In partnership with Fresh Coast Alliance and the Michigan Department of Corrections, Michigan Works! West Central held the annual Reentry United conference on Nov. 3, in Grand Rapids. About 250 people from across Michigan attended the event.

The goal of the annual conference held at the Eberhard Center in downtown Grand Rapids is to highlight successful partnerships, programs and services that can benefit returning citizens, as well as showcase individual success stories of those who have exited incarceration to find personal and professional success.

The event brought together stakeholders from the MDOC and across West Michigan to educate and collaborate regarding the provision of reentry services to incarcerated individuals and individuals returning to their communities.

The day began with a keynote address from MDOC Director Heidi Washington highlighting the successes of MDOC’s efforts and was followed by several panel discussions centering on the present and future of reentry, innovation within reentry services and success stories of individuals with the lived experience of incarceration. Smaller breakout sessions delved deeper into education initiatives taking place within and outside of the MDOC, a conversation with parole board members, discussions about partnerships between the MDOC, other state agencies and community organizations, and a conversation about policy and reform. Participants also had the chance to ask questions of panelists. Director Washington spoke at the conference for the second years in a row.

The overarching theme throughout the event was clear: Returning citizens benefit greatly from the provision of reentry information and resources both during and after their incarceration. Their chances of success can be exponentially increased due to receiving these resources and services, which exist because of the collaboration and innovation of all involved stakeholders. The results have been lifechanging, and the success stories heard at the conference were a testament to that.

Below is a photo gallery of images from this year's event. Additional photos can be found here.

For more information about the annual Reentry United conference held in Grand Rapids, click here.