Did you know?
2 in 3 Michiganders leaving state prison are parents of minor children; and
On average, these individuals leave incarceration with a mere $25 in “gate money?”
“They told me I’d get $100. I left with $40 and a bus token — that didn’t even get me through the first day.”
“This is dignity. It’s the difference between restarting and spiraling.”
“ The mental burden that is lifted and the confidence that a person gets simply by having ID and a little bit of money is a true difference maker.”
Every year…
Thousands of Michiganders return home from incarceration facing immediate financial instability, barriers to employment, and limited support during reentry.
Without access to critical support, formerly incarcerated parents struggle to rebuild their lives, making it harder to secure stable employment and restore relationships with their children.
This gap in stability has lasting consequences, not only for parents striving to reintegrate but also for the well-being and stability of their children.
It doesn’t have to be this way…
Reentry is a predictable moment of need
Data tells us when targeted support is most impactful.
Supporting parents returning home uplifts entire households, especially children.
Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) Michigan and partners are working to explore an innovative pilot to provide short-term financial support during the critical transition home.
This pilot will allow the state to:
Test what works
Improve employment outcomes
Strengthen family stability
Reduce recidivism
Bridge to Work Michigan
Bridge to Work MI is an emerging Michigan initiative focused on helping people returning home from incarceration to stabalize, reconnect with family, and transition succesfully into employment.
Bridge to Work MI will help released people to address:
Immediate reentry costs
Housing instability
Transportation barriers
Child/family reunification
Workforce participation
Public safety and stabilization
