Katie’s Story: Rock Bottom to Renewal

I’ve always taken the harder path in life, searching for a place to belong and for someone to love me unconditionally. Racing 100 mph toward severe consequences, I was addicted to drugs and committing criminal acts for over ten years. I hit rock bottom on January 3, 2023, leading to my incarceration at the Kent […]

Open Arms

Open Arms is designed to equip the local church body to welcome individuals as they are reentering their communities after they leave jail. In this training we will help break common stigmas and help you understand struggles that inmates have. You will learn about trauma, addiction, recovery and boundaries, and receive tools and resources on […]

Help Us Bring Clarity: Donate Glasses for Inmates

Many inmates struggle to read due to poor eyesight, making it difficult for them to engage with their Bibles, Bible studies, and other important materials. Providing glasses is not only a way to meet a critical need but also opens the door for chaplains to introduce themselves and build relationships with inmates. This small act […]

Nick’s Story: From Brokenness to Redemption

My childhood was what society might call “normal.” I had two working parents, and our needs were always met. Yet, beneath the surface, something was missing. My father’s alcohol use made him emotionally distant, and we never attended church as a family. Because of this, I grew up knowing little about God or faith. One […]

Jay’s Story

Written by Chaplain Luke Hixson, Shiawassee County Jail I met Jay in the Shiawassee County Jail. He was 42 and had grown up strong, being drafted to play professional hockey. His heart became caught up in the pleasures that the world could bring, and he wasn’t prepared for an injury that would end his career […]

Stock and Bond Donations

Donating appreciated securities, including stocks, bonds or other assets, is an easy and tax-effective way for you to make a high impact gift to Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry. Benefits of this type of gifting include: •    Avoid paying capital gains tax on the sale of appreciated stock •    Receive a charitable income tax deduction •  […]

Statewide (4 min)

Healing the Wounded Heart

The Student Becomes the Teacher

Written By Brandi Kirkpatrick, Genesee County Assistant Chaplain In the county jail setting we typically see individuals for 12 months or less. However there are circumstances in cases where court is postponed, waiting on co-defendants’ trials, or just a case that takes much longer than usual to see resolve. This is where Crystal finds herself. […]

Change is Possible

I had a childhood full of trauma. I was moved in and out of foster homes while my parents were struggling with addictions. I was left with many mental, emotional, physical, and sexual struggles. It was hard for me. I lost a lot of faith and looked at God as a bad figure in my […]

HWH Facilitation Video

HWH Promo

“If I can change, anyone can.”

Midland County Jail is designed as one of the newer jails that exists across the state. This means there are no more bars like one would typically think of when they think of a jail setting. It’s obvious that it’s a locked down facility as there are no windows, but the hallways are quiet, clean, […]

Mindy’s Story

Donaven’s Story

Cal Alderink

Dear RTF Supporters, It is with a heavy heart that we inform you that our Ottawa County Lead Chaplain, Cal Alderink, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 5, after a brief hospitalization. We are confident that Cal is secure in the eternal embrace and rest of Jesus Christ. Cal will be among the faithful servants […]

Events

Upcoming Fall Events Mecosta County Fundraising Banquet: September 11 Information Coming Soon! Ottawa County Fundraising Banquet: October 7 Information Coming Soon! Lapeer County Fundraising Banquet: October 9 Information Coming Soon! Ionia County Fundraising Banquet: October 16 Information Coming Soon! Clinton County Fundraising Banquet: October 16 Information Coming Soon! Tuscola County Fundraising Banquet: October 23 Information […]

Scott’s Story

Bill’s Story

“I hadn’t talked to God in a long time. But, I prayed. I said, ‘If you’re real, you gotta help me.”  From the age of 17 to 36, Bill Ryder spent 19 years stuck in a methamphetamine addiction. While living in California, he remembers being in the courtroom and hearing the judge sentence him to […]

Eddie’s Story

From Death to Life

Isaak and Chad are two young men who have recently returned to their community after being incarcerated in the Livingston County Jail. Since their release in 2023, they have gone around the community with Lead Chaplain, Gary Childers to tell the story of how God grabbed ahold of their hearts while in their darkest hours. […]

DeMarco’s Story

Statewide (2 min)

Jennifer’s Story

Moni’s Story

Escaping a Dark Place

Jason from Branch County recalls his history with the jail system, drug abuse, and the road that led him to where he is today. Here is Jason’s story: “Life has been a struggle for me. It started out with Leukemia as a child. There were a few more situations I shouldn’t have made it out […]

Arica’s Story

“Someone’s seen me, not my problems and my baggage and my scars.”

2023 Annual Report

Annual Report 2023 pages

Christmas in the Jail Drive

Christmas in the Jail is an annual tradition for Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry. Our jail chaplains partner with local churches and community members to bring a spirit of Joy into what is the hardest time of year for those incarcerated. As they miss their families, friends, and freedom, mental health issues rise, as well […]

Statewide (8 min)

Mecosta Sheriff’s Baptism

On any given day, Mecosta County Jail houses up to 100 men and women. Chaplain Randy Hahn and his wife, Amanda, have served this county since 2017 and as lead chaplains since 2022.  In his past life, Chaplain Randy experienced a handful of stints inside the Mecosta County Jail as an inmate. This is what […]

A Call to Churches

We are continuously looking for church partners who will work with us as inmates re-enter their community. These returning citizens are in need of a community of support as they take new steps toward redirecting their lives; people who will walk alongside them as God does the work of transformation. This support comes in all shapes and […]

Persons of Peace

Persons of Peace are individuals whose lives are transformed for the better in the midst of hard life events and circumstances. Oftentimes stuck or grief-stricken, they are inspired by individuals who resemble Jesus, causing them to hunger for what they find valuable in that person (1). In turn, their lives start to change as they lean […]

“I Have Purpose Now”

There are individuals that we have the privilege of working with over the course of many years, through many ups and downs. Amanda is one of these individuals. Sarah Heaton and many who volunteer in the Kent County Jail have developed an ongoing relationship with Amanda. Amanda’s story continues to have successes, but we know […]

Blue Water Region

Western Region

…He Sets The Prisoners Free

“I am the third oldest of seven children. About 10 years ago, the state of Michigan required my three youngest siblings to go with their father and for me and my other three siblings to be placed into foster care. My mother decided to move to Kentucky so that she could keep us.”  Angela told […]

Josh Stanton

Josh Stanton, a returned citizen of Genesee County, recounts his story. This is a story that goes to show that addiction does not discriminate.  Josh grew up in a loving home where he felt loved unconditionally. With two younger brothers, he played many sports and was cared for by his mother who stayed home for […]

Restored Grounds

GENESEE COFFEE CLUB Subscribe to receive monthly shipments of Restored Grounds Coffee, a private label from Shadrach, Meshach, and ABeanToGo Coffee Roasters. Shipments will run May – December 2023. 100% of the Proceeds go to support jail ministry at the Genesee County Jail through Reach the Forgotten. *This will not be processed as a tax-deductible […]

Bent Knees Break Chains

“Bent knees break chains,” says Teresa Wood, a former inmate of Branch County Jail.  In July of 2022, the judge challenged Teresa by asking her that if she were to die, what kind of legacy would she leave behind for her children. Teresa said that she didn’t have an answer and stated, “he [the judge] […]

Angie Spoken Word

(scroll down for video) “I was born Angalee. The streets call me China, but God called me Rose. He says, China, how many times need I say, it’s a waste of your time child please don’t run away. You’re soon to come back or will it be too late? Lost in the dark in the […]

Joseph’s Song

Kent County inmate Joseph.

Kent County 2022

Eastern Region

Volunteer Training

2021 08 10 ARM Volunteer Training

Amanda’s Story

Leselie’s Story

Curt and Jen’s Story

ARM

The ARM Program is a way for our Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry volunteers to connect to inmates from outside of the jails. Writing letters of hope and encouragement is one way that ARM allows RTF volunteers to reach inmates virtually. Volunteers through ARM work with an email system to send a virtual letter that […]

ARM Volunteer Process

Livingston County Banquet

Job Opportunities

Updated November 15 2021 We are not currently hiring, check back later for any changes!  

Jot Form

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North Regional Event

Live

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East

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Learn

Online Learning

FMM CARES

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FMM Partner Action Form

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RTF Spearheads Community Care Taskforce

In response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry is spearheading the Genesee County Sheriff’s “Community Care Task Force” for Flint and the surrounding region. We are so grateful to Sheriff Chris Swanson for his vision, leadership, and the phenomenal ways he has empowered RTF Chaplain Kenny Hovis and Isaac Walsh to serve […]

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Policies & Finances

Finances Annual Report 6.30.24 Annual Report 6.30.23 Annual Report 6.30.22 Annual Report 6.30.21 Annual Report 6.30.20 Annual Report 06.30.19 Annual Report 6.30.18 Annual Report 6.30.17 Financial Statement FY 2024 Financial Statement FY 2023 Financial Statement FY 2022 Financial Statement FY 2021 Financial Statement FY 2020 Financial Statement FY 2019 Financial Statement FY 2018 Financial Statement […]

RTF in Muskegon County

Chaplain Rob Wickham’s Story

Leroy’s Story

“I had to change some things in order to embrace the Word of God…I learned how to deal with family issues and control anger. I found freedom in Christ.” -Leroy Lambert

Janelle’s Story

“In a cell alone, I surrendered to God. RTF teachers brought light into the jail. I felt love and found hope. What I thought was impossible, became possible. Now my happiness comes from within and from God.”

Montcalm County Banquet

Resources

Chaplain Hub

The Modert’s Story

Sharing Christmas together is a gift from God. The Modert family will never take that gift for granted again. Trapped in the grip of a meth addiction, deputies showed up at their door in February of 2012. “I had to wake up each one of my children and tell them they had to go with […]

Jen’s Story

At a young age, Jen was separated from her mother because of her mom’s self-destructive addictions and behavior. She experienced abuse, homelessness, and learned how to steal to survive. At 18, she was on her own and turned to the life her mother taught her. After years of running from God, Jen went to jail […]

Donate

For recurring donations, please click here: Set Up Recurring Donation Checks may be made out to Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry and mailed to our home office at 1480 Buchanan Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI 49507. Call 616-784-4620 during business hours to make a donation over the phone or for any help.

Process Steps

Michelle’s Story

Your support helped Michele confront the darkness that led her to the county jail. God played a role in her life, but Michele was on a self-destructive path. She knew things had to change. Michele discovered that a women’s Bible study was offered in the jail through Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry. Soon she was […]

Get Involved

We believe that volunteers are the hands and feet of Jesus in the jails. Our ministry would not be possible without the two thousand men and women across the state who serve in various capacities in and out of the jail. There are many different ways for you to serve or support the mission of […]

About RTF

Our mission is to provide Christ-centered hope and healing through biblically-based, chaplain led, volunteer jail ministries. Our vision is for every incarcerated person to experience new life in Christ and develop healthy family, church, and community relationships. Our values are Compassion, Dependence, Equipping, God’s Word, Hospitality, Integrity, and Kingdom Diversity. Compassion: Restoring broken & hurting […]

Impact & Stories

Through Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry, thousands of lives are transformed each year. We live out our mission to provide Christ-centered hope and healing through county jail chaplains and volunteers. Through Bible classes, worship services, recovery resources, and referrals to re-entry services, we offer individuals who are incarcerated options for a different future. We strive […]

Our Work

Our mission is to provide Christ-centered hope and healing through biblically-based, chaplain led, volunteer jail ministries. Our vision is for every incarcerated person to experience new life in Christ and develop healthy family, church, and community relationships.

Contact

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Jails Served

We currently have 28 chaplains serving in over 30 counties across the state of Michigan. They lead a team of over 2000 volunteers who faithfully share the hope of Jesus Christ with inmates in your local county jail. “I used to be a bitter and angry person, believing no one cared about us here in […]

Home

“Jail is not a desirable place to be, but it was the place that saved me, thanks to Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry. It’s not just a job for them. They are just trying to show love in the most broken part of our broken world.” -Joshua S., Genesee County RTF believes in the redemption […]