For this Cultural Lens program, we watched the documentary, Behind Our Walls, which tells the story of a group of male inmates in Michigan, as they seek a college education behind bars through the Calvin Prison Initiative. Following the film, Mark Hartman and Doug Tjapkes, from Humanity for Prisoners, will lead a discussion about the film and the challenges facing the incarcerated in Michigan.
Watch the Behind Our Walls Official Trailer
Humanity for Prisoners (HFP) is a non-profit based in Grand Haven that works one-on-one with people in prison to provide personalized services that empower them to receive support and assistance. Key areas of focus include navigating the prison system, healthcare advocacy, commutation and Parole Board preparation, and reconnecting lost loved ones.
This program took place on Thursday, May 30, 2024
Holland Museum
7:00-8:30 pm
FREE Adult Cultural Lens program
Biographies
Mark Hartman
Mark Hartman became the Executive Director, President, and CEO of Humanity for Prisoners (HFP) in May 2023. Before that, Mark worked in the nuclear power industry and was a consultant to the US Department of Energy and spent twelve years at Boeing. Mark was also incarcerated in the Michigan Department of Corrections from 2008-2020 where he led efforts to work on behalf of the disenfranchised as an HFP Liaison. Mark holds a MBA from Seattle University and a BA in Faith and Community Leadership with a minor in Social Work from Calvin University.
Doug Tjapkes
Doug Tjapkes is the founder and President of Humanity for Prisoners, based in Grand Haven, Michigan, and is author of the book Sweet Freedom. He and his son Matt work full-time in the charitable organization that helps Michigan inmates, one-on-one, in dealing with a multitude of in-prison issues.
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