Spring 2026
Art, Redemption, and Renewal: Maurice’s Second Chance Story
In April, we recognized Second Chance Month, a designation highlighting the importance of giving people tools for successful reentry after incarceration. Maurice’s story shows how that success is an incredible asset to a community.
After 22 years in prison, Maurice has found new purpose in his life, teaching art classes at several local organizations and galleries. He has even started his own, St'art Studios. He's proud to be considered a positive influence on his students and a unique asset to his community.
He remembers fighting and causing trouble his first few years in prison, ending up in segregation time and time again. He recalls a moment during one of those stints where he felt motivated by his faith to change his outlook. From then on, he found a passion for art and creativity.
Through his incarceration he used art as an outlet, eventually leading art classes for medically fragile and youthful offender populations. After a recommendation from the school secretary at Parnall Correctional Facility, he applied and enrolled in an associate's degree program with Mott Community College at Thumb Correctional Facility. After the transfer was approved and completed, he dove into classes, finding unique difficulty with the college-level math but also a unique determination to overcome it.
Maurice and his parole agent, Agent Kendall
With thorough instruction from Mott and support from MDOC staff and tutors, he graduated with a degree in social work. Last year, he received his parole and found key housing and employment resources with dedicated help from Mott connections, his parole agent Kyle Kendall, and community-based supports.
Today, preparing to begin his bachelor's degree and inspiring young people to find a passion for art, Maurice is proud of the ways he can give back.
MDOC in the News: Highlighting a Recent Story
MLive: Joseph Perala, a corrections officer with 19 years of experience at Baraga Correctional Facility, has been named Michigan’s 2026 Corrections Officer of the Year.
Perala earned recognition for his calm approach to tense situations, mentorship of newer staff, and commitment to facility safety. Officials at the Upper Peninsula prison describe him as someone who consistently goes beyond basic job requirements.
MDOC Minute: A Helpful Tip
The department has produced a new video tutorial designed to make the entire visiting process easier to understand. Whether you need to apply to be approved for a visit, need help scheduling a visit, or have questions about visiting standards, this video has information for you.
Click here to bookmark the video.
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Hiring Across Michigan in May
May flowers are blooming, and your new career could be too at one of our hiring events! Take a look for one in your area or apply online here.
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