Deborah Sims is an advocate and restorative justice practitioner. Deborah Sims is currently incarcerated at the Fox Valley Adult Transition Center in Aurora, Illinois. First, she will tell you that she is grateful for her incarceration. Why? She knows how it has saved and transformed her life, giving her a new direction and purpose—a fire to fight for change.
Deborah recognizes and understands the impact that trauma has on people and how that trauma influences their decision-making. She is a firm believer that people can change and deserve another chance. Through her lived experiences of trauma and incarceration, she has found a passion for helping others find healing.
Deborah has recently accepted the position of Case Manager at Challenge II Change. She is excited to begin this new phase of her life, guiding others on their reentry journey. Deborah has volunteered at Challenge II Change, for the past year, leading Two Different Worlds, a support group she created. This group aims to create a safe space for justice-impacted individuals to discuss the real issues we face as we reenter society, supporting and encouraging one another on our journey. Deborah has recently been approved to facilitate this group within the adult transition center where she currently resides.
Deborah is currently a North Park Theological Seminary student earning her Master of Arts in Restorative Justice Ministries (MARJM). She is set to graduate in May of 2025. She is passionate about education and defines herself as a life-long learner.
Deborah desires to see change occur within the broken criminal justice and prison systems. She cannot forget the stories of the women she left behind on the inside.