I’m writing this because I believe our town needs to see what’s actually happening behind the scenes of our local support programs. We hear a lot about second chances, but I want to tell you what that looks like in the real world. My name is Jesse Edwards, and I’m writing as a roommate and peer to a man named Mark Pierce — but more importantly, I’m writing for all the guys at the Residential Correctional Facility (RCF) who are working just as hard to prove their worth.

I’ve watched Mark and others like him put in the work every single day. These guys aren’t finished products, but they are men of integrity who are proving that a person’s past doesn’t define their potential to lead or the future they can build. Mark showed us exactly what that looks like just recently.

On only his second night on the job at our local McDonald’s, a child in the play area found a knife and brought it to their parents. It was a situation that could have easily caused a panic. But Mark didn’t wait for a manager to tell him what to do. He didn’t wait for an order. He took immediate ownership.

On his own initiative, he performed a meticulous safety sweep of the entire playground to make sure every inch was safe for the kids and families in our community. He did it with grit, he did it quietly and he did it because he genuinely cares. The child’s parents were so moved by his professionalism that they even shared his story on social media to thank him.

The reason I’m sharing this is that Mark isn’t an exception — he’s an example. There are many more guys at the RCF who have the same drive, and they are succeeding because of a team of separate, dedicated people who have their backs.

I don’t want to take anything away from the probation officers and all the staff involved in these programs — they are part of this success, too. They understand that the goal isn’t just supervision; it’s about preparing these men to eventually become our neighbors. They are helping build the people we will see at the grocery store, the park and in our own neighborhoods.

This team effort includes Brian at Iowa Workforce Development. He has been a cornerstone, helping these guys build a professional foundation and find their footing in the career world.

The Probation Office and The RCF — these entities provide the essential stability and framework that allow a man to stay focused on his long term growth.

Charles at AFES — Charles provides critical community–based mentorship through AFES, helping guys stay grounded and connected.

Kelli Glasgo prison ministries — as a separate and vital entity, Kelli and his ministry provide the spiritual and personal guidance that helps a man maintain his commitment to his own integrity and transformation.

I want to personally recognize the businesses that have the heart to look at the guys from the RCF and see their value. McDonald’s has been a true leader in this along with other essential employers like Prestage Foods, which handles the heavy lifting of hog slaughtering and food manufacturing, and Nestle Purina. These companies aren’t just hiring employees; they are investing in the future of our neighbors. They are proving that whether a man is in a kitchen, on a production line at Prestage Foods, or in a warehouse at Purina, the potential to lead is there if the opportunity is given.

But we shouldn’t stop here. I am writing this to ask more of our local businesses — large and small — to become part of this growing mission. We have a massive untapped workforce at the RCF full of men who are ready to work, ready to learn and ready to protect this community just like Mark did. When a business opens its doors to these guys, they aren’t just filling a shift, they are gaining a loyal, hardworking employee who knows exactly what’s at stake. Our local economy is stronger when we all work together. I challenge our local shop owners, plant managers and entrepreneurs to reach out to Iowa Workforce Development or the RCF. See for yourself the kind of character these men are building.

When we integrate our local economy with these programs, we aren’t just helping people — we are building a stronger, safer and more connected Fort Dodge where we can all be proud to be neighbors.

Mark Pierce didn’t need a manual to tell him to protect those kids at the playground. He just needed a chance to show who he really is. I hope this story encourages more businesses to open their doors and give that same chance to the other guys working hard to change their lives and secure their future.

Jesse Edwards is a roommate and peer at the Fort Dodge Residential Correctional Facility.