WHY WE EXIST
Through uniting the grass roots with the grass tops people, Reentry United exists to educate, empower and equip individuals and/or organizations working with the justice involved community. Reentry United delivers comprehensive consultation, insight and solutions to all reentry barriers.
Our Story
In 2015, Angela invited Nate to join her in speaking to the incarcerated at the Muskegon County Correctional Facility. Unbeknownst to them at the time, this was the launching pad for Reentry United. Nate possessed years of experience in the drug and gang world, resulting in a 12-year prison sentence for robbery and drug-related charges. Angela possessed years of experience as a professional in the criminal justice field. Uniting the experiential side with the professional side, they created the secret sauce for successful reentry.
Now, almost 10 years later, they are established experts in reentry. Both are keynote speakers across the State of Michigan and leaders of successful reentry programs that are recognized locally and nationally.
In November of 2022, with the financial and professional support of Michigan Works! West Central and the Michigan Department of Corrections Region 4 OS Reentry Program, they hosted the first "Reentry United" Conference, a groundbreaking concept. The event had a 250-seat capacity and sold out in two days. Every aspect of the conference brought those with lived experience together with professionals in the field of reentry and provided solutions to breaking the cycle of incarceration. The event was a huge success, earning a 5-star review. In the spring of 2023, they again did something that had never been done in the State of Michigan: they hosted the conference inside Richard A. Handlon Correctional Facility in Ionia, MI. Presenting to over 60 incarcerated men, some approaching their parole date, others serving life sentences. Once again, the event was a huge success.
Together, they are reinventing reentry!
Meet The Team
Angela Sprank
Co-Founder, Keynote Speaker, & Social Entrepreneur
Angela has dedicated the past 25 years to working in the criminal justice field. Her passion for this area of work started when she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University. Angela started her career as the first Crime Victim Right’s Coordinator for the Ionia County Prosecutor’s Office, where she built a successful Crime Victim Right’s Program. She served as a mentor for new Coordinator’s across the state and was often a keynote speaker on different platforms for Crime Victim Rights. She is a member of the Michigan Restorative Justice Council, where she can still be a voice for victims of crime.
The second half of Angela’s professional career has been committed to Reentry. She is the coordinator for the best practice’s Region 4 OS Reentry Program, a Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) Program for individuals exiting incarceration and returning to society. In this capacity, Angela has piloted many successful programs designated for justice involved individuals. As an expert in Reentry, Angela is a keynote speaker and frequent presenter in state and nationally on the topic.
Angela and her family call West Michigan home. They love all the Great Lake’s State has to offer.
Nate Johnson
Co-Founder, Author, Keynote Speaker, & Social Entrepreneur
Nate’s passion to walk with those who have been impacted by the justice system after their release began while he was serving a 12.5-year sentence within the Michigan DOC.
Since his release in May of 2013 Nate Co-Founded Fresh Coast Alliance a ReEntry and Recovery organization based in Muskegon, Michigan. He also serves on the Senior Leadership team at Kingdom Life Church.
Along with his dad, Nate co-authored If Two Agree. He is a member of the Advisory Board for Prison Cell to PhD., a nationwide organization based in Baltimore, MD. Nate is a keynote speaker for several platforms on successful Pre-Entry, ReEntry, and Post-Entry with a focus on each phase and the key role it plays in determining the success of those returning to our communities. Nate resides in Muskegon, Michigan with his beautiful wife and three children.
