Escaping Gang Culture and A Life Sentence: Trapped Families Jojo Godinez's Story from Prison to Purpose

The Sober Living Stories Podcast

JoJo was brought up in the gang-infested neighborhoods of LA and witnessed the deadly results of drive-by shootings at a young age. Although raised in a disciplined home, JoJo still took to the drug-filled streets and at 16 was arrested which eventually led to him being tried as an adult in the state of California. At the age of 18, he was sentenced to 45 years to life in prison the very same day his child was born.

As a reformed gang member, he describes to listeners the ease of drugs and crime on the streets and inside the prison itself. He demonstrates the powerlessness of living a life outside of the morality in which he was raised and details the brutal nature of life being locked up. He goes on to share about the unending support of his wife at a young age even when she believed he was not coming home.

JoJo talks further about spiritual incidences and people placed strategically in his life to guide him to a place of peace amidst violence and chaos. His words are raw yet reveal the powerful hand of God in his life that led him back to himself and to his eventual release and return to his family.

Lean in to hear his powerful narrative about how his escape from the gang culture and a life sentence in prison led him to his life’s purpose where he became the founder and CEO of Trapped Families, an online community where he supports families who experience the hurt and struggle of losing loved ones to incarceration and who battle alcohol and drug addictions.

Today Jose Godinez is a sought-after motivational speaker, gospel preacher, author, podcast host, and CEO. In Jojo's talks, he shares his powerful story of transformation through grace, from being a hardcore gang member from the streets of Los Angeles leading to a condemned life sentence in prison to becoming a community leader and recognized Life Coach. Jojo has earned many titles such as chaplain, behavior modification counselor, mentor, and gang preventionist. Jojo leaves audiences with hope and encouragement that "one's past does not have to be their future".
Jojo is inspirational from start to finish and will have you at the edge of your seat wanting more...

His ongoing commitment to assisting families through his initiative, Trapped Families, displays the profound impact of his journey and stands as a powerful reminder that every individual has the capacity for restoration.

To connect with Jose Godinez:
YouTube:

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Chapters

1. Life After Gangs (00:00:00)

2. Life of Addiction and Gang Involvement (00:10:18)

3. Youth Prison to Spiritual Awakening (00:15:27)

4. A Journey of Redemption and Faith (00:24:49)

5. Transformation Through Faith (00:30:48)

6. Miracles and Second Chances (00:43:34)

7. Recovery Stories and Family Support (00:53:57)

8. The Power of Surrender in Recovery (01:00:12)

9. Sober Living Stories Podcast Interview (01:10:34)