It all begins with a willingness to change
Image 4 Lives is a faith-based organization aimed at helping the incarcerated adjust to life after prison.
“From Prison to Purpose”
Bobby Pate is an example of someone who has used his time in incarceration to turn his life around and with the help of other inmates. He will be the first to tell you that without his faith in God and Jesus Christ none of it would have been possible.
My Story
Bobby was an outstanding High School basketball player at Johnston High School in Johnston, Iowa. After graduating he received a four year college basketball scholarship and played at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. His dream was to become a NBA star. Although he was not drafted by the NBA he did begin playing in the CBA which allowed him the opportunity for extensive overseas travel. It was during this period that his life began to take a dramatic turn for the worse. While trying to overcome his disappointment of not playing in the “Big Leagues”, he chose another method of making big league money, crack cocaine distribution. The fast money and lavish lifestyle became addictive and drove him deeper into a world that was pleasing to his flesh but disgraceful to his spiritual & educated mind. Before long he had not only lost his “Self Identity” but also his freedom and support system.
Unlike many inmates, Bobby decided to turn his life around and soon discover that sharing his convictions and helping other inmates made him more accountable to himself as well as to God. He took advantage of business classes and other programs offered at the institution and learned new ways of dealing with stress of incarceration and the disappointment of being isolated from family and friends. As Bobby says, “Prison has altered my mind. It’s been the most humiliating experience of my life, but ironically it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.”
During his 11 years in the Iowa correctional system serving time for non-violent drug offenses, he has accomplished many goals and is writing an autobiography which he hopes will help others who are looking to change. Bobby’s eye light up when you begin talking about the I.M.A.G.E. Program he founded to help inmates counteract gang violence, racism, disrespect, and criminal thinking to help inmates prepare for re-entry. He hopes to continue to work with others who have been recently released from prison and to be an example to them and their life after prison.
