Aaron Pettes

Director of Reentry Services
Written By McKenzie Ring

Aaron is a husband, father, brother, author, minister, and Director of Reentry Services at RISE. After spending nearly 22 years incarcerated, Aaron has turned his lived experience into a life of service, leadership, and purpose.

While incarcerated, Aaron spent years serving as a GED tutor, led an evangelistic ministry, and intentionally developed the tools, discipline, and perspective he would need to succeed upon release. Today, he uses both his personal and professional experience to advocate for people impacted by incarceration and to help others successfully navigate the journey home.

Aaron is a sought-after public speaker, a passionate advocate for those still behind the walls, and an active member of the prison ministry at Eagle’s Nest Worship Center.

Reflecting on his work at RISE, Aaron says, “It’s not very often that purpose, passion, and opportunity coalesce, but I believe that’s exactly what has happened for me here at RISE. I can’t wait to get into the fields with y’all!”

Recently Featured On:

Featured
From Shackles to Freedom: Jeremy Bouman at Christ Community Church
From Shackles to Freedom: Jeremy Bouman at Christ Community Church

Jeremy shares his remarkable journey from growing up in New York City to founding a ministry that supports those in the Nebraska prison system. Also featuring RISE’s Aaron Pettes and Chantal Wentz. Learn about their faith journey, the work of RISE, and the incredible impact they are making in the lives of incarcerated individuals and their families.

Read more →
McKenzie Ring

McKenzie Ring has over 20 years of experience helping businesses and organizations reach maximum audiences for growth. Specializing in social responsibility, digital marketing, photography, and content creation, McKenzie uses that experience to educate the public and grow a network of volunteers, donors, employers, and support for people returning to the community after incarceration.

Specializing and trained in documentary-based work, McKenzie has been an award-winning Midwest photographer and content creator for much of her professional life. She is passionate about bridging unlikely communities and building empathy through storytelling.

Previous

Erica Raetz, MSW
Next

December Muhammad