Two stories. One calling.

Unchained Grace, Inc. was founded by two people who know incarceration from the inside, and who know what it takes to come home and rebuild.

Unchained Grace founders, Dr. Latoya Jones-Mills and Co-Founder Heyward Mills Sr., standing together in Columbia, South Carolina — Our FoundersTwo journeys through SCDC. One calling to bring others home.

Why We Exist

Lived experience, real credentials.

Together, our founders bring lived experience and specialized coaching credentials to an organization designed to address the barriers individuals often encounter after incarceration.

Founder & Executive Director

Dr. Latoya Jones-Mills

Our Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Latoya Jones-Mills, was formerly incarcerated within the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Following incarceration, she pursued higher education and professional development, earning her PhD in Christian Counseling.

Her journey reflects the power of education, perseverance, personal responsibility, and access to meaningful opportunities.

PhD in Christian Counseling
Board-Certified Chaplain
Certified Transformational Master Life Coach
Life Recovery Coach
Star Behavioral Health Provider
Christian Mental Health Specialist

Co-Founder

Heyward Mills Sr.

Our Co-Founder, Heyward Mills Sr., also experienced incarceration within the South Carolina Department of Corrections and struggled with substance and alcohol addiction. Through a commitment to recovery, he achieved sobriety, rebuilt his life, and became a Life Recovery Coach.

His experience provides valuable insight into the challenges of substance use recovery, accountability, and reintegration into society.

Life Recovery Coach
Lived experience in recovery

“He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.”

Psalm 107:14

What Guides Us

Three promises we keep

Restoring Hope

We believe no one is beyond redemption. Hope is the first thing we give back.

Rebuilding Lives

Housing, education, money skills and recovery support give people the foundation to stand.

Rediscovering Purpose

Rooted in faith, we help each person walk boldly into the purpose God has for them.

See Our Programs Get Involved