Michigan Department of Corrections

Mission: To create a safer Michigan by holding offenders accountable while promoting their success.

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) is a state agency responsible for overseeing the state’s correctional facilities and managing individuals under parole and probation supervision.

Someone released from incarceration faces some of the most significant challenges of their life. They need support, guidance, advice, and real-world connections to succeed. One way we help them face these challenges is by offering mentorship, usually with someone who has faced these challenges themselves. To address these challenges, the MDOC has developed the Walk a Mile Offender Mentoring Program.

The main objectives of the mentoring program will be to reduce recidivism, reduce abscond rates, reduce technical violations, and reduce drug/alcohol use and/or relapse. Secondary goals will include increasing Mentees’ overall optimism, outlook on life, and confidence in completing their parole program.

Mentors provide offenders with the opportunity to change, encourage them during difficult times, model positive behavior and help develop pro-social and problem-solving skills. The Department is committed to providing mentorship to parolees returning home, who are lacking this critical support system.

We invite you to become a Walk a Mile mentor and help change the lives of individuals, their families, and their communities for the better.