February 2026 Newsletter
Verse of the Month
“Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to him.” ~Hebrews 13:16 (NLT)
Greetings
Our team at Tangible Hope Ministries compiled a list of accomplishments in 2025. When the list was complete, we stood in amazement, seeing all that God has made a way for us to do and how he has provided for the programs we have implemented. Take a peek at His goodness!
- Graduated seven cohorts and 81 students in our Living Forward Class
- Each graduate received a Tote Bag with various items, a gift card, and a new fleece jacket
- 1,751 inmates received pen pal mail each month
- 751 pen pals wrote to inmates
- 28 Tangible Hope Churches supporting our ministry
- Spoke at six prisons in Texas, resulting in 50+ new inmates requesting pen pals
- Provided two Juvenile Detention centers with ESports program equipment and 25, $25 Uber/Uber Eats gift cards
- Provided training for 45 chaplains throughout the State of MI, partnering with Reach The Forgotten
- Premiered our video “The David Figlus story” at our “My Life in Reverse” conference at WMU.
- Mailed 1,100 handwritten Christmas cards to inmates during our 10th annual Pen Pal Palooza. Added a Pen Pal Palooza for Easter
- Updated our website & social media and created a new logo.
We plan to add a new trauma therapy program this year at one (or more) juvenile detention centers, as well as add another location to our Living Forward Re-entry program. We are finalizing the details for these additions to get started by March 1st.
Please pray for our team that we would have wisdom and resources to do what God has called us to do.
With a thankful heart,
Paula Creswell
Executive Director
Tangible Hope Ministries
Tangible Hope Ministries programs rely on the generosity of people who believe that no one is beyond hope. Your donation helps us show up consistently as a steady reminder that those who are incarcerated are still seen, valued, and loved. When you give, you’re not just funding a program; you’re investing in restoration, second chances, and the quiet, powerful work of transformation. Together, we can carry compassion into places where it’s often been absent the longest.
Please consider becoming a monthly donor to help us fund these programs. A small monthly donation will go a long way.
Tangible Hope Ministries would like to extend our sincere thanks to Trinity Lutheran Church for being one of our supporting partners. Trinity Lutheran church is located at 270 Fulton Street East, Grand Rapids, MI. We had the opportunity to share our Cards For Prisoners program at their monthly Men’s Breakfast, and are grateful to expand our pen pal program with new volunteers at Trinity. If you are looking for a church where you feel welcome, at home, and where you have a variety of opportunities to serve and volunteer, this is the church for you! Trinity Luthern Church
Your congregation can join us and become a Tangible Hope Church—walking alongside those often neglected and forgotten in our society. E-mail paulac@tangiblehopeministries.org for information on how your church can become involved.
women on the inside requesting pen pals!
While it has been rare for us to have women on our pen pal list, our recent visit to Texas prisons revealed a growing need for them. Several women are currently waiting for a pen pal. If you feel led to write your first pen pal – or add another – please contact us, and we will get you started.
pen pals on the inside
“Getting Cards from you has made me smile, laugh, and grow over the years. Every inmate needs this program. Thank you for this Program, it changes lives!” ~Inmate at Kinross CF
HELP WANTED – Tangible Hope Ministries, Grandville MI
We’re growing and seeking a part-time temporary Administrative Assistant with experience in accounting, Google Docs, and strong writing skills. A genuine heart for prison ministry and supporting returning citizens is essential.
If you’re organized, dependable, and passionate about meaningful work, we’d love to connect.
Email paulac@tangiblehopeministries.org for more information.
