04/20/2026
Six years ago, on April 20, 2020, we submitted our application to the IRS to become a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation with a mission to transform reentry for the better. We had a nationwide vision, a strategy with specific milestones, and an identified key “tipping point” along the way. It was a big deal. The Inside Out Network was officially born.
Almost exactly six years later, in April 2026, we received an email from ViaPath Technologies telling us that our years-long effort to get our revolutionary online reentry platform onto the computer tablets of adults in custody had finally been successful. Six years after our birth, we had finally reached our strategic tipping point: presence on a major tablet distributor. What a birthday gift!
Over the past six years, we’ve been constantly improving and refining our online platform. In fact, we’re still hard at it, with another half-dozen updates in the pipeline. We keep building and improving the tool. But we’ve also been busy building credibility and relationships—with departments of correction, community service providers, and, most of all, men and women returning from incarceration.
When I look back at where we were six years ago and then look around at where we are today, I’m filled with humility and gratitude for what God has done through us, as well as hope and eager anticipation for what lies before us. I think of all the wonderful people we’ve partnered with and what we’ve seen happen over these six years—what a gift!
-Over 17,000 returning citizens who have registered on ION to work on their reentry.
-Over 800 service providers who have registered on ION to connect with returning citizens.
-Fantastic partnerships and friendships with correctional staff across multiple states.
-Sacrificial financial giving by our supporters.
-Generous funding by grantmakers who’ve seen the promise of the work we’re doing.
-Over 100 wonderful student interns from Arizona State and other universities.
-Selfless service by our board members and volunteers.
Six years...and counting. Can’t wait to see what’ll happen by the time we turn seven!
~Fred