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“
In 2004, nearly 4,000 ex-offenders released from Illinois correctional facilities returned to the Austin community. Upon their return, they faced daunting challenges: re-connecting with families, finding housing and employment, and, equally important, rebuilding their self-esteem and confidence. WHA has taken a novel approach to help ex-offenders transition into the community through its Prisoner Re-Entry Services initiatives. The program provides referral services to parolees for education, employment, job training, food, clothing, housing, and healthcare. A critical part of the program is faith-based mentorship and support group meetings. These help to recreate positive relationships and bonds between the community, ex-offenders and their families.
In 2002, the State of Illinois implemented the Community Support Advisory Council (CSAC), a capacity-building initiative to support prisoner re-entry. WHA 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. CSAC was initially developed as a part of Governor Rod Blagojevich’s Sheridan Drug and Re-Entry Program.
Accomplishments:
- In 2005, over 1,500 ex-offenders were provided resource information which included referrals for health, clothing, housing, education, employment and faith-based support.
- Bi-monthly pre-release community orientation classes are held at the Sheridan Correctional Facility to assist inmates prior to release.
- At least 40 ex-offenders and family members participate in weekly “Overcomers” support group sessions held at WHA.
- Through WHA, 7 ex-offenders were trained in construction while working on an office and apartment building.
