08/27/2026
We are incredibly proud to highlight our amazing staff member, Amelia, who spent this past week on the road with the Shining Light program for their yearly facility visits!
Amelia and the team traveled across North Dakota, visiting Heart River Correctional Center, Missouri River Correctional Center, Burleigh County Detention Center, James River Correctional Center, James River Minimum Unit, McKenzie County Jail and the North Dakota State Penitentiary. Their mission? To visit past and future participants, share their stories, build bonds, and send a clear message: You are not alone.
Amelia’s connection to Shining Light is deeply personal. She first got involved with the program during her own incarceration at HRCC in 2024, where she was part of the very first Women's Academy. Today, she is walking living proof that transformation is possible. In fact, 7 out of the 10 Shining Light team members who went into the facilities this week are formerly incarcerated themselves. They now go back inside to facilitate Academy classes, lead Loop groups, and inspire hope for those currently serving time.
The impact Shining Light is having in North Dakota right now is incredible:
• 70+ individuals currently in peer-facilitated classes.
• 1,054 copies of The Loop newsletter distributed across North Dakota
At The Ridge Treatment & Reentry Center, we believe in the power of lived experience through peer support and second chances. Thank you, Amelia, for using your story to light the way for others and for being such a vital part of our team!
