When Derek Mullen walked out of prison in 2006, he had no clear path forward. He just had a deep desire to do something different this time.
“I remember coming out wondering what I was going to do,” Derek said. “I didn’t really have much to look forward to. But I knew I had to do something different.”
For many returning citizens, the challenges begin the moment the gate closes behind them. It’s those simple things like clothing, transportation, or a place to belong that become overwhelming hurdles. Derek remembers how even the smallest gestures from 70×7 Life Recovery helped him feel seen again.
“When you first come out, they give you one outfit. It’s brown and beige, and you stick out like a sore thumb,” he recalled. “Through 70×7, I was able to get a couple of outfits and shoes. It may not sound like much, but when that’s all you have, it makes a world of difference. I could finally walk outside without feeling like everyone knew I just got out of prison.”
That sense of dignity and the support of caring people set Derek on a new course. Through 70×7, he was also paired with a mentor who became a steady anchor during those first few uncertain months.
“People don’t realize what a big adjustment it takes to come from a controlled environment to one where you’re responsible for everything,” Derek shared. “Having someone hold me accountable, to talk to, to model my life after meant everything.”
His mentor, a local pastor, had a particularly profound impact on him. Derek recalled one moment that changed his perspective entirely: “I was ranting one day about how hard life was, and instead of judging me, he simply said, ‘I’m sorry.’ That genuine statement showed me compassion in a way I hadn’t seen before. From then on, I just kept showing up and things got better.”
As the years passed, Derek continued to grow, mentoring others, serving in ministries, and building a family of his own. Yet the journey hasn’t been without pain. After years of leading a youth ministry, Derek experienced what he calls “church hurt” when new leadership let him go despite his commitment to serving inner-city youth.
“That hurt,” he admitted quietly. “All I wanted was to be a positive influence on the kids I ministered to. But I’ve learned that even in the hurt, you have to keep showing up. And I couldn’t have done that without my wife. She’s my rock. She’s always encouraging me and picking me up when I’m down.”
Today, Derek serves at a new local church, continuing the cycle of giving back that began when others first showed up for him. “You never forget the people who helped you stand again,” he said. “70×7 gave me that start. They gave me dignity when I had none, and now I get to help others find theirs.”
