08/24/2026
Dear ABW partners, friends, and investors,
A Brighter Way is stepping into a new chapter, focused on reflecting on what we have built, understanding what this moment requires, and preparing with intention for what comes next.
Over the coming months, we will closely examine what we have learned, where our impact is strongest, and how ABW can continue to evolve to meet the needs of formerly incarcerated people, justice-impacted people, and our members in Washtenaw County.
We also know this work cannot, and should not, be done alone. Relationship is the intervention, and that includes our relationships with you.
We will look to our partners, advocates, and friends for input, collaboration, and investment as we build the next iteration of reentry support in our community.
As part of this transition, we want to share several important updates.
Leadership transition
After years of building and leading A Brighter Way, Adam Grant has decided it is time to serve this work in a different capacity. He will focus his time on consulting, writing a book, advocacy, public speaking, and higher education.
We are proud of Adam and what he has built, and the impact his leadership has had on ABW and the broader reentry community. This is not a goodbye. We expect to continue seeing Adam throughout the community, and we hope there may be an opportunity for him to join the ABW Board in the future.
Leadership update
Jen St. John will serve as Acting Executive Director as ABW moves through this next chapter.
Washtenaw navigation services
Our navigation work in Washtenaw County remains at the heart of what we do. We walk alongside members and justice-impacted people as they identify their goals, navigate barriers, connect with resources, and build lives of purpose, stability, and connection.
Lansing office closure
Our Lansing office will close effective August 31, 2026. Beginning September 1, ABW will no longer offer in-person services in Lansing.
We are exploring whether a virtual or teleconference model could allow us to continue providing some level of support in the Lansing community. No final decisions have been made, and we will share more as that work develops.
ABW's Opportunity Home
ABW's Opportunity Home, named in honor of Melvin Parson, will continue operating as it always has. Beds will remain available for members who need stable housing as they work to get back on their feet.
Home Crew
Home Crew will continue fulfilling its existing contracts. New opportunities will be reviewed and accepted on a case-by-case basis while we stabilize, strengthen, and prepare to relaunch the workforce development programming connected to Home Crew.
2026 ABW Convening: Beyond the Bridge
Yes, the Convening is still happening.
Please save the date for October 19, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Morris Lawrence Building at Washtenaw Community College.
This year's Convening comes at an especially meaningful time for ABW. More information, including registration and program details, will be shared within the next week or two.
Building what comes next
In the coming weeks, ABW leadership will reach out directly to many of you—our key partners, supporters, and investors—to share our direction, hear your perspective, and identify where we will need deeper coordination, cooperation, and investment.
This moment is not simply about organizational change. It is an opportunity to ask what reentry support should look like next, and how ABW can help build it.
We are grateful for everyone who has helped bring A Brighter Way to this point. Now, we look forward to building its next chapter with you.
With gratitude,
The A Brighter Way Board and Leadership Team
