Dan Hanneken, a 2018 University of Missouri MSW graduate, is now an LCSW, leading in2Action and teaching criminal justice at MU. He’s an experienced presenter and author on reentry. Married to Stephanie, he enjoys running and quality time with her. 

“After my third release from prison, doubts filled me, but I dreamed of a program for people like me. A decade later, in2Action began. Witnessing God’s work in transforming lives fills me with unmatched excitement and gratitude. Every day, I feel blessed seeing once hardened criminals embrace redemption, becoming valuable members of society.”

The winding path that brought me to in2Action has taken me from working in a church
setting as a youth minister, to working in the corporate world to being a small business
owner. I truly believe that all people have their own special set of gifts and graces that
they may or may not be aware they possess. I find that one of the things that in2Action
is good at is the ability to instill a sense of worth in people and help them develop the
gifts and graces they have been given. I celebrate that and hope to use the gifts and
graces that I have been given to move in2Action in ways that help people and the
community.

To me, in2Action is all about relationships. It is said that the opposite of addiction is connection, and in2Action forms connections through relationships with each other, the community, and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I am blessed to be able to work with these men and show them a path that was once shown to me.

While doing the bookkeeping for the Family Worship Center I was introduced to Dan and the in2Action ministry.  In 2021 I learned Dan had a new Accounts Manager position.  It was perfect timing.  I’ve learned in2Action is not just another business trying to make a profit.  This job allows me to use my training in accounting and also be in a ministry helping people in their journey with Christ.

While earning my BA at Mizzou, I found my calling in helping people find the tools they need to reclaim their lives and break free from the chains of trauma, addiction, and mental illness. Working at in2Action is God’s will, as it allows me to grow into my truest self (both personally and professionally) while surrounded by a supportive community of positive-minded residents and staff.

During my addiction I lost my purpose. However, as a graduate of the in2Action program, I know firsthand the impact this program has on individuals truly seeking a change. I learned a great deal, not only how to successfully recover, but also who I am in my new identity. With that discovery I found my new purpose. I am now proud to work with-in this amazing organization that has given me so much, so I can share the same compassion given to me and pay it forward

I am here at in2Action to help people re-enter society and get their lives back like someone once did for me, so I guess you could say I am here to pay it forward.

After working in human services for over 25 years, in2Action has allowed me to witness profound transformation.  Using the social model to connect residents to Christ has deepened my own Faith and clarified my purpose.  I love seeing how God brings people together to fulfill His plan!

I believe God puts us where we need to be. Through my testimony I believe I can help others. It is a blessing to be a part of in2Action and grow in my faith on this journey.

After many years in active addition, I found myself in some legal trouble and I was given the chance to participate in Boone County Treatment Court. The support and services I was able to utilize helped me find recovery but most importantly find myself and who I wanted to become. After successfully completing Treatment Court I continued my recovery and growth. My personal experience and growth inspired me to want to help others like me so they can also change and become successful, respected, honest, and loving people no matter what their past may look like

I enjoy working at in2Action as it is my chance to give back what I have been given.  I can help other people with substance abuse issues with a new way of life.