Mark Renick

Mark Renick feels like he has led two different lives in his 64 years—one before, and one after his release from incarceration in the state of Idaho in May of 2011.  In the fall of that year he began a Masters of Social Work program at Northwest Nazarene University.

Quickly Mark discovered that his passion was around issues that individuals and their families face as people return to the community from incarceration.  Five years ago he formed a non-profit organization called IMSI Hope Community Phase II.  The concept and name come from an experimental program the Idaho Department of Corrections set up at IMSI (Idaho State Maximum Institution).  Its mission as to be knowledgeable about all issues for returning citizens.  Mark has served on the board of the Saint Vincent de Paul Re-entry Program which has led to the creation of an advocacy group, Systemic Change of Idaho.  This is an exciting project which looks to change the way Idahoans view returning citizens.