The wind beneath our wings!

 

August 29, 2026, marks the 25th anniversary of Humanity for Prisoners. This is the 12th in a series of reflections by founder Doug Tjapkes. 

 

What do an allergist, a psychologist, a speech therapist, a pharmaceutical executive and a pathologist have in common? That unusual array of professionals makes up the list of people who graciously agreed to chair the HUMANITY FOR PRISONERS Board of Directors. 

Evan Reinders, the allergist, was our first chairman. When I formed the organization in 2001 I had no concept of the role of a board directors. Neither did I have any idea of where this attempt to help incarcerated men and women might go, if anywhere. But, on August 29 I signed the bylaws and a new non-profit corporation with 501c3 status called INNOCENT officially began its work. Evan graciously agreed to chair our first Board of Directors and he did an outstanding job of leading our little group through those uncharted, formative years! 

Dan Rooks, the psychologist, agreed to replace Evan. I should point out that every person who chaired our board gave more than enough years. We only allowed them to be replaced after they cried “Uncle.” Dan ably took us through the next chapter, leading us to reduce our focus to serve incarcerated men and women only in the State of Michigan. He’s best remembered as the guy who suggested a new name for our organization: “Humanity for Prisoners” better reflected our work and our mission. 

Cindy Anderson, the speech therapist, had no intention of getting involved with HFP. She described it as “life changing” when she attended a performance of the Maurice Carter drama featuring prisoner thespians. Soon after that she was on the board. Soon after that she assumed the position of board chair. A consistent goal for Cindy was to get beyond our reputation as a small, “family-operated” agency. Her leadership during the years she served was invaluable! 

Russ Bloem, the retired pharmaceutical executive, was a relative whom I had never met. He is the son of my cousin Dora, who loved and supported HFP. Through an unusual set of circumstances Russ and I finally connected. That led to his strong and capable leadership on our board. Among his many accomplishments was the purchase of our very own office condo. Thanks to his vision and the generosity of supporters we had a new headquarters in Spring Lake, debt free! After years of incredible progress by our little agency, Russ stepped into the next chapter of his retirement. 

Jim Niewenhuis, the semi-retired pathologist, succeeded Russ and currently holds the position of board chair. Jim and I attend the same church. We became friends; he became aware of the unique work of Humanity for Prisoners; he agreed to serve on the board, and shortly after that he agreed to chair the group. A huge gift to HFP! He’s leaving an indelible mark. His expertise, his leadership, his generosity and his genuine interest in our mission paves the way for an exciting future for this program, the only one of its kind in the nation!

These five kind, competent, compassionate individuals, chosen by God, go into the HFP Hall of Fame! They made it happen! They're still making it happen! 

"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet." -Theodore M. Hesburgh

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