This was a Virtual Event
This is the second of a two-part Provider Learning Series on Families Affected by Incarceration. The first part covered parenting from prison and the second part covers reconnecting fathers with family and community after their incarceration. Previously incarcerated fathers shared their real struggles and how they were able to reintegrate with their community and reconnect with their children. Staff from the Washington State Department of Corrections Family Services, Community Parenting Alternative and Family Sentencing programs shared how these and other programs support fathers as they reintegrate back into their communities and families and learn how your organization can best support dads.
About Our Presenters:
Dawn Taylor, Correctional Manager, Washington State Department of Corrections
Dawn serves as the statewide family services manager for DOC, bringing nearly 33 years of dedicated service to incarcerated individuals and their families. Over the past two decades, Dawn has championed the development of transformative programs that foster connection, healing and personal growth within correctional facilities. Dawn’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in launching impactful initiatives such as the Redemption Project, resource fairs, violence prevention programs, and field days—many of which are now embedded in the culture of Washington’s prison system. Dawn studied business management at Western Governors University, but she credits her deepest learning and most profound insights to the time she’s spent working directly with those affected by incarceration.
About Our Fathers
Wade Helvey
After serving nearly 25 years in prison, Wade was released with hope but also with deep uncertainty. After so many years of incarceration, he had struggled to imagine what reentry would look like. Questions about acceptance, employment and how to avoid new pitfalls weighed heavily on him. The idea that there were resources to help never had really crossed his mind. Wade entered into work release and, with the support of a friend who gave him a truck, was able to save enough money to rent an apartment for himself, his daughter and his infant granddaughter. Wade’s daughter was just under 2 when he went to prison; however, they kept in touch through phone calls and occasional letters, and visits were rare. When Wade came home, his daughter was 27. Their relationship had to shift from familiar voices on the phone to navigating real life together, something beautiful and difficult. Today, Wade is very proud of the life his daughter built and continues to work on building his own. He still faces challenges - like getting lost in familiar places - but remains determined to move forward. Wade knows the transition from incarceration to independence is overwhelming, but he also knows this: They will make it!
Cody Runnion
Cody is a proud father and a full-time single dad to his beautiful 2-year-old daughter. Cody struggled with addiction from a young age, and as a result, spent about 12 years of his adult life incarcerated. In 2024 while in jail, he was able to get clean and realized that his life needed to change. At that time, his daughter was not even 1 year old yet, and he was facing a 120-month sentence. His daughter’s mother dropped her off with his grandmother and never returned. The thought of his daughter growing up without either parent broke him. Cody is thankful for the second chance he was given through the Family Offender Sentencing Alternative. The day after he was released, he was reunited with his daughter and now has full custody. At first, he was terrified and felt as if he had no idea how to raise a child. But with the help of DOC, community resources and the incredible support of the FOSA program, Cody grew from uncertainty to confidence. Today, he and his daughter live a stable, healthy life filled with love and hope. He is deeply grateful for the programs and people who helped make that possible.
Mychal Wahl
Mychal was released on graduated reentry in 2022 after serving a 36-month sentence. During his incarceration, he worked closely with DOC and Child Protective Services in the Department of Children, Youth and Families to meet all mandatory requirements, ultimately gaining full custody of his son upon release. Mychal is also a father of two daughters and has been working to rebuild those relationships, despite the many barriers and challenges before him. He is currently employed in the construction field and remains committed to creating a stable future for himself and his family.
Donald Morrison
Released from incarceration in 2020, Donald faced the difficult task of rebuilding his life and reconnecting with his children. He was required to complete parenting classes and treatment programs but struggled to find the right resources. Feeling lost and uncertain, Donald was connected with Spokane fatherhood Initiative, which guided him through the process and mentored him. With their help, Donald was able to access the tools he needed to succeed, giving him hope and direction. Since that time, Donald married his beautiful wife and has gained full custody of his 5-year-old daughter and is currently in the process of getting full custody of his 14-year-old daughter.