Together, we can make a difference.

Operation Redeemed (Who We Are Now) is a movement created to bring awareness and support to three specific bills that will lead to criminal justice reform within the state of Iowa. The created platform shows four perspectives on redemption pertaining to some of the most severe sentences for some of the most forbidden crimes committed in the State of Iowa. The four perspectives are from: 1) Current prisoners, 2) Former prisoners, 3)Family members/friends of victims and 4) Iowa citizens.

The movement originated by the creators of 4lifers4change. 4lifers4change consists of four incarcerated individuals who, at the time of its creation, were serving life sentences at the Anamosa State Penitentiary in Anamosa, Iowa (two of them have since transferred to Fort Dodge Correctional Facility). These four individuals (Ramale A. Hunt El, Frederick Babino, Jarrid Winfrey & Michael Blackwell) came together for the sole purpose to be and to promote the change they wanted to see. Their mission is 1) to motivate other lifers to make positive changes and find meaning and purpose in their lives. 2) to eliminate some of the stigmas and preconceived notions that are placed on lifers. 3) to create platforms to advocate for criminal justice reform and 4) to help direct at-risk teens towards a positive path in life. One that is righteous, just and good. Operation Redeemed (Who We Are Now) is their latest project. Thomas Holmes is another incarcerated individual who has contributed to Operation Redeemed.

From one of the creators, “As a current prisoner I have experienced my own form of redemption where I went from a brazen criminal minded teenage kid whose criminal lifestyle led to me committing a homicide; to a 30 plus year old mature man, who's a positive and productive thinker and whose faith in God has led me to embracing and appreciating all forms of life and condemning and speaking against all forms of crime. We as current prisoners may have experienced a form of redemption; however, we won't fully be redeemed until we receive our physical freedom. Will we continue to be judged and punished for who we were then or will we be judged and given a second chance for Who We Are Now? We are seeking your support in the latter.”

In gaining your favor we ask that you sign a petition supporting the following criminal justice reform bills: 1) Lifer review committee for commutation and compassionate release, 2) Raising the age of life with the possibility of parole to include (young adults) ages 18 to 21, and 3) Changing the mandatory minimum on class B and class C felonies from 70% to 50%.