Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry

06/06/2026

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord..." - Colossians 3:23

June, Professional Wellness Month, is a reminder that healthy ministry requires intentional investment.

At Reach the Forgotten, we regularly set aside time for staff development, reflection, and learning because caring for people well begins with being healthy ourselves. Through our ongoing partnership with The Colossian Forum we've been challenged to think deeply about how we work together, communicate, and pursue Christ-centered growth.

Healthy ministry doesn't happen by accident. It is cultivated through prayer, learning, accountability, and a shared commitment to the mission God has given us.

06/04/2026

We are so excited about this project!

05/31/2026

One message can make a world of difference.

For someone in jail, having a person to talk to, someone who listens, encourages, and genuinely tries to understand them, can be life-changing. Especially for those facing loneliness and mental health struggles, consistent connection can bring hope into an otherwise isolating environment.

Through our Authentic Remote Ministry (ARM), you can connect with inmates by email, offering support, mentorship, and the love of Jesus through simple, meaningful conversation.

It may seem small, but it could genuinely save someone’s life.

Learn how you can get involved: https://jailministry.org/authenticremoteministry/

05/29/2026

Then vs. Now…

From chaplains standing behind podiums decades ago to banquet stages across Michigan today, one thing has remained the same. Sharing stories of hope and inviting others to be part of what God is doing inside county jails.

As the Spring 2026 banquet season comes to an end, we want to acknowledge the importance of these gatherings to Reach the Forgotten. Banquets are the main way we raise support to continue ministry inside jails across the state, and we could not do this work without the communities who faithfully show up year after year.

We also want to thank our amazing Communications and Events Team for the countless hours, energy, and care they pour into making each banquet worshipful, celebratory, and impactful.

For 60 years, people have gathered together to support this mission, and we are so grateful that it continues today.

05/26/2026

Mental health struggles can feel overwhelming and paralyzing, but they are not the end of the story.

Jay’s (right) journey is a reminder of that truth. While incarcerated, he faced mental health challenges and difficult circumstances, but through the support of Reach the Forgotten volunteers and chaplains, genuine connection, and people willing to listen, he began to experience hope in Christ. Upon his release, Jay entered a mental health rehab center in Mason, Michigan.

Though Jay has since passed away, his story still speaks. It reflects a life that mattered, a story that was seen by God, and the impact of people who chose to show up with compassion and love.

Read Jay’s story and be reminded that even in the hardest places, God is present and working: https://jailministry.org/jay/

05/23/2026

05/21/2026

Check out this article about the good work being done in the Huron County Jail by our very own Chaplain Rich Evans! 👏

https://www.michigansthumb.com/news/article/rich-evans-huron-county-jail-chaplain-22193626.php

05/18/2026

Looking for a meaningful way to volunteer and make an impact? Become a Healing the Wounded Heart facilitator with Reach the Forgotten where you will walk alongside individuals as they process deep hurt and trauma.

Facilitators complete two training classes + practice groups so they feel equipped and supported before leading groups on their own. These healing groups are powerful in any setting, but especially inside Michigan county jails, where trauma healing and renewed hope are deeply needed.

We have several online & in-person trainings open now: https://jailministry.org/hwh/

If you feel called to walk with others on a journey toward redemptive healing, this could be the next step for you. Watch the Facilitator video here!

05/13/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

As a jail ministry, we encounter a wide spectrum of mental health struggles every day. Many of the men and women we serve are carrying deep trauma, battling the mental weight of addiction, and navigating incredibly difficult life circumstances.

Behind every cell door is a story, often one marked by pain, loss, and unmet needs. Mental health challenges don’t disappear in incarceration; in many cases, they are intensified by isolation and uncertainty.

This month, we want to bring awareness, compassion, and hope into these spaces. Because every person deserves to be seen, heard, and reminded that their life has value.

05/08/2026

As a ministry, we never take for granted that we are guests inside the jail.

We are only able to walk through those doors because of the trust and partnership of correctional officers and sheriff’s offices across Michigan. It is a privilege to be invited into these spaces to share hope and healing with the men and women inside.

Healthy, respectful partnerships with jail staff make this work possible. Their leadership, professionalism, and willingness to collaborate allow ministry to happen in meaningful ways every single day.

We are deeply grateful to the many departments that open their doors to us and to the officers who help create an environment where lives can be reached.

This week, we take time to say thank you. It is an honor to serve alongside you.