Contact: Colby May, TBN, 202-544-5171, cmay@tbn.org 

LOS ANGELES, May 16, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- As America's prison population has burgeoned to over two million adults, one of the most dire realities is the dramatic increase in the women among that number. Currently there are over 115,000 women incarcerated in state and federal prisons, and over the past 35 years the number of women serving time in the nation's correctional facilities has increased by an astounding 832 percent. Even more alarming is the fact that nearly two-thirds of women in prison today are mothers.

But there is good news. Trinity Broadcasting Network, the world's leader in Christian and inspirational television, is reaching out to these women with 24/7 programming that brings hope, healing, and restoration. Through its award-winning initiative TBN Second Chance, TBN is now broadcasting its most popular 24-hour networks to 12 women's prison facilities, with at least two more slated for launch in the coming months.

Working closely with state correctional officials and partnering with cable and satellite companies like Glorystar Satellite Systems, TBN covers the cost of equipment and installation to provide inmates with its four top faith networks: TBN's flagship channel, America's most-watched faith network; JCTV network for teens and young adults; the Church Channel, featuring the best worship services and ministry programs from across the nation; and TBN Enlace USA, TBN's exclusive Spanish-language Christian network.

Currently TBN Second Chance is reaching women's prison facilities in South Dakota, Alabama, Ohio, California, Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, New Mexico, Missouri, Louisiana, and Maryland. And feedback from officials at these facilities confirms that this innovative program is impacting thousands of women whose lives have been damaged and derailed. "Clearly, TBN is a positive influence within the prison environment, helping offenders overcome destructive attitudes and behaviors," said Lois Woodard, chaplain at the California Institution for Women. "It is a tool in taking them to the next level emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, and ultimately preparing them for a successful re-entry into society."

Yolanda Walker, chaplain at the Tennessee Prison for Woman near Nashville, said that TBN's programming offers daily hope and encouragement to the women at this maximum security facility. "For the inmates in lockdown and segregated quarters who cannot attend the chapel's open religious services, TBN serves as a lifeline and is their church for many who watch the broadcast," she said.

The feedback from women impacted by TBN Second Chance offers a moving testimony to the encouragement it offers those in need of hope. "TBN being available here is so vital," said Angel, an inmate at California's Valley State Prison for Women. "It is so life changing."

Cindy, an inmate at Central California Women's Facility, recalled how TBN gave her hope at crucial moments. "There were many nights when if I felt weak, I turned on TBN," she said. "It taught me that Christ can work with anyone in any circumstance."

Suzie, an inmate at Valley State Prison for Women, noted that "so many women are lost and don't know how to forgive themselves. TBN Second Chance shows them how to forgive."

TBN founder Dr. Paul Crouch said that such responses offer a particularly poignant confirmation that the global Christian network is succeeding in its fundamental 40-year mission. "TBN Second Chance is part of what we've been committed to right from the beginning," he said. "And that is to spend every moment of every day, and every resource at our disposal, to broadcast the hope of the gospel to the ends of the earth. We thank God for the success he has given TBN and TBN Second Chance."

To learn more about TBN Second Chance, visit tbnsecondchance.org.