According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 591,000 individuals were released from U.S. prisons in 2022. Yet nearly 67% were re-arrested within three years. The road from incarceration to community is full of obstacles, but across all 50 states, reentry programs are stepping in to help. From job training in Texas to education support in California.
What Are Reentry Programs?
Reentry programs are organized services designed to help individuals transition from prison back into society.
These programs typically provide:
- Temporary and transitional housing
- Vocational training and job placement
- Behavioral therapy and mental health support
- Substance abuse recovery programs
- Life skills education (budgeting, parenting, conflict resolution)
- Transportation assistance
- Legal aid (especially for expungement and record sealing)
The goal is simple: reduce recidivism (repeat offenses) and increase stability.
What Makes a Reentry Program Successful?
State-by-State Reentry Programs for Ex-Offenders
Alabama
Alabama has made significant efforts to reduce recidivism by establishing a dedicated Reentry Division under the Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles. The state uses a coordinated approach that includes job readiness training, housing assistance, peer mentoring, and substance abuse treatment.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Reentry Initiative | Case management, employment services, housing | paroles.alabama.gov/reentry |
| The Foundry Ministries | Faith-based housing, addiction recovery, job training | foundryministries.com |
| Aletheia House Reentry Program | Substance use treatment, housing, health education | aletheiahouse.org |
| Shepherd’s Fold | Transitional housing for men exiting prison | shepherdsfold.org |
Alaska
Alaska’s vast geography presents unique challenges in reentry, but the state has committed to supporting successful transitions through community-based programs, especially in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Focus is on personalized planning, restorative justice, and workforce training.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| DOC Reentry Program | Individual release planning, job placement, housing assistance | doc.alaska.gov/reentry |
| Partners for Progress | Legal aid, peer mentorship, transitional support | partnersforprogressak.org |
| Fairbanks Reentry Coalition | Substance recovery, housing navigation, workforce development | fairbanksreentry.org |
| Alaska Native Justice Center | Legal services, cultural reintegration | anjc.org |
Arizona
Arizona has been investing in reentry through public-private partnerships. Second Chance Centers are hubs of activity focused on employment and ID restoration. Nonprofits like AZ Common Ground are on the frontlines offering mentorship and job development for youth and adults.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Second Chance Centers | Resume help, job fairs, legal ID, housing resources | corrections.az.gov |
| AZ Common Ground | Mentoring, reentry coaching, employment workshops | azcommonground.org |
| Hope Lives-Victory Outreach | Sober living, skills training, faith-based recovery | victoryoutreachphoenix.org |
| St. Joseph the Worker | Career services, transportation support, tools for employment | sjwjobs.org |
Arkansas
Arkansas reentry programming is coordinated through a growing coalition of faith groups, nonprofits, and corrections officials. The Arkansas Reentry Coalition connects service providers and state agencies to reduce redundancy and improve outcomes.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Reentry Coalition | Employment support, education, housing | arreentry.org |
| Good Grid | Reentry portal for resources, record-sealing help | goodgrid.com |
| Pathway to Freedom | In-prison character and leadership development | pathwaytofreedom.org |
| Our House | Workforce training, family services, transitional housing | ourhouseshelter.org |
California
California is home to some of the most progressive and well-funded reentry programs in the country. Through efforts like Project Rebound and the Amity Foundation, the state addresses housing, education, and mental health needs of formerly incarcerated individuals.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Project Rebound | College enrollment, tutoring, life skills | csuprojectrebound.org |
| Amity Foundation | Housing, employment services, recovery programs | amityfdn.org |
| Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC) | Policy advocacy, peer mentoring, leadership development | antirecidivism.org |
| Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) | Transitional work, job placement, life coaching | ceoworks.org |
Colorado
Colorado uses a comprehensive strategy that includes mental health care, housing, and employment training. Nonprofits like Second Chance Center (SCC) lead in offering personalized support for parolees. Peer mentorship plays a huge role in this state’s success.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado DOC Reentry Services | Case management, education, vocational planning | cdoc.colorado.gov |
| Second Chance Center (SCC) | Peer support, job readiness, housing | scccolorado.org |
| Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition | Policy advocacy, training, reintegration support | ccjrc.org |
| Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) | Paid transitional employment, job coaching | ceoworks.org |
Connecticut
Connecticut operates reentry welcome centers and regional reentry collaboratives that assist individuals in finding work, managing finances, and receiving addiction treatment. Programs also offer ID recovery and resume workshops.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Reentry Welcome Centers (Hartford, Bridgeport) | Housing support, job placement, case management | portal.ct.gov |
| Career Resources, Inc. | Workforce development, criminal justice advocacy | careerresources.org |
| Project More Inc. | Reentry support, behavioral health, employment services | projectmore.org |
| New Haven Reentry Initiative | Education, legal services, employment training | newhavenreentry.org |
Delaware
Delaware has developed a centralized system through the I-ADAPT initiative, offering reentry services including housing placement, substance abuse counseling, and workforce reentry. Peer-led mentoring is a major part of post-release plans.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| I-ADAPT Program | Transition planning, employment, education | doc.delaware.gov |
| One Village Alliance | Mentoring, youth support, family services | iamthevillage.org |
| Stand By Me Reentry Program | Financial coaching, credit repair, budgeting help | standbymede.org |
| Delaware Center for Justice | Case management, policy reform, advocacy | dcjustice.org |
Florida
Florida has a mixed reentry environment—while some state services are limited, nonprofits like Operation New Hope have created national models for reducing recidivism through employment and housing programs.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Operation New Hope – Ready4Work | Workforce training, housing, wraparound services | operationnewhope.org |
| Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) | Legal help, civil rights advocacy, voter restoration | floridarrc.com |
| ReEntry Alliance Pensacola (REAP) | Housing, job referrals, addiction services | reapreentry.org |
| House of Hope Ministries | Christian-based housing, life skills, transitional support | hohministries.org |
Georgia
Georgia uses a strategic reentry plan focused on individualized case management, employment readiness, and cognitive behavioral therapy. The Georgia Justice Project leads in record expungement and legal education.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Department of Corrections Reentry Services | Mental health support, housing referrals, peer mentoring | dcor.state.ga.us |
| Georgia Justice Project | Legal aid, record clearing, community workshops | gjp.org |
| Hearts to Nourish Hope | Youth reentry programs, job readiness | heartstonourishhope.org |
| Foreverfamily | Family reunification, support for children of inmates | foreverfam.org |
Hawaii
Hawaii’s reentry programs reflect its strong sense of community and cultural identity. Peer-led support and native Hawaiian traditions are central to the programs, along with workforce and housing services.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Going Home Hawaii | Housing, reentry planning, family reunification | goinghomehawaii.org |
| Puʻuhonua Prisoner Reintegration | Cultural education, housing, community mentorship | papaolalokahi.org |
| Men of HOPE | Addiction recovery, job training, support services | N/A – Contact via local correctional facilities |
| Oahu Community Correctional Center | Pre-release planning, community reintegration | dps.hawaii.gov |
Illinois
Illinois has a robust network of reentry resources, especially in Chicago. Nonprofits like Safer Foundation have decades of experience providing job training and case management. The state also supports county-led diversion programs.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Safer Foundation | Employment services, housing, GED training | saferfoundation.org |
| Adult Redeploy Illinois | Community-based alternatives to prison | icjia.illinois.gov |
| Westside Health Authority | Reentry coaching, mental health, job placement | healthauthority.org |
| Cabrini Green Legal Aid | Legal representation, expungement, advocacy | cgla.net |
Indiana
Indiana’s Department of Correction offers programs focused on purpose-driven rehabilitation. Community organizations like Constructing Our Future help returning citizens find jobs in industries like construction and manufacturing.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana PLUS Program | Life coaching, purpose-based rehabilitation | in.gov/idoc |
| Constructing Our Future | Housing, trade skills training, job placement | constructingourfuture.org |
| Public Advocates in Community Reentry (PACE) | Reentry services, employment readiness, peer support | paceindy.org |
| RecycleForce | Transitional employment, recycling work program | recycleforce.org |
Iowa
Iowa uses targeted reentry efforts through community partnerships and restorative justice models. Services emphasize accountability, family reunification, and reducing barriers to employment.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Start Reentry Program | Housing, education, job support | Contact via local DOC parole office |
| Iowa DOC Reentry Services | Risk assessments, employment planning | doc.iowa.gov |
| Inside Out Reentry Community (Iowa City) | Peer mentoring, family services, community support | insideoutreentry.com |
| Second Chance Iowa | Career development, soft skills workshops | secondchanceiowa.com |
Kansas
Kansas’s reentry approach focuses on pre-release planning and access to basic needs such as identification and housing. Nonprofits like Miracles, Inc. specialize in working with women and families.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas DOC Reentry Services | Education, job placement, ID services | doc.ks.gov |
| Miracles, Inc. | Residential treatment, reentry support for women | miraclesinc.org |
| ReMerge Reentry Program | Housing, spiritual support, mentoring | Contact via local parole boards |
| U.S. Probation – Kansas Reentry Court | High-risk case management, mental health, monitoring | ksd.uscourts.gov |
Kentucky
Kentucky’s Reentry Division coordinates across local jails and state prisons, focusing on skill development and drug rehabilitation. Faith-based programs are strong contributors in rural communities.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky DOC Reentry Division | Cognitive therapy, workforce prep, housing assistance | corrections.ky.gov |
| New Beginnings Reentry | Employment support, recovery housing | newbeginningsky.org |
| Legal Aid of the Bluegrass | Record expungement, legal advice | lablaw.org |
| Opportunities for Work and Learning (OWL) | Job placement, employer connections | owlinc.net |
Louisiana
Louisiana has one of the highest incarceration rates in the U.S., making reentry programs essential. The Louisiana Parole Project has become a national model for long-term release preparation and advocacy.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Parole Project | Legal advocacy, job placement, mentoring | paroleproject.org |
| Catholic Charities of Baton Rouge | Reentry housing, food access, counseling | ccdiobr.org |
| The First 72+ | Transitional housing, ID services, financial literacy | first72plus.org |
| Justice and Accountability Center of LA | Expungement, legal clinics, public education | jacla.org |
Maine
In Maine, local coalitions and shelters work closely with reentry populations to provide low-barrier housing and support services. The DOC focuses on community-based reintegration and public safety.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Maine DOC Reentry Program | Family reunification, job readiness, peer mentoring | maine.gov |
| Preble Street | Emergency shelter, job support, food access | preblestreet.org |
| Opportunity Alliance | Transitional housing, mental health services | opportunityalliance.org |
| Volunteers of America – Northern New England | Addiction recovery, housing, reintegration services | voanne.org |
Maryland
Maryland has some of the most progressive reentry policies in the U.S. The state partners with private organizations and local governments to streamline services across employment, housing, and mental health.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Reentry Initiative | Counseling, housing, job support | dpscs.maryland.gov |
| Living Classrooms Foundation – Project SERVE | Community service, workforce development | livingclassrooms.org |
| Jericho Reentry Program | Employment services, case management, fatherhood training | jerichoreentry.org |
| Baltimore Reentry Center | Peer support, substance treatment, legal aid | Contact via Baltimore City agencies |
Massachusetts
Massachusetts runs state-funded halfway houses and collaborates with respected nonprofits to support smooth transitions back into society. The focus is on employment and social-emotional support.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Community Resources for Justice (CRJ) | Housing, counseling, employment assistance | crj.org |
| Span, Inc. | Long-term mentoring, legal assistance, case management | spaninc.org |
| Boston Reentry Initiative | Transitional support for high-risk individuals | boston.gov |
| Partakers College Behind Bars | Higher education mentorship inside and outside prison | partakers.org |
Michigan
Michigan was a pioneer in reentry reform through the MPRI (Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative). Detroit-based nonprofits now carry much of the workload in providing workforce development and mental health care.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Chance for Life | Soft skills, job placement, entrepreneurship training | chanceforlifeonline.org |
| Michigan Reentry Initiative (MPRI) | Housing, parole supervision, employment readiness | michigan.gov |
| Detroit Reentry Center | Job search, ID recovery, clothing services | Contact local corrections agency |
| Nation Outside | Peer mentorship, policy advocacy, civic engagement | nationoutside.org |
Minnesota
Minnesota has a structured reentry model called Transition from Prison to Community (TPC), emphasizing planning that starts well before release. Nonprofits and community partners like Amicus play a big role in long-term support.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| MN DOC – Transition from Prison to Community (TPC) | Early release planning, education, supervision | mn.gov/doc |
| Amicus Reconnect | Peer mentoring, housing support, employment assistance | voamn.org |
| Twin Cities Rise | Career coaching, emotional intelligence training | twincitiesrise.org |
| Ujamaa Place | Housing, GED support, personal growth coaching | ujamaaplace.org |
Mississippi
Mississippi’s reentry services are growing, with an emphasis on addiction recovery, spiritual rehabilitation, and employment training. Programs like New Way Mississippi focus on individuals at high risk for reoffending.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| MDOC Reentry Services | Case management, life skills, educational programming | mdoc.ms.gov |
| New Way Mississippi | Housing, employment training, reentry coaching | newwayms.org |
| Southern Christian Services | Spiritual guidance, transitional housing, life skills | scscy.org |
| Mississippi Center for Reentry | Employment readiness, soft skills workshops | Contact local reentry councils |
Missouri
Missouri’s reentry system includes the Missouri Reentry Process (MRP), a coordinated strategy involving case planning, community support, and job services. The state has seen steady improvement in reducing recidivism.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Reentry Process (MRP) | Housing referrals, peer mentoring, case management | doc.mo.gov |
| Empower Missouri | Advocacy, transitional support, job fairs | empowermissouri.org |
| Center for Women in Transition | Residential services, employment readiness | cwint.org |
| Mission Gate Prison Ministry | Faith-based reentry housing and discipleship | missiongateministry.org |
Montana
Montana’s reentry focus includes tribal coordination, especially for Indigenous populations. Community providers collaborate with parole officers to offer transitional housing and mental health services.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Montana DOC Reentry Program | Release planning, mental health support, family reunification | cor.mt.gov |
| Missoula Correctional Services | Probation, employment, housing assistance | missoulacorrectionalservices.com |
| Montana Legal Services Association | Record sealing, legal representation | mtlsa.org |
| Winds of Change Mental Health Center | Outpatient therapy, peer support, reintegration help | windsofchangemt.or |
Nebraska
Nebraska uses individualized reentry plans that focus on employment, transitional housing, and behavioral therapy. Nonprofits like CenterPointe provide critical mental health and substance recovery services.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska DOC Reentry Program | Vocational training, supervision, housing planning | corrections.nebraska.gov |
| CenterPointe | Outpatient and residential treatment, reentry coaching | centerpointe.org |
| Community Justice Center | Restorative justice, life skills workshops | communityjusticecenter.org |
| Reconnect Inc. | Transportation, parole compliance support | reconnectsuccess.com |
Nevada
Nevada’s Hope for Prisoners is one of the nation’s top reentry programs, blending mentorship, job training, and employer partnerships. Las Vegas leads the state’s innovative approach to reentry.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Hope for Prisoners | Mentorship, job training, employer connections | hopeforprisoners.org |
| Nevada DOC Reentry Services | Parole support, housing planning, ID recovery | doc.nv.gov |
| Ridge House | Transitional housing, recovery programs | ridgehouse.org |
| Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada | Meals, housing assistance, workforce readiness | catholiccharities.com |
New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s reentry system is highly collaborative, with county and nonprofit groups managing services like transitional housing and addiction recovery. Emphasis is placed on accountability and community integration.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| NH DOC Reentry Services | Case management, parole navigation, counseling | nh.gov/nhdoc |
| Strafford County Reentry Services | Addiction recovery, mentoring, family reunification | co.strafford.nh.us |
| Granite State Organizing Project | Housing justice, reintegration advocacy | gsopnh.org |
| Families in Transition | Sober housing, case management, life skills | fitnh.org |
New Jersey
New Jersey is home to the New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC), a national model in holistic reentry. With help from former Governor Jim McGreevey, NJRC connects thousands to healthcare, jobs, and housing every year.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) | Medical care, job placement, addiction support | njreentry.org |
| Volunteers of America – Delaware Valley | Reentry housing, employment, behavioral health | voadv.org |
| Legal Services of New Jersey | Expungement, legal representation, workshops | lsnj.org |
| Urban League of Essex County | Career support, housing navigation, financial literacy | ulec.org |
New Mexico
New Mexico supports a decentralized but community-driven reentry approach. Nonprofits like PB&J Family Services offer parenting, therapy, and job help. Cultural reintegration is emphasized, especially for Indigenous individuals.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| PB&J Family Services | Counseling, parenting, workforce coaching | pbjfamilyservices.org |
| Crossroads for Women | Housing, recovery, case management | crossroadsabq.org |
| NM Reentry Centers (various counties) | Support groups, supervision, housing planning | cd.nm.gov |
| The Life Link | Behavioral health, job placement, transitional housing | thelifelink.org |
New York
New York has one of the most advanced reentry systems in the U.S., driven by high-impact nonprofits. Organizations like The Fortune Society and Osborne Association offer full-spectrum services from housing to education.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| The Fortune Society | Housing, education, employment, family services | fortunesociety.org |
| Osborne Association | Advocacy, parenting classes, legal services | osborneny.org |
| Exodus Transitional Community | Case management, faith-based mentoring, job training | exodustransitionalcommunity.org |
| Center for Community Alternatives (CCA) | Legal support, restorative justice, career development | communityalternatives.org |
North Carolina
North Carolina’s reentry system is a statewide partnership of public agencies, faith-based groups, and nonprofits. Programs like Project Reentry focus on long-term success through employment, community support, and mentoring.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| NC Reentry Action Network | Coordination of community resources, job placement | reentry.cjrnc.org |
| Project Reentry – Goodwill Industries | Job readiness, mentoring, employment assistance | goodwillnwnc.org |
| Center for Community Transitions | Transitional housing, family reunification, financial education | centerforcommunitytransitions.org |
| Legal Aid of North Carolina | Expungement, legal support, housing advocacy | legalaidnc.org |
North Dakota
North Dakota focuses on high-risk individuals using personalized support models. Programs like Free Through Recovery combine peer mentoring with mental health and addiction services.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Free Through Recovery | Peer support, addiction counseling, recovery planning | behavioralhealth.nd.gov |
| F5 Project | Housing, job skills, peer-led programming | f5project.org |
| Redemption Road Ministries | Faith-based reentry, mentorship, transitional housing | redemptionroadministries.com |
| ND DOC Reentry Services | Risk management, transitional planning, employment aid | docr.nd.gov |
Ohio
Ohio coordinates reentry efforts through county coalitions and statewide job readiness programs. Nonprofits like Towards Employment in Cleveland provide complete wraparound support for successful reentry.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Towards Employment | Job placement, legal support, skill-building | towardsemployment.org |
| Ohio Justice and Policy Center | Legal clinics, expungement, reentry toolkits | ohiojpc.org |
| Oriana House | Community corrections, addiction treatment, housing | oriana.org |
| Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) | Reentry support, case management | drc.ohio.gov |
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has been expanding its reentry model with strong faith-based and vocational services. TEEM is a leader in the state, providing a full continuum from pre-release prep to employment.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| TEEM (The Education and Employment Ministry) | Job training, mentoring, therapy | teem.org |
| Oklahoma DOC Reentry Services | Counseling, housing assistance, education | oklahoma.gov/doc |
| Exodus House | Transitional housing, employment prep | criminaljusticeandmercy.org |
| Women in Recovery | Trauma-informed addiction recovery for justice-involved women | fcsok.org |
Oregon
Oregon’s reentry model is community-based, trauma-informed, and deeply tied to housing-first principles. Programs like Sponsors Inc. are nationally recognized for their success with high-risk populations.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsors Inc. | Transitional housing, employment, cognitive therapy | sponsorsinc.org |
| Oregon Reentry Resource Center | Clothing, identification, job placement | oregon.gov |
| Bridges to Change | Peer support, addiction services, transitional housing | bridgestochange.com |
| Greater Oregon Behavioral Health | Mental health services, rural reentry assistance | gobhi.org |
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania boasts a strong reentry infrastructure led by county reentry coalitions. The Philadelphia Reentry Coalition and programs like JEVS Human Services play critical roles in supporting job seekers and homeless reentrants.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| JEVS Human Services | Employment support, expungement help, adult education | jevs.org |
| Philadelphia Reentry Coalition | Cross-agency coordination, community resources directory | phillyreentry.org |
| Impact Services | Housing support, veterans’ services, reentry support | impactservices.org |
| Pittsburgh Second Chance Center | Job training, parole support, housing resources | Contact via Allegheny County Reentry Services |
Rhode Island
Rhode Island’s compact size allows for highly coordinated reentry services. Organizations like OpenDoors and The Nonviolence Institute focus on housing, therapy, and conflict resolution.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| OpenDoors | Housing, peer mentoring, civil rights assistance | opendoorsri.org |
| The Nonviolence Institute | Conflict resolution, youth reentry, job skills | nonviolenceinstitute.org |
| Amos House | Transitional housing, addiction recovery | amoshouse.com |
| Rhode Island Reentry Collaborative | Multi-agency support network, legal clinics | Contact via local parole officers |
South Carolina
South Carolina runs robust reentry housing and workforce programs, many of them through public-private partnerships. The Alston Wilkes Society is a key leader across the state.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Reentry Initiative | Peer support, workforce development, life skills | doc.sc.gov |
| Alston Wilkes Society | Emergency housing, prison aftercare, counseling | alstonwilkessociety.org |
| Turning Leaf Project | Employment coaching, job placement | turningleafproject.com |
| Fresh Start SC | Reentry mentoring, life planning | freshstartsc.org |
South Dakota
South Dakota emphasizes pre-release planning and rural reintegration. Peer mentorship and sober living environments like St. Francis House help stabilize individuals post-release.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| SD DOC Reentry Services | Risk assessments, transition support, housing | doc.sd.gov |
| St. Francis House | Transitional housing, employment coaching | stfrancishouse.com |
| Glory House | Supervised housing, outpatient therapy | glory-house.org |
| Community Assistance Program – Sioux Falls | Rent assistance, peer support, substance recovery | Contact via City of Sioux Falls |
Tennessee
Tennessee offers a mix of state-supervised and faith-based programs. Day Reporting Centers help address behavioral change, while Men of Valor operates one of the most successful Christian-based reentry programs in the South.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| TDOC Day Reporting Centers | CBT programming, drug testing, career services | tn.gov/correction |
| Men of Valor | Reentry housing, Christian mentorship, job readiness | men-of-valor.org |
| The Next Door | Women’s reentry housing, therapy, addiction services | thenextdoor.org |
| Project Return | Nashville-based employment program for ex-offenders | projectreturninc.org |
Texas
Texas has one of the largest incarcerated populations in the U.S. but is also home to some of the most innovative reentry models. Programs like the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) and Windham School District lead efforts in business training, vocational education, and peer support.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP) | Business mentorship, entrepreneurship training, employment | pep.org |
| Windham School District Reentry Education | GED prep, vocational training, life skills | wsdtx.org |
| Texas Reentry Services | Employment, housing referrals, transitional coaching | texasreentryservices.org |
| Goodwill Houston Reentry Program | Job readiness, wraparound support | goodwillhouston.org |
Utah
Utah emphasizes a community-focused reentry process. The Other Side Academy offers a long-term residential and peer-managed program with no government funding, helping people rebuild through hard work and accountability.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| The Other Side Academy | Two-year residential reentry program, peer mentorship | theothersideacademy.com |
| Utah DOC Reentry Program | Case management, parole supervision, education | corrections.utah.gov |
| First Step House | Housing, therapy, addiction recovery | firststephouse.org |
| Odyssey House of Utah | Community reintegration, recovery programs | odysseyhouse.org |
Vermont
Vermont takes a restorative justice approach to reentry. Its Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) model connects ex-offenders with community volunteers and mentors to reduce reoffending and build trust.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| COSA (Circles of Support and Accountability) | Mentorship, community reintegration, accountability support | vtcosavt.org |
| Vermont DOC Reentry Services | Pre-release planning, parole coordination | doc.vermont.gov |
| Vermont Works for Women | Female-focused training, employment, housing | vtworksforwomen.org |
| Mercy Connections | Education, restorative reentry, life skills | mercyconnections.org |
Virginia
Virginia’s reentry strategy includes ID restoration, vocational training, and reentry navigators. Organizations like OAR of Arlington and Virginia CARES provide comprehensive community-based support.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia CARES | Housing, transportation, employment services | virginiacares.org |
| OAR of Arlington, Alexandria & Falls Church | Legal aid, family reunification, cognitive programs | oaronline.org |
| Virginia DOC Reentry Program | Job placement, education, pre-release support | vadoc.virginia.gov |
| Step Up Inc. | HIV testing, employment counseling, mentorship | stepupinc.org |
Washington
Washington State supports reentry through its Reentry Council, promoting policy changes and community empowerment. Programs like FareStart equip formerly incarcerated people with job skills in food service.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| FareStart | Culinary training, job readiness, mentorship | farestart.org |
| Pioneer Human Services | Housing, employment, reentry case management | pioneerhumanservices.org |
| Washington State Reentry Council | Policy coordination, agency support | commerce.wa.gov |
| Defy Ventures Washington | Entrepreneurship training, leadership development | defyventures.org |
West Virginia
West Virginia integrates faith-based, community, and government services for successful reentry. Programs like Recovery Point offer long-term, peer-led substance recovery programs in safe housing.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Recovery Point West Virginia | Peer-led addiction recovery, housing | recoverypointwv.org |
| Reentry Councils – Various Counties | Mentoring, employment, substance abuse services | Contact local parole offices |
| WV Reentry Program (DOC) | Risk assessment, parole planning, case management | dcr.wv.gov |
| Day Report Centers | Addiction services, job placement | Managed at county level |
Wisconsin
Wisconsin uses a case management-driven model through DOC and collaborates with nonprofits to offer housing, therapy, and jobs. JustDane in Madison is a key player in the state’s reentry network.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin DOC Reentry Unit | Education, release planning, family reunification | doc.wi.gov |
| JustDane (formerly Madison Urban Ministry) | Housing, reentry support, mental health | justdane.org |
| Project Return – Milwaukee | Workforce development, peer mentoring | projectreturnmilwaukee.org |
| Wisconsin Reentry Project | Housing support, job placement | Contact via DOC or local county services |
Wyoming
Wyoming’s reentry network is small but community-centered. Faith-based organizations and volunteer groups help with life skills training and employment. Peer support and transitional housing are the main pillars.
| Program Name | Services Offered | Website/Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Volunteers of America – Northern Rockies | Addiction treatment, housing, counseling | voanr.org |
| Wyoming DOC Transitional Services | Pre-release planning, ID help, job referrals | corrections.wyo.gov |
| Wyoming 2-1-1 | Reentry resource referrals, housing, mental health | wyoming211.org |
| Seton House – Casper | Family transitional housing, budgeting support | setonhousecasper.org |
Final Thought
Reentry isn’t just about leaving prison—it’s about rebuilding a life. Across all 50 states, reentry programs are making that possible by offering real support, second chances, and pathways to success. Whether it’s job training, housing, or emotional guidance, these programs help people move forward with dignity. With the right support, a fresh start isn’t just a dream—it’s within reach.
FAQs
How do I find a reentry program near me?
Start with your state’s Department of Corrections website, then look for local nonprofit organizations in your county or city.
Do I need to pay for these services?
Many programs are free or offer sliding-scale services, especially nonprofits.
Can I get help with expungement or clearing my record?
Yes. Many reentry programs include legal aid or partner with local law clinics that offer this service.
What if I have nowhere to live after release?
Contact housing-first programs in your area. Many offer transitional or emergency housing and can help you apply for long-term options.
