With Thompson as his mentor, Muhammad has completed a string of remodeling jobs. "I still hang with my homies," he says. "But I don't have the urge to sell drugs. I know how to tell them: 'I'm cool.' "
Hearing his testimony, McNear grabs Muhammad's shoulder and shakes his hand.
The graduates soon take their seats near the makeshift stage. From the front row, an incoming class of inmates looks on.
To both groups, McNear offers hope.
"This is only the beginning," he says, in the singsong cadence of the pulpit. "We're going to walk with you when you leave here. Somebody say, 'I'm leaving here.' "