How a GR Woman Impacts the Criminal Justice System with Taylor Made Re-Entry

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Dee Dee Taylor is channeling her pain into changing the criminal justice system.

It’s a calling inspired by her family’s interactions with police and prison.

“At 17 years old, my father was sentenced to life in prison,” Taylor told FOX 17 News. “And I knew as a child that this was the only way [make a change] That happened through my education… I knew that to make real change I had to deal with the systematic aspect of things, so I got my minor in psychology and just started studying law.”

Taylor dedicated herself to law enforcement and social work before a tragedy during the pandemic pushed her in a new direction.

Courtesy of Taylor Made Re-Entry

Her sister Breonna Taylor was innocently shot and killed in a botched police raid in Louisville, Kentucky in 2020.

Courtesy of Taylor Made Re-Entry

“We were very close,” Taylor explained. “[Breonna] was the sweetest. She was the one who held us all together.

Breonna Taylor’s death made national headlines and sparked protests across the country.

Courtesy of Taylor Made Re-Entry

It was also a defining moment for Dee Dee.

“I knew I had to take a healing approach. I knew I had to be very understanding of both parties involved, be it law enforcement or the community,” she said. “I knew I had to do something more as my family had been affected by the criminal justice system in different ways. So that was actually the starting point for Taylor Made Re-entry.”

Courtesy of Taylor Made Re-Entry

Taylor Made Re-entry provides support and resources to returning citizens while working to bridge the gap between police and the community.

Courtesy of Taylor Made Re-Entry

“We understand that everyone deserves a second chance,” she said. “We ensure individuals receive the services they need to be successful upon their return. And we also ensure that each service is tailored to the individual.”

Courtesy of Taylor Made Re-Entry

Skills ranging from mental health to life to parenting skills are shared to ease the transition back into society.

Courtesy of Taylor Made Re-Entry

Assistance is also available to obtain proper identification, learn new technology, or even arrange a ride on discharge day.

“It’s just little things that we never thought about that I do to help these people make sure they’re successful,” Taylor said. “I want to bring them joy. I want to give them peace. I want to give them hope and the knowledge that they can get better and never go back there.”

FOX 17

Taylor estimates she has helped more than a thousand people and counting.

“I am just a vessel for our community and our people,” she said. “It gives me joy every day to see the customers and their faces and I say it is their happiness that makes me happy and knowing that if I don’t do it, who will? I tell everyone. “Time, I’m doing God’s work.”

Taylor’s efforts make her father proud while honoring her sister Breonna.

Courtesy of Taylor Made Re-Entry

“I know she is proud and smiling down on us, and I know she is also the person who gives peace to our father.”

Taylor continues to hope and fight for the chance that her father will one day be released.

To learn more about Taylor Made Re-entry, click here.

As FOX 17 and Lake Michigan Credit Union’s Pay it Forward Person of the Month, Taylor will receive $550 in prize money.

Do you know anyone who should be featured next month? Nominate them here.

Meet Scott Swineheart, our Pay it Forward Person of the Month for September.

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