Testimonies
Evander Hargrove ~
In my time of knowing Ms. Bridge, my life has been transformed. Through her guidance, I have not only learned to better myself but also to inspire my peers to see life beyond the stigmas and stereotypes that once confined us. Justice Haven offers something rare and powerful: the freedom to step outside those boxes and to use our passions, our purpose, YOUR SUPERPOWERS, and even our pasts to help pull others out of darkness. For me, it has become more than a program — it is a family, a place of belonging, a light in an environment designed to keep us isolated. I have hope for a future where I can do something meaningful, even extraordinary. It feels like justice itself — And above all, it feels like home.
Clarence Taylor ~
“The Justice Haven didn’t just support me-its transformed me along with my walk with God
Ella’s wisdom and unconditional love changed the way I think, move, and see. She reached places in me no one else ever had. She understands real struggle—personal and collective—and she meets people with truth, not judgment. Because of her relentless obedience to God, she shows up in ways that change lives from the inside out.”
She came to Missouri, built my innocence case herself, and made more progress than any attorney ever has.
Because of her and The Haven, I’m closer to freedom—as an innocent man—than I’ve ever been.
In a place that is unsafe in every way, The Haven made me feel safe, seen, and human again.
It truly lives up to its name.
And for that, I thank you.
Joshua Williams
Mama Ella been holdin’ me for years. She never forgot me, never left me, never let the system swallow me. She even came down to Missouri to be my delegate, finally got to meet her face to face.
Family isn't just blood, sometimes it’s the one who shows up, the one who sees you when the world says you’re invisible.
She’s kindness, compassion and strength with fire.
I am thankful to stand with and to be part of the RAW Haven, part of a movement.
Josh Wilson
The RAW Haven makes me feel loved, safe and worthy. Ella has become like my second mama.
I have no more family. A new family I have made.
Jared Williams ~
In my time of knowing Ms. Bridge, my life has been transformed. Through her guidance, I have not only learned to better myself but also to inspire my peers to see life beyond the stigmas and stereotypes that once confined us.
Justice Haven offers something rare and powerful: the freedom to step outside those boxes and to use our passions, our purpose, YOUR SUPERPOWERS, and even our pasts to help pull others out of darkness.
For me, it has become more than a program — it is a family, a place of belonging, a light in an environment designed to keep us isolated. I have hope for a future where I can do something meaningful, even extraordinary
Antonio Williams ~
I got Ella’s number—the Justice Haven’s number—through Joshua Williams three years back.
Since then, she’s been solid. The Haven showed up in ways my own family didn’t know how to. When I was hungry, she sent food. When I was cold, she sent beanies. When I ran out of toilet paper, she made sure I had some. They broke my tablet—she got me a new one. But it’s more than that.
It’s the way she listens. The way she reminds me I ain’t invisible. When I needed to talk, to be heard, to just feel like somebody out there gave a damn—she was there. Always.
I’ve been down 19 years. Everybody I ever knew drifted off. But she stayed. Consistent. Real. No cap.
I’m getting released next year. And when I do, I want to stand on the other side of that gate with The Haven—to give back, to build with them, to be what she’s been for me: proof that love and loyalty still exist.
April
We got the Justice Haven’s name and number from another up in Potosi. Word was, they’d show us the way, how to fight for my brother, how to make the system hear us.
They told us who to call, who to write, how to write it, how many times to ring that phone before somebody picked up- and to not give up.
And it worked. My brother got help. Got his showers back, got cleaned up, medical help, got a visit for the first time in a year. That’s real. The Justice Haven shows up, they care for real.
Autin Jaster
I got introduced to the Justice Haven from my brother on the inside. They had been helping him a lot, and I needed some support from the outside because my family doesn't show up or know how to . So sometimes I need calls to get into medical for my medical issues that are always put off by staff, Ms. Bridge will make it happen. She helped me get in touch with my fiance when I had no way to, she'll just listen when she is able, she gives me stamps and helps me really just feel human again. Knowing that she's there makes me feel more hopeful. And I really appreciate what she's done for my little bro. The Justice Haven really does care.
