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We’re excited to announce Reentry United is back for its 5th annual conference on Friday, August 14, 2026 — and this year promises to be bigger, bolder, and more impactful than ever.

This year marks an exciting new chapter for Reentry United as we gather for the first time at Grand Valley State University’s Allendale Campus. With the 5th annual conference centered on the theme Breaking Barriers, attendees will come together in a space designed to spark connection, learning and collaboration, while highlighting the progress made and the work still ahead to remove barriers to successful reentry.

Attendees can look forward to 27 dynamic breakout sessions offered throughout the day, designed to spark conversation, share best practices and highlight innovative approaches to supporting justice-impacted individuals. Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to the work, there will be something for everyone.



Stay tuned! Registration is expected to open in early spring, and space will be limited. You won’t want to miss this landmark year of Reentry United as we come together to learn, connect and strengthen reentry efforts across Michigan and beyond.

New Resource Spotlight:

OS Reentry Services Launches YouTube Channel to Support Successful Transitions

Reentering the community after incarceration can be overwhelming. Everyday tasks many of us take for granted, like using a smartphone, paying for gas, scheduling an appointment or even doing laundry, can feel unfamiliar or intimidating, especially for individuals who have spent significant time incarcerated. Recognizing this gap, OS Reentry Services is excited to launch a new YouTube channel designed to meet people where they are and provide practical, judgment‑free guidance for daily life.

The channel currently has 10 short, easy‑to‑follow videos covering real‑world tasks that are essential for independence and stability. Topics include:

• How to find a therapist that accepts your insurance
• How to pay for and pump gas
• Basic self‑care and wellness routines
• How to do laundry
• Phone navigation
• And other common tasks that can feel challenging after incarceration

These videos are designed to be clear, approachable and accessible, allowing individuals to watch at their own pace, revisit information as needed and build confidence one step at a time.

What makes this project especially meaningful is who created it. The videos were developed by OS Resource Navigators, interns and individuals working directly in the OS Reentry space, many of whom understand firsthand the barriers faced during reentry. United by a common goal, the team worked collaboratively to create content that is practical, respectful and rooted in lived experience.

At its core, this YouTube channel is about reducing barriers, increasing confidence and supporting successful reentry. By breaking down everyday tasks into manageable steps, OS Reentry hopes to empower individuals with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate life beyond incarceration and move forward with stability and dignity.



We’re proud to offer this new resource and look forward to expanding it as we continue supporting individuals on their reentry journey. To access the videos, scan the QR code or visit our YouTube channel at: Region 4 OS (Offender Success) Reentry

Experiencing Reentry Firsthand:

Fresh Coast Alliance Reentry Simulation

On Feb. 6, 2026, Fresh Coast Alliance hosted a powerful Reentry Simulation, offering participants an immersive opportunity to better understand the realities individuals face when returning to the community after incarceration. A Reentry Simulation is an interactive exercise that models the reentry process, helping those who have never experienced incarceration gain insight into the complex and often overwhelming challenges faced by returning citizens.

During the simulation, each participant assumed the identity of a recently released individual and was given four “weeks,” each lasting 15 minutes, to navigate life after incarceration. Participants moved through booths staffed by volunteers representing housing providers, employment services, social service agencies and other critical reentry supports—mirroring the time‑pressured decisions and barriers many individuals encounter in real life.

Because every assigned identity is different, no two experiences were the same. Some participants faced significant obstacles immediately, while others encountered unexpected setbacks as the simulation progressed. This intentional design reflects the wide range of reentry experiences individuals face when rejoining our communities and highlights how factors such as access to resources, prior history and support systems can dramatically impact outcomes.

The experience was described by many as jarring, eye‑opening and deeply impactful. It challenged assumptions, sparked meaningful conversations and provided a deeper understanding of how easily setbacks can occur, even with strong motivation and effort.



Several Region 4 administrative staff, OS Resource Navigators and interns attended and actively participated in the simulation. Their involvement strengthened their understanding of the day‑to‑day challenges faced by the individuals they support, reinforcing the importance of patience, flexibility and trauma‑informed approaches in reentry work. Opportunities like this are invaluable in helping professionals deepen their perspective and better support successful reentry across our communities.

REENTRY IS POSSIBLE

Jesse Moore's Journey Toward Stability & Success

Jesse Moore is a probationer from Montcalm County. He contributes his success to his own determination to make changes, and the relationship he has established with his agent, Ryan Shields.

Jesse says his agent requires accountability. And, in turn, Jesse holds himself accountable. Agent Shields shared it was important to meet Jesse where he was at; listening to him and meeting his needs.

One thing Jesse felt was an important part of his success was obtaining employment. He hadn’t had a job in the three years prior to probation. His agent made the referral to Economic Stability Provider Penny Christensen, and with her help, he developed a working resume, learned interviewing skills and did job searches. He said Penny cared, was excited and motivated him to “get his life together.”

He also said she was the one who referred him to the pizza restaurant in Greenville where he now works! He enjoys making pizzas, calzones and sub sandwiches.

An accomplishment Jesse is very proud of is he was able to buy his own vehicle within four months of starting his job.

Agent Shields is proud of Jesse and his accomplishments, sharing “He has come so far, and worked very hard to become who he is today!”



When asked what he would want others to know about probation, Jesse thoughtfully said: “People think probation is setting you up for failure. It’s not. If you do what you’re supposed to do you can become a successful part of society. Reentry is possible!” 

Strengthening Reentry Support: Piloting New Positions for the Region 4 OS Reentry Program

We are pleased to share an update on the continued growth of the Region 4 Offender Success (OS) Reentry Services. As part of our commitment to strengthening service delivery, addressing participant needs and improving long-term reentry outcomes, we have expanded our program model through new contracted positions and are exploring additional opportunities to further enhance support. The new positions include the following:

Family Reunification Program

We are excited to announce a contract has been awarded to Jackie Hallberg with Mediation & Restorative Services for the Family Reunification Program position. This role focuses on strengthening family relationships throughout the reentry process by providing targeted support to justice-impacted individuals on parole and probation, as well as their families. By promoting healthy family connections and stability, this position supports positive long-term outcomes and helps reduce recidivism.

Specialized Resource Navigator

A contract has also been awarded for the Specialized Resource Navigator position. This role provides enhanced, individualized support for participants with higher or more complex needs, including older adults and individuals facing medical or mental health barriers. The Specialized Resource Navigator helps ensure coordinated access to appropriate resources and services, addressing gaps that previously limited participants’ ability to fully engage in reentry support.

Job Development Specialist

In addition, we are proposing a Job Development Specialist role to further strengthen employment outcomes for justice-impacted individuals. This position will focus on employer outreach and labor-market engagement, expanding employment opportunities while building strong employer partnerships. Sustainable employment remains a critical component of successful reentry and community stability. If you or someone you know may be interested in this role, please reach out to Director of Reentry services Chelsea Augustson at caugustson@MWWC.org.



Building a Stronger Reentry System

We are excited to pilot these new and expanded contracts, allowing us to better serve individuals where gaps previously existed. Together, these roles strengthen the OS Reentry Services program, enhance participant outcomes and contribute to safer, healthier communities across Region 4. We look forward to sharing updates as these efforts continue to take shape.