Michigan's only newsletter dedicated to helping Justice-Involved Individuals! Brought to you by ... | | 4th Annual Reentry United Conference Hosts Guests From Across Michigan, U.S. | | |
With a sold-out crowd of more than 300 people from across Michigan and several other states, the 4th annual Reentry United conference was a testament to the growing momentum behind reentry efforts in Michigan and beyond.
The day opened with remarks from Warden Melinda Braman, the 2024 Warden of the Year, who set the tone with a message of hope and collaboration. Following her was keynote speaker Adam Clausen, whose story deeply resonated with the audience. At just 24 years old, Adam made a series of life-altering decisions that resulted in a staggering 213-year prison sentence. Incarceration helped him to turn his life around and after 20 years, 5 months, and 17 days he was released. His message reminded everyone of the power of change and the importance of second chances.
Read more about this year's event and see pictures from the conference by clicking here.
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Upcycle Bikes:
Pedaling Change in Kent County
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For the past three years, Upcycle Bikes, founded by Rick Armbruster, has been making a big impact one bike at a time. With more than 2,500 bikes donated in Kent County, this volunteer-driven organization takes in old or donated bicycles, fixes them up and gives them back to the community completely free of charge.
Upcycle Bikes specifically supports parolees and probationers in the Kent County region by providing them with reliable transportation, helping them get to work, appointments and build independence. If a bike breaks, Upcycle doesn’t leave anyone stranded — they’ll swap it out and refurbish the old one for someone else in need.
The program runs entirely on donations and volunteers, and they’re always looking for more helping hands.
Want to make a difference? Donate a bike or volunteer your time and help keep Kent County moving forward.
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Breaking Barriers Together:
Goodwill of West Michigan Reentry Success Stories
Goodwill of West Michigan continues to make a powerful impact through the OS Reentry Services program, helping individuals overcome barriers and take meaningful steps toward independence and stability. Recently, they shared two inspiring success stories that reflect the true value of partnership — and the strength of determination.
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For Christopher Allen, one of the biggest challenges he faced after reentry was finding stable employment. But with the help of Employment Specialist Joseph Gordon, Resource Navigators Gretchen Damm and Antonio Romanelli, Chris was able to tap into his inner drive and start building a new life. He never gave up, even when faced with obstacles.
“Keep at it, keep hitting the pavement. Don’t give up,” he advises others in similar situations. With guidance and support from the Goodwill team, he landed a job at Port City Industrial, where he’s now been employed for 10 months.
Today, Chris is thriving—he has a steady income, his own apartment, and recently obtained his driver’s license. He highly recommends working with Goodwill, crediting their support as a key factor in his journey forward.
Click here for Christopher's full story on the Goodwill of West Michigan website.
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Keeria was also struggling to find consistent employment when she connected with Goodwill of West Michigan. With the help of Joseph Gordon, she received job readiness coaching, interview preparation and resume support that helped boost her confidence and sharpen her skills.
Gordon describes Keeria as “a hard worker — optimistic, patient and determined.”
That determination paid off. She first secured a job at Big Boy, and shortly after accepted a better opportunity at a pet food wholesale distributor.
Now on a stable path, Keeria is grateful for the strong foundation Goodwill of West Michigan helped her build.
Click here for Keeria's full story on the Goodwill of West Michigan's website.
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These stories are a testament to what’s possible when we work together. Through strong partnerships like the one we share with Goodwill of West Michigan, we are advancing our shared mission of breaking down barriers and creating new beginnings for those reentering our communities.
Together, we’re not just helping people get jobs, we’re helping them reclaim their futures. Read more success stories by clicking here.
| | Building Futures Before Release: Reentry United at Work on the Inside | | | | |
On July 17, 2025, Reentry United held its largest inside conference to date in Newberry, located in the Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
The event welcomed 100 soon-to-parole men who participated in the Reentry United Inside Conference — a powerful gathering focused on support, resources and preparation for reentry into society.
MDOC Director Heidi Washington spoke at the event, delivering a powerful message of unity and encouragement. She was joined by a panel of dedicated individuals there to offer guidance, support and hope. The panel included Reentry United co-founders Angie Sprank and Nate Johnson, two parole board members, a parole agent, and two individuals who were formerly incarcerated. Together, they stood as a united front — a living testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of community.
The conference featured the most resource tables ever at a Reentry United Inside event, offering direct access to vital services and connections. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in mini breakout sessions designed to address specific needs and challenges related to reentry.
These in-prison full-conference events are held six times a year across the state, along with specialized programs at SLF in St. Louis Level IV and soon to be at ICF in Ionia Level II and V, designed to encourage and support individuals who are nearing parole. The goal is to help set them on a path to success before they leave prison, offering resources, guidance and hope for a brighter future. Ultimately, the long-term mission is to reduce Michigan’s recidivism rate and, one day, to empty the prison system by breaking the cycle of incarceration.
| | Above is a video from the Newberry event that captures the powerful impact being made from inside Michigan's corrections facilities. | | Miles of Opportunity:
FCG’s Trucking Trailblazers | | |
This past quarter has been filled with incredible momentum for our OS Truck Driving Program participants, many of whom successfully passed their CDL tests and are now on the road to rewarding careers in the trucking industry. We are currently at 141 successful participants who have gone through the Truck Driving Program.
At the heart of this success is our valued partner, Bill Baareman, owner and instructor at FCG Truck Driver Training in Byron Center. Bill has been instrumental not only in training our participants, but also in helping them transition into employment after certification. His passion for what he does — and for the people he works with — shines through in every interaction.
Here’s what Bill had to say about some of our recent graduates:
- “Matt made it look easy; he passed no problem today.”
- “Eddie rocked it today and passed his CDL state skills test.”
- “It was a joy to have Charles here at our school. He did very well.”
- “John passed his CDL-A State skills test. John worked very hard here at FCG.”
These aren’t just test results — they’re life-changing milestones. With a CDL in hand, our participants gain access to new job opportunities, stable incomes and the ability to build a better future for themselves and their families.
And the support doesn’t stop after the test. Bill goes the extra mile by helping graduates connect with employers, ensuring their hard-earned licenses turn into long-term careers!
Thanks to partners like FCG and dedicated instructors like Bill, we’re helping participants put their futures in drive — one success story at a time.
For more information about the truck driver training program, click here.
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For more information about OS Reentry Services, click here.
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