Chance meeting with a former client proves to MAPE VP Halseth the jobs we do make a difference

Not many of us in our professional lives have the opportunity to see how we have made a positive impact on the lives of the Minnesotans we serve. But MAPE Vice President Angie Halseth is a recent exception, and perhaps paying it forward played a part as well.  

In late October, she and several colleagues from the Department of Corrections (DOC) attended the annual fall conference hosted by Minnesota Corrections Association, which offers professional development, networking activities and the opportunity to earn continuing education credits.  

It was at this conference where Tim Dorway approached Halseth, his former case manager at Lino Lakes Correctional Facility where he served a 40-month sentence, much of it at the facility. “It’s funny how the stars align, and things just happen,” Dorway said. “There are so many good Department of Corrections people who have good hearts and who you can trust. I thought (Halseth) had an overwhelming job but wanted people to do well. She was always responsive and did her best with a huge caseload. She would always say ‘hi’ when she would see people in the yard.” 

“It was really uplifting to see her at the conference,” he added. 

Dorway participated in a treatment program at Lino Lakes and was a library clerk and when finished with treatment, he worked as a clerk in the treatment program as well.  

Halseth said she remembered Dorway, “He was always polite and respectful, and he advocated for himself and made my job easier. He utilized his intelligence and professionalism to help others. I always thought that it was cool that he could use those skills for good to help others inside.”  

At the conference, Dorway told Halseth about a nonprofit he had founded, Mission 29:11 Reentry. Mission 29:11 Reentry works to enable healthy reentry by men and women returning from state correctional facilities by providing one-on-one mentorship, efficient access to outside resources and a welcoming community. He said more than 350 men and women leave Minnesota correctional facilities every month.  

The vision for Mission 29:11 Reentry was born at Lino Lakes and is based on Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”   

“We have a responsibility to uplift others. I had someone I didn’t know well come to me at the county jail and encourage me and tell me I was loved. He said he would stand by me whether I was guilty or not, and we still see each other,” Dorway said.   

“We pair people who are behind bars with people out in the world – six months before and six months afterward. The whole idea is a healthy community. Our organization sees support as the number one thing. Not only do we want to help build a mentor base, we want to help educate,” he said.   

“It was great to see Tim at the conference, trying to help others who are getting out of prison and setting up a support network – he was focusing on others and giving back. It gives me hope that the jobs we do, do make a difference,” Halseth said.  

The unexpected meeting took place on Halseth’s birthday. “It was one of the best birthday presents ever. It’s one thing to say someone is successful and doesn’t come back. It is a whole other thing to see him out there helping others – it just blows my mind, honestly,” Halseth added.