Prisoner Re-Entry Center
Helping ex-offenders make positive connections to the community
“All we need is a chance to prove that we can work hard, take care of our families, and help our community. It’s the right thing to do. -- Overcomers Support Group Member“
WHA has been involved with the Prisoner Re-Entry work for over ten years. The Austin community has the highest number of ex-offenders in the state of Illinois, with over 300 individuals returning to Austin from prison each month. Upon their return, many face daunting challenges including re-connecting with families, finding housing and employment, and, equally important, rebuilding their self-esteem and confidence.WHA takes a holistic approach in identifying the needs that will best help ex-offenders transition into the community at its Community Re-entry Center. At this center, ex-offenders have access to a fully functioning computer lab, voicemail services, hygiene kits, barber services, job coaches, and referrals for education, food, clothing, housing, legal issues, counseling, identification planning, and healthcare. The Prisoner Re-Entry Services program provides services for all ex-offenders, regardless of offense or parole status.
In 2002, the State of Illinois implemented the Community Support Advisory Council (CSAC), a capacity-building initiative to support prisoner re-entry. Through CSAC, family members of returning prisoners can join the community organizations, churches, parole agents, and others to discuss problems they are facing and find solutions. Westside Health Authority convenes CSAC "Overcomers" meetings each month, which are usually attended by the Warden from Sheridan Prison, and which are held at the 15th district police station. WHA largely works with CSAC to convene organizations and individuals to develop best practices for reducing crime and recidivism among drug-involved offenders in a safe and supportive community-based setting. For more information on WHA's Prisoner Re-Entry Services or CSAC, please call Roger Ehmen at (773)-786-0226.
Accomplishments:
- On average, 40 ex-offenders and family members participate in weekly “Overcomers” support group sessions.
- Over 4,100 ex-offenders provided services and resource information per year.
- Over 192 ex-offenders placed in employment during 2008.
- Bi-monthly pre-release community orientation classes are held at the Sheridan Correctional Facility to assist inmates prior to release.
- Through WHA, 7 ex-offenders were trained in construction while working on an office and apartment building.