After 27 years in prison, Louisville man now mentors youth through ministry

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A man who spent almost 27 years in prison is now using his second chance to make sure Louisville kids never need one.

In 1991, Tod Moore was sent to prison on three counts of murder and kidnapping. He also faced the death penalty.

In January 2018, he walked out of prison. In December 2019, then-Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin granted Moore a full and complete pardon.

"He said, 'I'm granting you your pardon because what you're doing for the kingdom of Christ Jesus — these men and women need you to point them toward Christ,'" Moore said.

Now, Moore is the founder and executive director of New Day Ministries in Louisville. One of the organization's programs is a summer enrichment camp for kids.

The program is called L.I.F.E., which stands for Love Inspiring Future Excellence. It's a six-week camp with the goal of teaching kids STEM and how to get involved in their community.

"These children have been sucked into gangs, doing drugs. They're involved in all these illicit things, but we are teaching these children, investing in their lives, and bringing them to a safe place," Moore said.

Joshua Seranno, 13, has been going to the camp for three years. He says the camp has taught him what's important in life.

"Focus on school and sports. That's the only thing that you really need — and like, family. Just stay close to your family and with your education, because violence is not really cool," Seranno said.

Trying to put an end to youth violence and giving kids a sense of belonging is what Moore says the L.I.F.E. camp is all about.

"Where they can learn, where they can be loved, and where they can know that they are better and not bitter," Moore said.

For more information on how you can donate to New Day Ministries and to learn more about the organization's mission, click here.

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