8 GROUNDCOVER NEWS RECOVERY From prison to purpose: Adam Grant's journey JONATHAN GLASS Home of New Vision “I don’t believe in exceptionalism,” said Adam Grant. “It’s a lot of hard work that gets the job done — and anyone can do it.” Today, Adam Grant serves as executive director of A Brighter Way, an Ypsilanti-based nonprofit helping people re-enter society after incarceration. His message is simple but powerful: anyone can change, given support and opportunity. A life transformed When Grant committed his first robbery at age 12, it wasn’t about money — it was about survival, identity and the limited options he saw in front of him. “I accepted that I didn’t have the opportunities that others were lucky to have, so I took the reins,” he said. His mother was just 15 when he was born, and though they have a strong relationship now, his childhood was filled with uncertainty. “I lovingly tell her she was the best big sister anyone could ever ask for.” Grant would go on to serve a 27 to 50-year sentence for robbery. But prison, while brutal, became the unlikely backdrop for transformation. “It wasn’t like goodness was rewarded,” he said, “but the resistance made me more determined.” Ten years into his sentence, Grant began to shift gears. “I realized I had nothing to lose by pursuing an honest life.” He became a peer leader, cell block representative, and advocate. He also joined Indian Nations United and the NAACP chapter behind bars. It was there that he discovered the power of his own voice. “I started to realize that if I really meant what I said, I could make good connections with people.” Grant’s turning point came in stages — quitting drinking in 1997 after a correctional officer discovered he was making prison hooch, and quitting drugs in 2003 after smoking a joint and realizing he no longer liked who he was. Then, one act of kindness changed everything. He befriended a fellow inmate whose life was in danger and, later, received a letter from a woman thanking him for helping her cousin. They began writing. Over time, their bond deepened. One year after Grant’s release in 2020, they were married. “She’s still my person,” he said with a smile. Reentry and leadership Prior to being released, Grant became a certified peer recovery coach. Released during the pandemic, Grant immediately put his recovery certification to work. He was hired as a peer recovery coach at Parkside Family Counseling in Adrian, then later at Home of New Vision in Jackson. That momentum led him to A Brighter Way, where he now leads a staff of eight — all of whom have lived experience with incarceration, totaling 144 years combined. The nonprofit focuses on individualized support for formerly incarcerated people trying to rebuild their lives. “Everybody’s reentry is different,” Grant said. “We meet people where they are.” With plans to expand into Ingham, Eaton, Clinton and Jackson counties, Grant envisions growing the staff to 25 over the next five years. “We’re expanding. The need is there.” Asked what advice he gives to those reentering society, Grant said, “The best time to begin planning your reentry is day one, but if you’ve been released, and don’t have a plan, give Brighter Way a call. We will help you come up with a plan. It might not be MAY 16, 2025 Adam Grant, director of A Brighter Way overnight, but if you put the work in, you’ll get a better quality of life.” His parting words? “Find your tribe. Do everything you can to be a productive member of your community. I’m a firm believer that nothing happens in this world without relationship.” That’s why A Brighter Way stands on the motto: “Reentry through Relationship.” Need support after incarceration? A Brighter Way is located 124 Pearl Street, Suite 304, Ypsilanti, MI 48197 734-905-7040, www.abrighterway.org
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