News & Stories
Supporting Reentry After Incarceration
Photo credit: Before, During and After Incarceration / Facebook
Image description: A community gathering with people serving themselves food from a buffet table. The table is covered with orange and patterned tablecloths, displaying dishes like sliced ham, turkey, salads, and various side dishes. Attendees of different ages interact, with some serving food and others chatting nearby.
When people are released from jail or prison, they can face a variety of barriers upon returning to their community. They may need support obtaining a new driver’s license or state ID, getting access to mental health services, or securing reliable transportation to find employment or get to their place of work.
“We’re working with a young woman, recently released from jail, who’s now clean and sober,” shared Scott Tompkins, President of Before, During and After Incarceration (BDAI). “But the court is requiring her to get drug tested twice a day. How is she supposed to accomplish this without a car, a driver’s license, insurance, or gas money? A lot of what former inmates face is logistically difficult, if not impossible.”
Supporting this challenging transition is where BDAI comes in. As one of our recent Community Funds grant partners, BDAI is helping formerly incarcerated people get back on their feet.
To prevent former inmates from winding up in homeless encampments, for instance, BDAI provides temporary private housing on a weekly basis, which gives clients time to obtain necessary IDs and paperwork. Providing this safe space can also help clients who may have detoxed during incarceration avoid drugs or alcohol immediately after their release.
Alongside housing, another common barrier for people reentering society from prison is access to transportation. BDAI clients have ended up in northern Michigan from all over the state or country. They often need employment directly after release and some way to get there. To help, BDAI offers transportation support—including rides to important appointments, bus passes, and gas cards—to those who need it.
In addition, BDAI organizes monthly dinners—supported by one of our Community Funds grants—to steer family members toward local resources. During monthly dinners, adults can network with service providers from different agencies and BDAI volunteers provide children’s activities. These monthly dinners offer community for the formerly incarcerated and their families, which is critical as incarceration affects not just those who go to prison, but also their children and family members.
“Community Funds have been a real lifesaver for us,” said Scott. “Our organization is entirely volunteer-based. Anything we make goes right back to our constituents. The beauty of the grant we received is that we can use it for our operating expenses to provide as many services as possible.”
Many donors have supported BDAI through our Community Funds, including Traverse City resident Kathy Tuckerman, who has been one of our supporters since 2016.
“BDAI is an important and necessary organization,” shared Kathy. “The fact that my donations are going towards helping individuals stay out of jail and supporting those recently released makes me feel like I’m part of meaningful solutions for my community.”
As a sustaining donor of the Community Foundation, Kathy gives monthly rather than just contributing one lump sum.
“If I give every month to an organization, then they know they’re going to have my continued support,” said Kathy. “Because the Community Foundation can depend on monthly donors, they’re able to plan for future projects.”
Scott is grateful for dedicated donors like Tuckerman and the connections he’s made with Community Foundation support, which has been opening more doors to better serve BDAI’s clients.
“If you have a particular concern you’d like to see addressed in our area, it’s likely that the Community Foundation addresses it through their programs,” said Scott. “They’re solidly committed to benefitting our region. When you donate to the Foundation’s Community Funds, you’re providing support to people who really need it.”
Story contributor: Jen DeMoss