Email Address

mary@o-ut.org

Phone Number

206-601-1823

Our Location

809 Legion Way SE STE 308 Olympia WA 98501

Testimonials

O-UT Program Testimonials

Graduate & Alumni Testimonials

    Mark A. Brown
    Mark A. Brown

    First Prison Cohort Graduate

    O-UT addressed the root of the problem, not just the symptoms. What set O-UT apart was its holistic approach—they saw me as more than my past. Under Ginny's guidance, I completed an associate's degree, launched my own business, and now I'm building a legacy instead of just trying to stay out of prison.

      Spencer Media
      Spencer Media

      Alumni Graduate

      I've been incarcerated 4 times for 8.5 years and tried countless programs—none held a torch to O-UT. This program gave me control over my choices and today I have my license, apartment, full-time job, and full custody of my kids back. Ginny's head-on approach leaves no room for excuses.

        Roger Skjelstad
        Roger Skjelstad

        Program Graduate (30+ years in system)

        I was 13 when I first went inside and spent more than half my life behind bars. O-UT made me look at myself in ways I never had before—not just what I did wrong, but why I kept doing it. If I can break free from patterns that started three decades ago, anyone can change.

          Clinton Howe
          Clinton Howe

          Program Graduate (20 years incarcerated)

          I thought I'd done every program out there, but O-UT challenged every excuse I'd ever made. What's blown me away is how it's changed the whole atmosphere—barriers that used to divide us don't exist among O-UT groups. We're all brothers now on the same mission to better ourselves.

            Derrick Quinn Jones
            Derrick Quinn Jones

            Program Graduate (25 years in system)

            For 25 years I've done many required DOC classes that only deal with external things—never the root cause: our thinking. Since graduating O-UT I know I am worthy, capable and bound for success. Service, care and self-love is what the program is about

              Michael Taylor
              Michael Taylor

              First Class Graduate

              After multiple prison terms, I didn't think the life I have today was possible for me. I followed O-UT's instructions, just celebrated 2 years clean and sober, am working for the union, and now manage a clean and sober house. I'm grateful for the support of Ginny, Becky, and the O-UT staff, and stayed connected through alumni support.

                Ben Strickland
                Ben Strickland

                Graduate and Lead Teaching Assistant

                Before O-UT, I thought I had done all the work necessary to change my behaviors. The program empowered me to change in ways I didn't know was possible, giving me the lens to reconstruct something strong and stable. Now I feel equipped to reenter as a source of strength rather than destruction.

                  Matthew Purifoy
                  Matthew Purifoy

                  Program Graduate

                  Since getting involved with O-UT, I've achieved things I never thought possible—enrolled in the University of Washington's pre-law program, secured employment as a welder fabricator with the railroad, and established connections with the Husky Post-Prison Program. The program helped me assess the unmet needs that led to my incarceration and gave me the tools for personal growth and successful reintegration.

                  O-UT Program Testimonials

                  Community Partner

                  Minna Long

                  Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council “As someone with lived experience with incarceration, behavior change, and apprenticeship, O-UT is an intentional program that aligns with fostering success. I was extremely impressed by the honesty and integrity of the participants, and the impact O-UT is having on incarcerated folks.”

                  Jacob Phillips

                  XChange Recovery “What attracted me to O-UT was that they are starting the necessary inside work ahead of the game—absolutely amazing. My experience at our most recent prison event was absolutely amazing. I would love to stay connected with everyone involved.”

                  Becky Carver

                  Prime Lending “Ginny’s curriculum and how she expedites the process attracted me to O-UT as a community partner. I loved the interaction at our most recent prison event—it was great to see the program’s impact firsthand.”