A Brighter Way

Mission: To provide dedicated support to men and women returning home from prison and jail.

A Brighter Way helps formerly incarcerated individuals living in Washtenaw County to build a stable, successful and fulfilling life. We support these returned citizens by forging strong relationships with our mentoring teams, community resources and committed advocates. The benefits are a richer community, reduced recidivism and increased public safety.  To foster a welcoming, stigma-free community in Washtenaw County that supports and engages all residents, including those who have experienced incarceration.   ABW was started by friends with a shared interest in helping people to overcome barriers that they themselves have faced. We are a 501(c)(3) organization.

At the heart of our work is mentoring—both one-on-one and in groups—tailored to meet each individual where they are. We supplement this with wraparound services that address housing, employment, education, and emotional well-being. As a small, community-based organization, we rely on the talents and time of our extended ABW family to expand our impact. Whether it’s event planning, marketing, data analysis, or mentorship, everyone has a role to play in lighting the path forward. Together, we create A Brighter Way.