Originally written by Skylar Kocourek and Grace Cayouette Badger Volunteer, 2023
In this post we will cover a variety of resources aimed at helping individuals soon-to-be released or recently released from prison find success and stability in their personal lives. See below for a list of different reentry resources!
JustDane
JustDane’s Peer Support Initiative provides a solution that helps formerly incarcerated individuals find success in life while making our community safer for all. Peer Support Specialists are available as a resource of support, allowing peers to direct their own reentry process from a strength-based platform, giving the peer a sense of autonomy and pride over their own reentry journey.
Circles of Support provides a support system for individuals leaving prison where they have a team of community volunteers to help navigate the challenges they face when reentering back into society. The process of being placed in a support circle begins before being released from prison. The team works together to create a reentry plan and after release, the team meets weekly to create and work toward small, achievable goals.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 608-256-0906
- Email: info@justdane.org
- Address: 2115 S. Park Street Madison, WI 53713
Opening Avenues to Reentry Success (OARS)
Program that supports the prison to community transition of inmates living with serious mental illnesses who are at a medium-high risk of reoffending. OARS is a collaborative program of the Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Department of Health Services (DHS). Participants enter the program while in prison. Inmates at all 36 adult prisons in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Resource Center, and the Wisconsin Women’s Resource Center releasing to any county are eligible for OARS, provided their mental health needs and risk factors for criminal behavior meet the criteria for enrollment.
A social worker, OARS program specialist, case manager, and community corrections agent works with each enrollee three to six months prior to release and this team will continue to support the participant throughout their time in the program to ensure the goals in their individualized service plan are achieved.
- Program brochure (from DHS)
- OARS page on Journey Mental Health website – Journey provides OARS case managers
Nehemiah
Nehemiah cultivates character leadership, and economic development for the African-American community through culturally grounded programs. Learn more about their Re-entry programs here.
Contact Director of Reentry
- Anthony Cooper Sr.
- Email: acooper@nehemiah.org
- Phone: 608.257.2453 x244
General Contact Information:
- Address: 655 W Badger Road, Madison WI 53713
- Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
- Phone: (608) 257-2453
- Email: info@nehemiah.org
Honest Jobs
The nation’s largest fair chance employment website. We help people impacted by the criminal justice system find employment fast
What do you need to join:
- Access to the internet and a computer, phone, or tablet.
- A valid email address that you can check regularly.
- For the best chance of success, we recommend that you have an active phone number and current resume.
How does it work?
Step 1: Scan the QR code on their flyers or visit www.honestjobs.com to create a job seeker profile.
Step 2: Use our website to search for jobs in your area. As you search, our system will analyze thousands of jobs to show you the ones that are most compatible with your specific criminal background.
Step 3: Apply for jobs and check your email regularly.
