Robert Poppen, who is serving a life term at the Mike Durfee State Penitentiary in Springfield, South Dakota, wrote to the Dakota Scout to highlight a gap in the state’s correctional system. While he praised the Alternatives to Violence Program (AVP) and the newer Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) initiative for helping inmates develop conflict‑resolution skills and personal leadership, he warned that the support often ends when a prisoner is released.
Programs Inside the Prison
Poppen has been involved with AVP for more than a decade, both as a participant and as a facilitator. He says the program teaches inmates to view every person as valuable and to handle disputes without resorting to aggression. “It gave me hope for a better future and tools to deal with violence,” he wrote.
In addition to AVP, the prison now offers the Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT) program, which focuses on helping inmates define personal success and assume responsibility for themselves and their peers. Poppen notes that these programs have been especially beneficial for younger inmates who entered the facility with limited life experience.
Challenges After Release
Despite the progress made inside the walls of Mike Durfee, Poppen argues that the state’s re‑entry system is lacking. He points out that many inmates, particularly those who have spent long periods incarcerated, are “dropped” into communities without a comparable support network. The resulting stress and scarcity of resources, he says, increase the likelihood of recidivism.
“The longer someone is incarcerated the harder it is for them to appropriately integrate back into society,” Poppen wrote. He calls the current approach a “sink or swim” mentality, questioning how the state can expect former prisoners to succeed without structured assistance.
Calls for Action
Poppen urges the Rehabilitation Task Force and elected officials to address the re‑integration gap. He suggests that a coordinated effort be made to provide housing, employment counseling, mental‑health services, and continued mentorship for released individuals.
While he makes clear he is not defending Mark Milk, who was recently mentioned in the news for his involvement in AVP, Poppen uses the discussion as a springboard to advocate for broader systemic change. He hopes that his perspective, coming from someone who has lived the prison experience, will inform policy decisions and encourage community involvement.
Community Response
Local faith‑based groups and family‑oriented organizations have expressed interest in partnering with the prison to expand re‑entry services. These groups see an opportunity to uphold Christian values of redemption and to strengthen families by reducing the cycle of incarceration.
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Original reporting: The Dakota Scout (Sioux Falls) — read the source article.
