ABOUT FITS: All It Takes is One Person At a Time...
Fran Howard was an ornery farm girl who never set out to devote her life to prison ministry. As Associate Professor of Physical Education and Women's Athletic Director at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, Fran built some of the finest intercollegiate programs for women in the U.S. taking teams to state and national playoffs. God allowed her to become restless, but she never dreamed it would drive her through massive steel gates and razor wire fences almost daily for eight years.When Fran Howard went to prison, she didn't go to preach, bring a nice little program, or to found a worldwide ministry. She went to listen. Sitting cross-legged on the floor Fran befriended incarcerated women. She heard their stories and shared her own.
Fran Howard(middle) and a group of FITS Women
When Fran went to prison, she brought herself. She brought Jesus. She began the rescue of our deteriorating society, one life at a time.Today Fran travels across the globe beyond the iron curtain to Romania, to Africa, to the lands of Native Americans, and to the Russian frontiers. Fran's mission is always the same. With just a twinkle in her eye, she aims to reach beyond physical and spiritual bars to bring a bit of hope.
Twenty years later, Freedom in the Son, a non-profit organization helps women inside with bible studies, mentoring, pastoral counseling, healing prayer, and special programs. The support continues while in transition to the outside with housing, clothes, transport upon release, mentoring follow -up, care packages and referral assistance and continued support groups.
If you feel drawn to share the life and love of Jesus with hurting women as a prayer partner or mentor, we invite you to join us. Call Fran Howard at 503-585-7362, or you can send her a message.
A few FITS Board Members and Advisors
FITS Board Members
FITS Board Members
Fran Howard, President
Anna Gleason, Secretary
Brigette Burney
Catherine Hall
Rev Dalineta Hines
Dora Johnson
Dr. Alberta Phillips
Jann Shoals
Dedrea Vaubel
FITS Advisors
Kathryn Grant
Ambassador Inonge M Lewanika
Dorie Van Stone
Evelyn Christenson
Amelda E Jones
Mia Costel
CPA: Ronald Weisser