I love the chance to visit so many amazing people and organizations. This post will be a listing of my travels for the past 9 months.
Des Moines - I took several trips to our capitol city.
- In February, 2024, I met with Katrina Carter, the Director of Reentry and Treatment for the Iowa Department of Corrections to catch up and share information. I also met with the Plymouth Church 'Transition from Prison" group and Full Circle Recovery to talk about both of their incredible work mentoring and supporting recovery.
- In May, I had the chance to visit Sheepgate in Colfax. They have an amazing campus and program. Then, on to House of Mercy to learn about their new initiatives and get ideas for the next statewide meeting from the director, Rebecca Peterson. Another visit to Full Circle Recovery was followed by a visit with Discover Hope 5:17 in Newton. They are an exciting and positive place that recently opened transitional housing.
- In July, I was able to meet with the new reentry person in the 5th Judicial District, Ben Carse. It's always good to make these connections as we assist those returning to the Des Moines area. I also had a chance to visit with Central Iowa Shelter and Services and learn about their new reentry housing program. A very exciting opportunity that is still in the planning stage.
Ft. Dodge - In June, I was able to visit Charles Clayton at DRIVE Reentry. He has an amazing and expanding program. His organization is also hosting this year's annual statewide meeting on Oct. 2, so we spent time planning for that event. In addition, I met with the famous Church of the Damascus Road staff about their work in the Ft. Dodge and Rockwell City prisons. I also had a chance to meet with David Keegan and Jim Sayers.
Sioux City - On this same trip, I had the chance to spend a day in the Soo. First off, I met with the Boost Reentry team and learn more about how they are helping returning citizens with employment needs. Next, I met with the two amazing people who run Hope Street and Euonoia House. Sara and Whitney do incredible work at their transitional housing programs. The housing visits continued with my first stops to Soulward Housing and Buck's Place. After a meeting with the 3rd Judicial District staff, I had the opportunity to spend time at Sunnybrook Church. They keep expanding their work with those leaving prison.
Council Bluffs - The next day took me on a whirlwind trip starting with Bridges Peer Center and Full Circle Recovery. They are both serving the community in such important and needed ways. I then met with Remnant Fellowship and the 4th district parole staff. They were as helpful as always. Next, I had the chance to visit a brand new housing option in town - Milestone. The building and staff were so wonderful. Finally, I met with HopeNet to hear all about their continued work in Council Bluffs.
Waterloo - In March, I met the new staff person at Junkman-Knoebel, one of Waterloo's only transitional housing options. The place looks fantastic. I also met up with Michele and Dean at One City. This organization makes such a difference in turning lives around. They also connected me with two groups who are trying to establish reentry housing. Exciting times ahead for Waterloo.
Cedar Rapids - The month of May found me in this wonderful city. At RISE, I was able to see their work in action. The organization is located in the same area as the work release. Visiting Hope CDA is always fantastic. They are such positive folks (and I even met a formerly incarcerated individual who we help connect with Hope CDA!) I also had the chance to meet with Crush, a recovery support community center and Safe Place, a recovery housing organization.
Davenport - In August, I met with Chad Williams and the team at One Eighty. They are full up and keep expanding their housing program. I really love how they are willing to help new organizations with their experience and knowledge. The 7th Judicial staff provided me with a clear explanation of their Tech2Connect program. Their efforts are very proactive and effective. On the way back, I stopped by Cedar River Haven to meet with Freda Sojka. They are fairly new to recovery housing, but they keep growing and are serving women dealing with addiction incredibly well.
Dubuque - The cold of January found me in northeast Iowa. First off, I met with Karen Hoeger at Catholic Charities . She is an incredible resource for mentoring and helping with community support. Next, I met with Caprice Jones and learned about his new housing support program. He is one of the few people going into Iowa prisons to work directly with individuals. Finally, I met with Michelle at Operation Empower. She is such a passionate advocate for those returning to the community and her new housing is an amazing space.
Thanks to all the incredibly hardworking people and organizations who are doing such crucial work on prison reentry! You are helping so many women and men rebuild their lives after incarceration!
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