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Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry

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Grand Rapids, MI
Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry

Bringing the Good News to the Forgotten. Providing hope and salvation in Michigan county jails.

Founded in 1966 to be the hand of the Lord in 34 MI county jails by providing chaplains, a comprehensive spiritual program, and enlisting the strength of an army of over 2,000 volunteers to reach the incarcerated. Our hope and prayer would be that every departing inmate starts a new life that honors our Savior, Jesus Christ and never returns to jail. We have a long journey and much work to do but

with God as our leader and your support, we will make great strides. Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry is a 501c3 organization, meaning that all donations are tax-deductible.

08/25/2026

Our Summer Statewide Newsletter is here! ☀️📫

This issue offers a glimpse into what’s happening across Reach the Forgotten as we celebrate 60 years of ministry.

Inside, you’ll find stories of faithful jail ministry, volunteer impact, new Bible study resources, and important ministry leadership transitions at RTF. This season of transition is an important part of our story, and we’ll be sharing more about it in the weeks ahead.

📖 Read the Summer Newsletter here:https://jailministry.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Summer-Newsletter-website.pdf

And if you’re on our email or traditional mailing list, keep an eye on your inbox or mailbox for your copy! 📩

08/22/2026

This month, participants gathered in Tuscola County for three days of Healing the Wounded Heart (HWH) training, beginning the process of becoming facilitators for this powerful program.

Before leading others through HWH, future facilitators experience the program themselves. This is especially important because the work can be heavy, inviting participants to process some of their deepest wounds and traumas. Facilitators who have walked through the experience themselves are better prepared to lead with compassion, understanding, and care.

Some of these photos capture an activity demonstrating what can happen when we push down or avoid the real emotions that surface through difficult experiences. Healing begins when we acknowledge our pain and bring it into the light.

Interested in participating? Our next in-person training is coming up in November in Grand Rapids!

Learn more and register: https://jailministry.org/hwh/

08/19/2026

This summer, Reach the Forgotten chaplains across Michigan have been gathering with their volunteers for Volunteer Appreciation Picnics where they could celebrate and simply say thank you.

Behind every Bible study, worship service, mentoring session, and conversation in the jail are volunteers who faithfully give their time and energy to this ministry. They step into difficult places, serve with compassion, and allow God to work through them in ways that have a lasting impact.

RTF could not do what we do without our incredible volunteers. Their faithful service is essential to this mission, and these summer picnics are just one small way we can come together and let them know how grateful we are for all they do. ❤️

This photo is from the Kent County Volunteer Appreciation Picnic!

08/16/2026

Honoring faithful service! 🤲❤️

Sheriff Williams recently recognized our very own Chaplain Duane and Kay Stanton for their years of faithful service at the Montcalm County Jail. He expressed his appreciation for the positive impact their Christ-centered ministry has made on both the jail staff and those who are incarcerated. We thank God for their faithful service and for this encouraging recognition.

08/13/2026

Expanding the REACH as we welcome Isabella County!

We are grateful to share that we are now serving in Isabella County, marking 33 counties across Michigan where the hope of Christ is being carried into jails. We are pleased to welcome Eric Stadtfeld as he takes on the Lead Chaplain role in Isabella County.

Each county represents more than a number; it represents lives that will be reached, stories that will be changed, and the continued unfolding of God’s work through this ministry. Praise God! 🙌

Learn more about the jails we serve on our website here: https://jailministry.org/jails-served/

07/29/2026

We're just one week away from the Unity Christian Music Festival — August 5–8! 🙌🎶

We're looking forward to another incredible weekend of worship, community, and connection, and we're so grateful to Unity Festival for once again generously providing us with booth space. Their partnership allows us to share the hope of Christ and the life-changing work God is doing in Michigan county jails with thousands of festival attendees.

Whether you're coming for your favorite artists, delicious food, family activities, or to explore the many ministry booths, we hope you'll stop by and say hello. We'd love to meet you and share more about our ministry!

🎟️ Buy your tickets here:
https://www.unitymusicfestival.com/

07/23/2026

"Then we have to become the new circle..."

What started as a monthly lunch has grown into something much bigger. Through shared meals, worship, prayer, accountability, and genuine friendship, women are discovering they don't have to walk alone after leaving jail. 🫂

Learn how The Forge group is helping former inmates stay connected, supported, and encouraged as they follow Christ in their reentry journey.

We invite you to read the full story here: https://jailministry.org/theforge/

07/20/2026

You don't want to miss this!

Join us at Unity Christian Music Festival August 5-8 for four days of incredible music, worship, food, family fun, and local ministry.

This year's lineup includes for KING & COUNTRY, Crowder, We Are Messengers, and many more artists! 🎶 You'll also find ministry booths, activities for kids of all ages, amazing food vendors, and opportunities to connect with organizations serving communities across Michigan – including us!

Be sure to stop by the Reach the Forgotten booth, we'd love to meet you and share what God is doing in Michigan county jails. ❤️‍🩹

🎟️ Learn more and buy tickets here:
https://www.unitymusicfestival.com/

07/18/2026

"We don't know how [to change who we are around]…We only know one circle of people.”

When women in the Genesee County Jail shared their honest struggles with a lack of healthy friendships outside of jail, two RTF associate chaplains realized the answer wasn't another lesson or lecture; it was genuine connection. ❤️‍🩹

Read how a simple idea became The Forge, a growing community that helps women build new lives and new friendships rooted in Christ.

Read the full story here: https://jailministry.org/theforge/

07/14/2026

“True discipleship cannot end at the jail door. Transformation happens over time, through relationships, through accountability, and through faithful people willing to walk alongside someone long after their release.”

Discover how volunteers in Genesee County are helping women forge new lives and a new legacy in Christ through The Forge group. ❤️‍🩹🫂

Read the full blog here: https://jailministry.org/theforge/

Address

1480 Buchanan Avenue SW
Grand Rapids, MI
49507

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16167844620

Website

http://www.jailministry.org/, https://jailministry.app.neoncrm.com/forms/donations

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