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The 5th annual Reentry United Conference brought together reentry professionals, service providers, community leaders, advocates and justice-impacted individuals from across Michigan and beyond for a day of learning, collaboration and inspiration. Held on August 14, at Grand Valley State University's Kirkhof Center in Allendale, this year's conference embraced the theme "Breaking Barriers," focusing on the ongoing commitment to remove obstacles hindering successful reentry and create pathways to opportunity.
The conference opened with remarks from Heidi Washington, Director of the Michigan Department of Corrections, followed by an inspiring keynote presentation from Dr. Kendall Taylor, Co-Founder and CEO of Salute 1st. Dr. Taylor challenged attendees to think differently about leadership, personal growth, and the role each of us plays in helping individuals build successful futures after incarceration.
This year's conference featured an impressive lineup of 28 breakout sessions, offering something for everyone involved in reentry work. Topics ranged from education and employment, to housing, peer-led programs, restorative practices, the arts and innovative approaches from across the country. Participants had opportunities to hear from national presenters, learn about promising practices and engage in meaningful discussions focused on improving outcomes for returning citizens.
The success of the conference would not have been possible without the dedication of countless partners, presenters, volunteers, sponsors and attendees who share the vision that reentry is stronger when communities work together. Their commitment to breaking barriers and creating opportunities continues to move this important work forward.
As we celebrate five years of Reentry United, we remain committed to fostering collaboration, sharing innovative ideas and building stronger pathways to success for individuals returning home. We look forward to continuing this momentum and making next year's conference even more impactful.
For more information about Reentry United, click here.
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Recovery Fest 2026
Brings Community Together to Celebrate Hope and Healing
On September 26, community members from across Muskegon County gathered at Hackley Park for Recovery Fest 2026, a free, family-friendly event dedicated to celebrating recovery, resilience, and the strength of the recovery community.
The event brought together individuals in recovery, family members, friends, service providers and community supporters for an afternoon focused on connection, encouragement, and hope.
Attendees enjoyed food, live entertainment, family activities and a spirited cornhole tournament while taking time to recognize the many successes and journeys represented throughout the community.
Recovery Fest provided an opportunity to honor the courage and determination of those in recovery while also highlighting the importance of supportive families, peers and community partners. Throughout the day, stories of perseverance and healing served as reminders that recovery is possible and that no one has to walk the journey alone.
Events like Recovery Fest play an important role in reducing stigma, increasing awareness and creating a sense of belonging for individuals and families affected by substance-use disorders. By bringing people together in a positive and supportive environment, the event reinforced a powerful message: recovery deserves to be celebrated.
Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, sponsors and community partners who helped make this year's Recovery Fest a success. Their efforts created a welcoming space where hope, healing, and community support were on full display.
Everyone was welcome. Everyone was valued. Everyone belonged.
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Building Trust Through Innovative Home Outreach
Recently, Region 4 Resource Navigator Austin Fry and Agent Christopher Parham were recognized with challenge coins for their innovative approach to home visits, bringing support and resources directly to individuals under supervision in the community.
During one home visit, the team met with Lawrence, who had an extensive history with the justice system, including multiple prison terms and prior periods of probation. Although the visit began with some hesitation and distrust, Fry and Parham took the time to explain the purpose of the new outreach model and the services available through Offender Success.
The visit quickly became more than a routine home call. Lawrence shared immediate needs, and Fry was able to provide a hygiene kit on the spot. Conversations also expanded to include Lawrence's family members, helping them better understand available resources and the role they could play in supporting his success. The team provided coaching on communication, accountability, and the importance of a strong support system throughout the reentry process.
What could have been viewed solely as an enforcement visit became an opportunity to build trust, address barriers, and strengthen community connections. By the end of the visit, both Lawrence and his family expressed appreciation for the support-focused approach and recognized the commitment to helping individuals succeed while under supervision.
This visit is a powerful example of how reimagining traditional home calls can create meaningful engagement, connect individuals with needed resources, and foster trust where it may not have previously existed. Through collaboration, relationship-building, and direct service delivery, Fry and Parham demonstrated the evolving vision of supporting people where they are and helping them build a successful future.
Congratulations to Austin Fry and Agent Christopher Parham pictured above receiving coins for their innovative work and dedication to supporting successful reentry outcomes.
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Kent County Resource Summit Connects Participants to Opportunity
This summer, Region 4 Kent County Navigators hosted the Kent County Resource Summit, bringing together justice-impacted individuals and community partners for a day focused on opportunity, support and successful reentry.
Attendees connected with organizations providing employment services, education opportunities, legal assistance, recovery support, mentoring, transportation resources and other essential services designed to promote long-term stability and success. Participating partners included organizations such as 70x7, Humanity for Prisoners, Hope Network, Legal Aid, Steepletown, Taylor Made Reentry and the Michigan Department of State.
The event highlighted the power of collaboration and the importance of ensuring individuals have direct access to the resources, relationships and support systems they need to thrive. Thank you to all the providers, volunteers and community partners who helped make the summit a success and continue to strengthen reentry efforts throughout Kent County. Below are pictures from the event.
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Kent County Parole Agents Recognized for Partnership with OS Reentry
Region 4 would like to recognize Kent County Parole Agents Stiffler, Rummelt, Merrill and Barnes for their continued partnership and collaboration with OS Reentry.
Agents Stiffler, Rummelt and Merrill (pictured above) were recently awarded Teamwork Coins for their commitment to completing monthly housing checks alongside Kent County OS Reentry staff. Their willingness to work collaboratively helps ensure housing expectations are being met, concerns are addressed early and both participants and staff have a safe and supportive environment.
Agent Barnes was also recognized with a Customer Service Coin for her continued collaboration with OS Reentry Services and her dedication to advocating for the needs of her participants. Her commitment to listening, problem-solving, and ensuring participants have access to the support they need is an excellent example of what strong reentry partnerships can accomplish.
These partnerships are truly meaningful because successful reentry requires more than the work of one person or agency. Consistent communication and collaboration between parole agents and OS staff allow us to better support participants, address barriers and work toward the overall goal of long-term stability and success in the community.
| | Community Picnic Brings Participants, Partners and Families Together | | |
Our recent community picnic in Muskegon was a wonderful success, bringing together approximately 65 participants, family members, staff and community partners for a day of connection, fun and fellowship.
The event featured a variety of activities and attractions that were enjoyed by attendees of all ages. The Muskegon Fire Department joined us to engage with participants and families, while Life Align Recovery Ranch was a huge hit with both children and adults. A bounce house kept the kids entertained throughout the day, and music helped create a lively atmosphere thanks to a large speaker generously donated by Marcus Jackson.
Guests enjoyed plenty of food, including hot dogs, chips and water. A special thank you goes to Ricky for bringing his hot dog trailer and serving freshly prepared hot dogs, helping ensure everyone was well fed and able to enjoy the event.
Most importantly, the picnic provided an opportunity for participants, families, staff and community partners to connect in a relaxed and welcoming environment. It was clear from the smiles, conversations and laughter throughout the day that everyone enjoyed themselves.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to Greg Balcom and Nate Johnson for their efforts in supporting and helping make this event a success. We are also grateful to everyone who contributed their time, resources and support to our participants. Events like this help strengthen our community and remind us of the positive impact that can be made when people come together.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the day memorable!
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Michigan Justice Fund Highlights Region 4
OS Reentry Success
Region 4 OS Reentry Services, through Michigan Works! West Central, is proud to continue making a meaningful impact through funding received from the Michigan Justice Fund (MJF). This grant has provided an opportunity to address a critical gap in services for individuals who have maxed out their sentences and those returning to the community after serving lengthy incarcerations as juvenile lifers.
Individuals within this population often face unique challenges upon release, including reconnecting with family and community, accessing employment and housing opportunities, navigating modern technology, and rebuilding support networks after decades of incarceration. Recognizing these needs, Region 4 OS Reentry Services has utilized MJF resources to provide additional support and intensive reentry services tailored to this group.
The work being accomplished through this grant has gained statewide recognition. As a result of the positive outcomes and innovative approach being implemented in Region 4, MJF invited our program to be featured in its annual report. The report includes a spotlight on Carl Vaughn, a juvenile lifer who spent more than 50 years incarcerated before returning to his community. His story highlights both the challenges and opportunities that come with reentry after long-term incarceration and demonstrates the importance of providing individualized support during the transition home.
We are honored to have our work recognized by the Michigan Justice Fund and remain grateful for the opportunity to serve this specialized population. The grant has allowed us to strengthen services, address unmet needs and help participants successfully reintegrate into their communities. We look forward to continuing this important work and creating pathways to stability, opportunity and success for those returning home.
| | | | Pictured: Carl Vaughn, a Region 4 Reentry Services participant whose journey highlights the impact of housing stability, supportive services, and second chances. | | | |
Upcycle Bikes’ Pedals for Progress fundraiser was a great opportunity to showcase their partnership with MDOC and the impact this partnership has on the people we serve. Hannah Suchner, Kensley Heizinga, and Austin Fry represented OS Reentry at the event, with Austin also joining the evening’s panel.
In just a few minutes, Austin captured what access to a bike can truly mean after incarceration: freedom. The freedom to get to work, pursue employment, sign a lease, make appointments, and take opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach—like working third shift when the bus line isn’t running. Having a bike to call your own can open doors, and we have seen firsthand the difference Upcycle Bikes makes for the population we serve.
More than 250 people attended the fundraiser, giving our team a wonderful opportunity to share our passion for reentry and this important partnership. Even more exciting, Upcycle Bikes continues to grow, with more than 4,000 bikes provided and increasing support throughout the community.
We are grateful for this partnership and excited to see it continue gaining momentum.
Great job, Team OS Reentry!
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Expanding Access, Inspiring Success
Region 4 OS Reentry Probation Services is making support more accessible by offering community field services every Thursday afternoon at the Baxter Community Center and AYA Youth Collective.
This month, we also celebrated a CLEAR success story. Since his release in August 2025, Duane Snider-Bey has been a dedicated CLEAR participant and mentor to others navigating reentry.
Duane has built a successful career path, advancing from a maintenance position at McDonald's to Regional Maintenance Manager while also working for Corewell Health. He has even helped connect other returning citizens with employment opportunities.
Duane credits his success to stepping outside his comfort zone, sharing this advice: "I started being successful when I stopped being scared to try new things. Don't stay comfortable. Elevate."
His story is a powerful reminder of the impact that opportunity, determination and community support can have on successful reentry.
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Region 4 OS Reentry Services is proud to celebrate a remarkable milestone: 160+ justice-impacted participants have successfully graduated from our Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program!
This achievement represents far more than earning a credential. For many participants, obtaining a CDL signifies a fresh start, financial stability and the opportunity to build a successful future after incarceration. Access to meaningful employment is one of the most important factors in successful reentry, and the truck driving industry offers a pathway to family-sustaining wages, career growth and long-term self-sufficiency.
A key factor in the program's success has been the outstanding partnership with FCG Truck Driver Training School. Through their commitment to providing high-quality training, individualized support and hands-on instruction, FCG has helped hundreds of participants gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed both on the road and in their new careers.
Reaching more than 160 graduates is a tremendous accomplishment for the Region 4 OS Reentry Services program. Each graduate represents a person who chooses to invest in themselves, overcome obstacles and pursue a better future. These individuals are now contributing to their communities, supporting their families and helping meet critical workforce needs throughout Michigan.
The success of the CDL program demonstrates what can be achieved when community partners, employers and reentry professionals work together to remove barriers and create opportunities. It also reflects the Region 4 OS Reentry program's commitment to providing meaningful career pathways that support long-term success and reduce recidivism.
We are incredibly proud of every participant who has completed the program and grateful to FCG Truck Driver Training for their partnership in helping make this milestone possible. Together, we are proving that with the right support and opportunities, successful reentry is not only possible but also happening every day.
Congratulations to the more than 160 CDL graduates on this extraordinary accomplishment! Your hard work, determination and success continue to inspire us and strengthen the communities we serve.
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Pictured Above: T. Czarniecki
Pictured Below: Robert Yaek
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Pictured Above: Caleb Lummen
Pictured Below: David Bowman
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