West Olive, MI 9WGHN) – A new initiative at the Ottawa County Jail is making a significant impact on incarcerated fathers, helping them strengthen family connections, improve communication skills, and build a foundation for a better future.
Supporting Fathers and Families
The RePak Program—short for Reuniting Parents and Kids—is a family stabilization initiative that also includes parenting education and strategies for effectively supporting a family. The program is led by Jason Orr, Workforce Development Director for Hope Network, and is part of a broader effort to assist incarcerated fathers in Ottawa, Kent, and Muskegon counties.
A key component of RePak is InsideOut Dad, an evidence-based program designed to help fathers develop stronger parenting skills. The Women’s Resource Center, a program partner, provides similar support for incarcerated mothers. Currently, 30 fathers at Ottawa County Jail are enrolled, with a total of 85 participants across the three counties.
“They are incarcerated because they made a poor decision, and we want to put them on a pathway to making better decisions,” Orr explained.
How the Program Works
Funded by a Department of Justice grant, the 12-week program meets twice a week at Ottawa County Jail:
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Monday evenings – A support group session
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Friday mornings – A curriculum-based class focused on parenting and life skills
To qualify, participants must have a child under 18 or be a caregiver to one.
“This program helps dads strengthen their relationships with their children,” Orr said. “We want to give them something they can build on.”
A Holistic Approach to Change
InsideOut Dad focuses on three core areas:
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Cognitive self-change – Helping fathers recognize and improve their thought patterns
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Parenting education – Teaching effective communication and relationship-building skills
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Employment readiness – Preparing participants for the workforce upon release
For those who do not remain incarcerated for the full 12 weeks, support continues through professional visits and post-release services, such as job placement assistance, financial management training, and communication skill development.
Evan Kroeze, Workforce Development Specialist, leads the Friday sessions, helping fathers focus on personal growth and employment readiness.
“The goal is to teach them to control their thoughts so they can control their behavior,” Kroeze explained. “We provide tools to help them navigate real-world challenges.”
Measuring Success
Program success is evaluated based on three key factors:
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Securing stable employment
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Reconnecting with family
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Achieving independent living
“Once they are released, we stay with them for a year,” Kroeze said.
He said he noticed the positive impact of the program with the participants.
By equipping incarcerated fathers with essential life skills and ongoing support, InsideOut Dad helps participants take meaningful steps toward a stable and successful future—for themselves and their families.
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