Welcome to Starting Over for Success
Welcome to Starting Over for Success
About Us
PURPOSE
Starting Over for Success (S.O.S) is a 501(c)(3), non-profit organization established in 2008 to provide services to the ex-offender population in Barry and adjoining counties in the State of Michigan. The mission of this non-profit organization is to reduce the disenfranchisement of ex-offenders and assist them in rebuilding their lives through relevant job training, gainful employment and access to housing and other community resources
S.O.S. operates as a temporary staffing agency working only with individuals who have been incarcerated. We refer individuals to appropriate social agencies and organizations that can facilitate their successful re-entry into our communities. We recognize that released prisoners face a myriad of challenges that contribute to their return to criminal activity, re-arrest and re-incarceration. Some of these challenges include joblessness, substance abuse, mental health problems, low levels of educational attainment, lack of stable housing and poor family connections. By leveraging resources and developing community collaboration we are improving community safety and the quality of life for our residents supporting one ex-offender at a time.
PARTNERS
S.O.S. partners with employers, the criminal justice and correction systems, Michigan Works!, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, faith based organizations, and other community service providers that support the ex-offenders' re-entry back into the community.
FUNDING
S.O.S. raises funds through grants, private donations and the sale of services.
Why help?
Employing this population saves you money. It costs the taxpayers in the State of Michigan between $35,000 and $45,000 to house one inmate for one year. Statistics prove that parolees who do not have a job and a support system in place within 30 days of their release have a two to one likelihood of re-offending.
Recidivism
Of the 14,000 inmates released from prison each year in the state of Michigan over 30% will return to prison within 3 years.
$0.00
Your donations help us provide assistance to the ex-offender population seeking employment. We provide identification documents, purchase essential personal items, and have a van service to assist individuals in getting to and from work.
Your donation is tax-deductible and we welcome contributions of any size. Click the Donate button above to be directed to a secure PayPal account OR your donation can be mailed to Starting Over for Success - P.O. Box 54 - Hastings, MI 49058.
Either way, your contribution will be helping someone to build a new life.
WHO WE ARE
Ronald Heilman - Chairperson
Ron joined the SOS Board in 2011 as a Director. He received his Bachelor in Human Relations Degree from Aquinas College Summa-Cum- Laude, and has studied criminal justice and courses in psychology and cognitive behavior at Grand Rapids Community College and various other institutions.
His diverse employment background includes the office furniture and marine industries. He served as constable and building inspector in Allegan County. In addition, Ron holds real estate and building licenses. Ron served on the Barry County Corrections Board and chaired Region Six of the Michigan Supreme Court Foster Care Review Board. He served in the U.S. Army and is a member of American Legion Post 45, Hastings, Michigan,life member and Commander of D.A.V. Chapter 139 Hastings, Michigan and also life member of the V.F.W. and Amvets. Ron utilizes the inmate release program to have workers get a sense of pride helping create the veterans memorial and other projects in Yankee Springs Township.
W. Joseph Mills - Secretary
Joseph has been engaged in the general civil practice of law in Michigan State Courts and various Federal Courts since 1975. Joseph’s specialty areas include: estate and trust settlement and planning, real estate, tax, and business entity formation and planning,. Joseph reviewed the documents, offered advice and contributed to the formation of Starting Over for Success through his legal practice. He is currently the Principal Attorney for W. Joseph Mills PLCC formerly Mills & Shaw PLLC in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Prior to 1994 Joseph was a principal attorney for Seyburn, Hencken, Mills & Shaw PC of Kalamazoo and also engaged in a solo practice.
Mr. Mills received his BA degree from Grinnell College in Grinnell Iowa and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit, School of Law. He has been a member of the Michigan State Bar and the Kalamazoo County Bar Associations since 1975, and served as a member of the Michigan State Bar Grievance Committee.
In addition to serving as Secretary for Starting Over for Success, Mr. Mills has served as a Board Member of Friends of the Kalamazoo Library, Past President and Board member of the Kalamazoo Junior Symphony, Past President and BoardMember of Residential Opportunities, Inc., Former Board Member of Colleges International – Kalamazoo Chapter, Trustee of Friends School in Detroit, Member of Alpha Sigma NU Honor Society and has been involved with Youth Soccer as a Coach and Referee.
Karen Ferrier - Treasurer
Karen has spent 25 years in the staffing industry working for Spherion and Adecco Staffing. She held many positions during her tenure including branch manager, area manager, and national account representative. She attempted retirement in 2011 but ended up working part-time to keep busy. Karen began working with Starting Over for Success in 2015. She was asked by the S.O.S. Board of Directors to create the staffing model that would provide employment opportunities to the ex-offender population. She continues to work part time and manages the housing program today.
BOARD MEMBERS
Patrick Purgiel - Director
Joyce Snow - Founder / Director
Joyce Snow - Founder / Director
Pat spent 35 years as a High School Business Education Instructor, Coach, and department head. Pat has also taught business, law, and career preparation classes as well as being placement director for the work experience students. Most recently Pat has taught a variety of Business related courses as adjunct instructor for Kellogg Co
Pat spent 35 years as a High School Business Education Instructor, Coach, and department head. Pat has also taught business, law, and career preparation classes as well as being placement director for the work experience students. Most recently Pat has taught a variety of Business related courses as adjunct instructor for Kellogg Community College and Miller College.
Pat received his Associate Degree in Management from Davenport University, his Bachelor's Degree in Business Education and Economics from Central Michigan University and his Master's in Education from Western Michigan University.
Now retired, Pat is past president of Barry County's Public School Retired Employees which is a chapter of the state MARSP., and is currently the local Legislative Ambassador for Barry County Association of Retired School Personnel. He is also active with various church and community committees. Pat's passion, along with enjoying his children and grandchildren, is running and biking and he is affiliated with a local multi-sports club called the "Trilanders".
Joyce Snow - Founder / Director
Joyce Snow - Founder / Director
Joyce Snow - Founder / Director
Joyce Snow has over 20 years of experience in human resources, training, and workforce development. She holds a B.A. in Human Resources and a M.A. in Organizational Development. She is a trained facilitator, a Six Sigma Black Belt, and a Certified Mediator.
Her work knowledge includes compensation and benefits, agriculture, education, gr
Joyce Snow has over 20 years of experience in human resources, training, and workforce development. She holds a B.A. in Human Resources and a M.A. in Organizational Development. She is a trained facilitator, a Six Sigma Black Belt, and a Certified Mediator.
Her work knowledge includes compensation and benefits, agriculture, education, grant writing, insurance, government administration, and training.
Employment includes HR Director for the City of Battle Creek, and for Lansing Community College, Barry County Commissioner, Consulting, Grant Writing and Management of the Michigan Works! programs in several counties.
Jeffrey Westra - Director
Joyce Snow - Founder / Director
Jeffrey Westra - Director
Jeff Westra began his career working as a Parole Officer in Calhoun County serving clients as they returned to the community from prison. In working with the clients, he recognized that the traditional models of Probation and Parole were not always meeting the complex needs of individuals. Shortly thereafter, he began working with,
Jeff Westra began his career working as a Parole Officer in Calhoun County serving clients as they returned to the community from prison. In working with the clients, he recognized that the traditional models of Probation and Parole were not always meeting the complex needs of individuals. Shortly thereafter, he began working with, and developing specialty court programs in Barry County, where he spent 13 years, ultimately becoming the Program Director for the Adult Drug Court and Office of Community Corrections.
Mr. Westra left his position with Barry County to work for the Michigan Department of Corrections as a Grant Specialist, helping to fund programs throughout the State and build programs designed to prevent criminal behavior and assist people in escaping the downward spiral often associated with the criminal justice system.
He currently works as a Financial Adviser, but maintains his passion for helping individuals in changing self-defeating patterns of coping with life.
Elizabeth Forbes - Director
Ralph Polumbo Associate Member
Dennis Bona, EdD Associate Member
Elizabeth Forbes, a longtime resident of Barry County, Michigan is one of the original Board members of Starting Over for Success. She has served on the Hastings Planning Committee and held the position of Board Chair for Cable Access.
Her employment history is comprised of work in the educational field including Barry Intermediate School
Elizabeth Forbes, a longtime resident of Barry County, Michigan is one of the original Board members of Starting Over for Success. She has served on the Hastings Planning Committee and held the position of Board Chair for Cable Access.
Her employment history is comprised of work in the educational field including Barry Intermediate School District, Kellogg Community College and Grand Rapids Community College. While at GRCC she facilitated many community-based problem solving groups. One such group was the Kent County Re-Entry Roundtable where she served as Board Treasurer. In addition to enjoying retirement, she continues to work part-time as a transcriptionist with the Barry County Sheriff Department.
Dennis Bona, EdD Associate Member
Ralph Polumbo Associate Member
Dennis Bona, EdD Associate Member
Dr. Dennis Bona retired in 2020 from Northland Community & Technical College where he served as President since July of 2015. Prior to that he had served as the President of Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek Michigan from 2010 to 2015 and had held several other administrative positions working his way through an extensive career
Dr. Dennis Bona retired in 2020 from Northland Community & Technical College where he served as President since July of 2015. Prior to that he had served as the President of Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek Michigan from 2010 to 2015 and had held several other administrative positions working his way through an extensive career in Higher Education that began with teaching welding in 1981.
He distinguished himself as a member of numerous boards and organizations, including the Battle Creek Educators Task Force, Legacy Scholars/BCCAN Board, Southwest Michigan Workforce Development Board, and the executive board for the Michigan Community College Association. He also held leadership roles in several state professional organizations such as Michigan Educators Apprenticeship & Training Association, Michigan Apprenticeship Steering Committee, Michigan Occupational Deans Administrative Council, and Michigan Community College Chief Academic Officers.
He is currently a member of the Grand Forks Area Chamber of Commerce – Business, Government, Education Advisory Committee, Grand Forks Regional Economic Development, Thief Rivers Falls Rotary, Valley Prosperity Partnership, Northwest Minnesota Foundation Impact 20/20 Education Task Force, Thief River Falls Area Community Fund, and is a Trustee on the Binda Foundation Board.
An accomplished speaker, Dr. Bona has presented at State and National Conferences, testified to the Michigan Legislature and the Minnesota State Board of Trustees. He has taught as an adjunct professor for Western Michigan University and Michigan State University and was recognized nationally with the Administrative Leadership Award from the National Council for Learning Resources of the American Association of Community Colleges in 2009. He holds two undergraduate degrees from Ferris State University and both his Master’s and Doctorate degrees are from Western Michigan University.
Ralph Polumbo Associate Member
Ralph Polumbo Associate Member
Ralph Polumbo Associate Member
Ralph, now retired, joined Albany International Corp. in 2006. He has served the Company as Senior Vice President – Human Resources since April 3, 2006. From 2004 to April 2006 he served as Head of Human Capital for Deephaven Capital Management. From 1999 to 2004, he served as Vice President – Human Resources and Business Integration
Ralph, now retired, joined Albany International Corp. in 2006. He has served the Company as Senior Vice President – Human Resources since April 3, 2006. From 2004 to April 2006 he served as Head of Human Capital for Deephaven Capital Management. From 1999 to 2004, he served as Vice President – Human Resources and Business Integration for MedSource Technologies. Prior to MedSource, he held the positions of Vice President – Integration, and Vice President – Human Resources for Rubbermaid. From 1974 to 1994, he held various management and executive positions for The Stanley Works.