October 2026
Joe got into the building trades program at Marquette Branch Prison but wasn't sure it was something he was really passionate about. An unexpected connection to some of his most important memories now keeps him motivated to make carpentry his future career.
He began the program in the classroom learning foundational construction principles and soon earned nationally recognized NCCER certification. The next step was to begin working in the workshop - building cabinets, interior walls, and other products for Habitat for Humanity.
He walked into the shop and smelled woodwork and sawdust; it brought him right back to the best memories of his dad who had recently passed away. His dad was a carpenter, and Joe was immediately reminded of the craftsmanship he put into his work. Since then, Joe has not missed a day in the workshop.
His instructors, Mr. Thompson and Mr. Sego, agree that his determination is evident. He's now a tutor to other students who are starting out with tools. They say he sets a good example for continuous learning and dedication. Joe has now produced items for dozens of Habitat for Humanity homes, giving back to the community.
Joe's story shows the power of vocational trades. Not only does he have applicable skills and certifications to find a good paying job upon release, but he has also found a purpose.
What happens when a tiny faith community shows up in Michigan’s prisons every week? Change you can see.
Since 2023, Orthodox Christian volunteers have grown from three visitors at St. Louis Correctional Facility to a team of nine serving eight correctional facilities weekly. Most of the incarcerated individuals they meet aren’t Orthodox, yet many say the teachings bring a sense of peace and clarity they’ve never known.
On August 2, 2026, at Kinross Correctional Facility, volunteers witnessed a historic moment — the first baptism of an incarcerated individual there since COVID and the first known reception into the Orthodox Church at that facility.
Partnering with the National Orthodox Christian Ministry (OCPM), this local ministry now walks alongside more than 80 men and women across Michigan, and many more who have been released, offering spiritual care, support, and a path toward transformation.
MDOC in the News: Highlighting a Recent Story
WLNS 6 News: A woman’s visit to an Upper Peninsula prison earlier this year led to staff uncovering a drug smuggling plot, the Michigan Department of Corrections says. A woman stopped by the Baraga Correctional Facility near the Keweenaw Bay on Jan. 18 and said she had a scheduled visit with a prisoner, but prison staff told her she was not on the schedule.
She left, but not before stopping by the lobby restroom, MDOC said in a Wednesday release. Staff thought her behavior was “suspicious” and searched the bathroom. There, they found a package containing drugs, MDOC said, including K2, high-potency THC wax and suboxone strips.
Read the rest of the story here.
Legislative Update
On September 10, the Michigan Senate considered bills that would allow MDOC corrections officers and certain other state law enforcement personnel to opt into the Michigan State Police pension plan. Those bills were passed by the Senate and are now before the Michigan House of Representatives. Final bills must pass the House in the same format as the Senate-passed bills and be signed by the Governor to become law.
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MDOC Minute: A Helpful Tip
Updates are coming to the way loved ones can communicate with incarcerated people in Michigan. A new contract was awarded to ViaPath Technologies, who operate GTL. This new contract will result in changes to current hardware, software, and lower pricing. These services include phones, tablets, video visitation, and email.
To see full information, click here.
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Hiring Across Michigan
There is an MDOC career waiting for you. What's your reason? Is it good pay and benefits, a career where you can grow, being a part of a team that keeps the public safe, changing lives, or something else?
Find a hiring event to attend or apply online here to get started.
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