Rutherford County, TN - Former Rap Artist Patrick Houston gave a presentation to over 100 residents at the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center (RCCWC) Thursday. 

Houston, known by his stage name of Project Pat, was not performing one of his Hard-hitting Rap or Hip Hop songs filled with expletives, crime, and drugs. Houston now shares a message of hope and chronicles his transformation with God’s help from substance abuse disorder and completing a sentence in federal prison.

Rutherford County Re-Entry Program Coordinator Lindsey Davis said, “Guest speakers, like Mr. Houston, offer not just words but actual living testimonies of transformation that remind individuals that their past does not define their future. The Re-Entry Program serves as a bridge between incarceration and community reintegration by addressing barriers such as employment, housing, education, and mental health. Re-entry programs work to reduce recidivism while fostering opportunities for those seeking second chances. I hope that the Re-Entry Program participants listen to the words shared by Mr. Houston and know that change is always possible and within reach.”

Houston said, “The event was amazing, and the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center is an outstanding facility. We have over a billion lives to touch, and we are just getting started sharing the good news.”

To reach his goal, Houston started a not-for-profit organization, the Go Foundation, which focuses on reaching men and women currently in prison.   

“The services our Re-Entry Team provides are essential for ensuring the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals released from incarceration into our community. Attending to an individual’s specific criminogenic needs is important because it can improve the offender’s chance of becoming a productive citizen. Most offenders in our care will leave our facility and return to Rutherford and adjoining counties. These are our neighbors and our family members. They are shopping next to you at the grocery store, sitting next to you at church, and their kids go to school with your kids. Any positive restorative measures we can provide pre-release only help make the transition successful,” according to RCCWC Superintendent William Cope, CJM.

More information about the Correctional Work Center can be found in the above video, which can also be found HERE.