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A Resounding Success

On Sept. 20, Reentry United hosted its third annual event, welcoming nearly 350 attendees, including guests from seven other states. This year's gathering showcased how Michigan is leading the charge in reentry practices and changing lives.

The day was filled with powerful moments of success stories from OS Reentry Services participants highlighting how impactful reentry programs can be in fostering a positive change. These personal stories, shared by participants who have successfully transitioned from incarceration to productive community members, underscored the importance of the work being done across the state of Michigan.

The event offered breakout sessions with the Michigan Parole Board, where attendees could hear directly from those who help shape the parole process, and a Q&A breakout out, diving deep into reentry practices and procedures. Experts in the field addressed questions, discussed challenges and shared best practices. The exchange of ideas and experiences highlighted the importance of continued collaboration. The event was not only a celebration of progress, but also a call to action for attendees to carry the momentum forward.

As we reflect on the success of this year's event we look forward to building on these achievements and fostering even stronger partnerships in the years to come. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a remarkable success! Together, we are shaping a brighter future for all.

For more information and pictures from this year's conference, like the one of the OS Reentry Services team from this year's event above, click here.

Unveiling OS Team Key Positions

CLEAR Breaking the Cycle of Recidivism

Members of the Women's CLEAR. group gather to empower and uplift one another, championing personal growth, leadership and community impact.

CLEAR., which stands for Coalition, Leadership, Education, Advice, Rehabilitation, was formed nearly a decade ago through a partnership between the Grand Rapids Police Department and the Michigan Department of Corrections. The program focuses on breaking the cycle of recidivism by building a support system that empowers justice involved individuals.

CLEAR provides OS Reentry participants with access to resources, mentorship and a sense of community, which helps them reintegrate successfully. The program's emphasis on leadership and education helps individuals make positive choices, while fostering strong relationships between law enforcement, community and OS participants. By supporting successful reintegration, CLEAR contributes to safer communities and improved quality of life for all involved. CLEAR is offered in four counties of region four, including Allegan, Ottawa, Muskegon and Kent. A schedule of the different groups' meetings is listed at the right.

The impact of CLEAR is evident in the lives it transforms — offering guidance, stability and hope to those committed to turning their lives around. As CLEAR. continues to grow, its mission remains clear: To build stronger, safer communities by helping individuals reach their full potential. Together, we can break the cycle and create lasting change.

For more information about OS Reentry Services, click here.

Allegan & Ottawa Counties

The Men’s CLEAR group meets at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays in conference room 160 at the Ottawa County Health Department Building, located at 12185 James St. Lunch will be provided. For more info, contact Mark Armstrong at (616) 834-7945 or Jennifer Juhasz at (231) 260-2726.

The Women’s CLEAR group meets at 3 p.m. every Tuesday at SoBar Recovery Community Center, located at 710 Chicago Drive, suite 200 in Holland. For more info, contact Jennifer Juhasz at (231) 260-2627 or Joy Nelson at (616) 355-1174.

Muskegon County

The Men’s & Women’s CLEAR groups meet from11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays in separate rooms at the Fresh Coast Alliance Training Center in Muskegon, located at 1128 Roberts St. For more info, call Matt Kolkema at (231) 206-9331 (men’s group only); Nate Johnson at (231) 282-9502 (both groups).

Kent County

The Men’s CLEAR group meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays in the fellowship building at Oakdale Park Church, located at 1306 Butler Ave. SE, in Grand Rapids. Lunch is provided. For more info, call Officer Ray Erickson at (616) 710-1088 or raerickson@grcity.us; or contact Ross Hayes at (616) 366-7892.

The Women’s CLEAR group meets at 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday at the Urban Family Ministries, located at 543 Eastern Ave. SE, in Grand Rapids. For more info, call Officer Kaitlin Bernardo at (616) 745-7710 or kbernardo@grandrapids.mi.us.

Probation Program

Pilot Probation Program: Empowering Success

Since its launch in March 2024, Michigan Works! West Central's Probation Pilot Program continues to make strides providing essential services to probationers, helping them overcome barriers. Building on the successful strategies developed for parolees has proven equally impactful for probationers, equipping them the resources needed to thrive. The program aims to help probationers overcome barriers and achieve long-term success.

From June to August, the program provided essential services to probationers, in key areas that support successful reintegration.

• Economic Stability - 160 services including job readiness, job-search assistance, work supplies and retention.
• Health and Behavioral Health - 358 services, offering vital support.
• Residential stability - 1 participant was supported for 17 days in housing.
• Support Services - 304 services provided, including transportation assistance, mentoring, Identification, food and hygiene, and clothing vouchers.

As we continue to pilot new initiatives, we remain committed to developing innovative strategies that promote stability, economic self-sufficiency and personal growth. By focusing on the unique needs of probationers, we are confident this program will foster meaningful change and help participants build a brighter future. For more information about OS Reentry Services, click here.

From Incarceration to Inspiration!

Jonathan Roden, a recent graduate of the Truck Driving Program (TDP) offered by OS Reentry Services exemplifies resilience and determination. After spending 22 years in prison, Roden was released to Region 4 in December 2022, and has been making remarkable progress ever since. He is set to discharge from parole in December 2024.

His path to success began when he connected with OS Reentry Services in February 2023, receiving a gas card to support his transition. It wasn't until later that Roden reached out again, expressing his interest in the TDP. After the screening process, he quickly obtained his permit and started classes July 8, 2024.

Jonathan Roden is the 112th graduate from Region 4 OS Reentry Services' Truck Driving Program! He is set to be discharged from parole in December of this year.

With unwavering commitment, Roden attended every class, completing the rigorous course in three weeks and becoming the 112th TDP graduate in Region 4. His dedication is a testament to his hard work and perseverance. Roden's journey doesn't stop there. He is pursuing a bachelor's degree in supply chain management at Wayne State University, working on campus and has even founded a program called Time Minded, which helps students optimize their time management skills. His parole agent noted: "He would be a perfect mentor, except he has no time!"

Remarkably, Roden managed to complete the TDP during his summer break without compromising his academic progress. He is set to graduate with his bachelor's degree soon and has ambitious plans to attend law school.

Region 4 OS Reentry Services is proud to have supported Roden on his path to success. His story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when one is determined to overcome all obstacles and seize every opportunity. We look forward to seeing the incredible things he will continue to achieve. For more information about OS Reentry Services, click here.