Project Reentry

08/20/2026

It’s been a great week of former juvenile lifer homecomings with Project Reentry! Yesterday, attorney Nicole Duncan and Project Reentry’s Alexis Smith welcomed Barry Walmsley home after 31 years inside (and our SADO Clerk, Ervin Jennings also joined the welcome wagon for his dear old friend). Today, Project Reentry’s Lorenzo Harrell brought Jermaine Stevenson home after serving 35 years. His attorney, Jackie Ouvry was so thrilled to greet him at SADO. Welcome home, Barry and Jermaine, here’s to living your very best lives!

08/17/2026

We’re excited to present the latest edition of The Drum, featuring updates, stories, and resources from Project Reentry. Check it out and share!

08/15/2026

Today, Project Reentry’s Alexis Smith and Anna Kohn joined hundreds of attendees, including partners, friends, and former SADO clients from around the state at the 2026 Reentry United Conference in Grand Rapids. We are so grateful to OS Region 4’s Angie Sprank and her team for their transformational work championing the power of peer-to-peer engagement and breaking down barriers to strengthen connections between the community and MDOC.

07/20/2026

Were you sentenced to life without parole as a minor and have since been released from prison? This paid survey opportunity is for you. Help support advocacy efforts to advance Second Look reforms!

Click the link to confirm eligibility for the study:
https://redcap.link/UCLA-NationalSecondChancesStudy

07/17/2026

We are excited to share that our End-of-Summer Gathering is back for its 4th year! Join Project Reentry on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm.

Our End-of-Summer Gathering will be held at Detroit’s beautiful Belle Isle in Shelter #6.

Formerly incarcerated individuals, their families, and reentry community partners are welcome. We’ll provide the burgers, dogs, and drinks. Please bring a dish to share if you can.

Be sure to RSVP by September 16 here: www.sado.org/go/gosummer26

07/02/2026

A belated but enthusiastic WELCOME HOME to Brian Hamilton! After 28 years incarcerated as a juvenile lifer, Brian returned to his loving family on June 23rd and included a stop over to SADO to hug and thank his team, attorney Alison Swain and reentry specialist Lorenzo Harrell. We are so excited to see you take these next steps in life, Brian.

06/21/2026

Join Project Reentry for our June workshop! Ready to advance your education or career? In this workshop, Penny Kane of Detroit Reconnect will highlight the free educational and skilled trades scholarship opportunities available through Detroit Reconnect and provide guidance on how returning citizens can access these valuable resources.

Monday, June 29 at SADO Detroit
6:00 - 7:00 pm
RSVP: www.sado.org/go/detreconnect

See you there!

05/27/2026

Our team is thrilled to welcome Eric Bougard home after 37 years inside! This morning, Eric reunited with his family and friends, having originally been sentenced to life without parole as a juvenile nearly four decades ago. His loyal SADO team, attorney Erin Bartels and reentry specialist Marcus Williams, were there to cheer him on as he begins the next chapter of his life in the community. Welcome home, Eric!

05/18/2026

See you tonight!

Join us for Project Reentry’s workshop, Social Media Matters, on Monday, May 18 at 6:00.

Social media is a big part of everyday life, from staying connected to finding everyday personal and professional opportunities. Social Media Matters will help you learn to navigate social media with confidence. We’ll cover online safety, how posts may be viewed by employers or the community, and ways to use social media to support your next steps in life.

RSVP here: www.sado.org/go/Social_Media

See you there! 📆

05/08/2026

Join us for Project Reentry’s workshop, Social Media Matters, on Monday, May 18 at 6:00.

Social media is a big part of everyday life, from staying connected to finding everyday personal and professional opportunities. Social Media Matters will help you learn to navigate social media with confidence. We’ll cover online safety, how posts may be viewed by employers or the community, and ways to use social media to support your next steps in life.

RSVP here: www.sado.org/go/Social_Media

See you there! 📆