that we go through. So, when we get to the other side, we can tell God how great he is & how greater he was, for creating a man like Pastor Michael Morton. He has aided me in getting a serious career. Nothing beats that, or the love 4 the people in Pastor Michael Morton. He is an excellent person, and God don't make em' like that no more! Thanks to Mrs. Morton, too, because she is behind her perfect husband, all the way... LIYPT!
We need your consent to load the translations
We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.