Support That Goes Beyond the Bars
Whether you’re navigating incarceration yourself or supporting a loved one who is, you’re not alone. Below are helpful programs, organizations, and tools—many based right here in Michigan—to provide connection, guidance, and support.
Support for Families & Loved Ones
Caring for someone behind bars can feel isolating—but community is out there. These organizations offer emotional support, information, and resources for families affected by incarceration.
- Nation Outside – Family Support Circles
Peer-led support groups for families of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals across Michigan.
https://www.nationoutside.org - The National Resource Center on Children and Families of the Incarcerated (NRCCFI)
Offers tools, research, and education for caregivers and children of incarcerated parents.
https://nrccfi.camden.rutgers.edu - Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Program
Helps maintain family bonds by providing holiday gifts to children on behalf of their incarcerated parents.
https://www.prisonfellowship.org - Citizens for Prison Reform – Family Participation Program (FPP)
Monthly Zoom advocacy and support meetings for Michigan families affected by incarceration.
https://micpr.org/family-participation-program - Michigan Prison Families (Facebook Group)
Online peer community for families navigating the Michigan prison system.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1496304617293975 - Motherly Intercession (Genesee County)
Offers wraparound support and programming for children of incarcerated parents.
https://www.unlocktheirfuture.org
Reentry Support & Planning
Reentering society can be overwhelming. These services help people plan for their release, rebuild their lives, and access essential support.
- Safe & Just Michigan
Advocates for reform and provides guidance on housing, employment, and reentry-related barriers.
https://www.safeandjustmi.org - Michigan Reentry Project (MIREP)
Connects returning citizens with IDs, housing, healthcare, and job support.
https://michigan.gov/corrections/reentry - Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative (MPRI)
A state-run reentry strategy focused on reducing recidivism through coordinated support.
https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/0,4551,7-119-1441_1461_2203—,00.html - A Brighter Way – Washtenaw County
Offers peer mentoring and life coaching by and for formerly incarcerated individuals.
https://abrighterway.org - The Fortune Society
Provides housing, job readiness training, and wraparound reentry services.
https://fortunesociety.org - Root & Rebound
Legal resource center for removing reentry barriers and accessing essential services.
https://www.rootandrebound.org - Defy Ventures
Offers entrepreneurship and employment readiness programs for people with records.
https://defyventures.org - Osborne Association
Comprehensive reentry support including parenting classes, housing assistance, and health services.
https://www.osborneny.org - JumpStart
A faith-based reentry organization offering mentorship and spiritual support.
https://www.jumpstartvision.org - FreeWorld
Offers commercial driver license (CDL) job training to formerly incarcerated individuals.
https://joinfreeworld.com - Prison Fellowship Academy
Faith-based in-prison program focused on character development and reentry success.
https://www.prisonfellowship.org/about/academy
Resources for Incarcerated Individuals (Inside)
People inside deserve hope and connection. These organizations provide educational tools, books, advocacy, and community.
- Prison Book Program
Sends free books to incarcerated individuals across the country.
https://www.prisonbookprogram.org - Black & Pink
Supports LGBTQIA+ individuals in prison with pen pals, advocacy, and reentry mutual aid.
https://www.blackandpink.org - Mailroom Ministries – Michigan
Many churches across Michigan offer spiritual outreach via letters and devotionals.
Check with local chaplains or ministries. - The Last Mile
Offers in-prison technology and coding bootcamps for incarcerated people in Michigan and beyond.
https://thelastmile.org - Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA)
Provides visual and performing arts education in correctional settings to promote growth and healing.
https://www.rta-arts.org - Ts Madison Starter House
Offers safe housing and reentry support for formerly incarcerated Black trans women.
https://www.them.us/story/ts-madison-starter-house-atlanta-formerly-incarcerated-black-trans-women
Legal & Advocacy Support
Understanding your rights is crucial. These resources support incarcerated people and their families in navigating legal systems.
- Michigan Legal Help
Offers free legal tools for civil issues including expungement and housing.
https://michiganlegalhelp.org - Innocence Project
Provides legal assistance to those wrongfully convicted and fights for systemic change.
https://innocenceproject.org - Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM)
Advocates for sentencing reform and justice for families.
https://famm.org - Reform Alliance
Works to reform parole and probation systems nationwide.
https://reformalliance.com - Before, During & After Incarceration (BDAI)
Restorative justice organization supporting individuals across the incarceration timeline.
https://www.bdaiconnect.org - Nation Outside
Offers legal rights education, workshops, and reentry advocacy.
https://www.nationoutside.org - ACLU of Michigan
Legal support and advocacy protecting the rights of incarcerated individuals.
https://www.aclumich.org - Center for Youth Justice
Policy and advocacy organization focused on ending youth incarceration in Michigan.
https://www.miyouthjustice.org
Staying Connected
Maintaining bonds with loved ones can ease the pain of incarceration and support successful reentry. These resources can help.
- Prison Policy Initiative – Communication Reports
Research and guides on the cost and accessibility of prison communication services.
https://www.prisonpolicy.org - WriteAPrisoner.com
Connects incarcerated people with pen pals to reduce loneliness and build support.
https://www.writeaprisoner.com - Facility-Specific Visiting Info (MDOC)
Official source for visiting rules, applications, and procedures.
https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/0,4551,7-119-1441_1494—,00.html - Securus Technologies
Offers phone, tablet, and video communication tools for facilities.
https://securustech.net - JPay
Provides digital services like email, video visitation, and money transfers for inmates.
https://www.jpay.com
Financial Help & Commissary Support
Incarceration often brings financial strain. These resources may help ease the burden on families and support those inside.
- Souls of Women (Metro Detroit)
A nonprofit that offers small-scale financial aid and food assistance to families with incarcerated loved ones.
https://soulsofwomen.org - Innocence Maintained (Michigan)
Provides commissary help and reentry stipends for formerly incarcerated individuals who were wrongfully convicted.
https://innocencemaintained.org - GoFundMe & Mutual Aid
Many families turn to crowdsourcing platforms. Search by name or facility to find and share verified fundraisers.
