INSIDE OUT REENTRY INC

Inside Out’s vision is that people involved in the criminal legal system will achieve the greatest possible success with the support of their communities. We aim to provide a safe, and non judgemental community for our members to belong to and gain support. Inside Out has three main goals as defined in our strategic plan. The goals are that our core members will find and successfully maintain employment that is financially viable and brings satisfaction and meaning for the long-term, have safe stable, accessible and dignified housing, and will engage in ongoing personal growth activities to reach their potential.

Inside Out Reentry Community fulfills its mission through providing comprehensive case management which includes individualized reentry planning. Inside Out provides assistance with securing employment and housing, providing referrals and supports for substance use and mental health, offers a drop in resource center where members can come and get support, weekly community meetings, life skills classes, tutoring and opportunities to serve the community. Inside Out also pairs interested members with mentors in the community for additional support. Inside Out provides outreach and reentry planning to individuals who are currently incarcerated or under work-release supervision through letter and email correspondence. Lastly, criminal justice reform and education for the wider community on the struggles and challenges of returning citizens is an important part of our work. In the past five years IO has hosted a variety of events including a community justice reform series, a community reentry forum, a two day reentry summit, three film screenings, and five reentry/parole simulations.

Inside Out Reentry Community has a full-time executive director, who is a licensed social worker, and a full-time case worker, who is a formerly incarcerated individual, who both work closely with returning citizens. Our case worker previously worked as a peer recovery coach at the Abbe Center and is a volunteer life coach at the Dream Center. With a network of dedicated volunteers and supportive community partners, Inside Out has found success in helping formerly incarcerated individuals find stable housing and employment as well as helping them with their personal growth goals.

IO has seen many successes since its founding in 2014, most significantly building a supportive community for returning citizens that did not exist prior to the organization's efforts. IO is one of only a few reentry organizations across the state that does this work and is recognized as a state leader. IO currently supports over 130 individuals each year, runs weekly support groups, and has established community partnerships.

Criminal justice reform and education for the wider community on the struggles and challenges of returning citizens have been key components of Inside Out’s work since its inception. Since 2015, IO has hosted multiple community reentry forums, a 2 day reentry summit, and 5 parole/reentry simulations reaching hundreds of attendees. IO will continue to meet the challenges of serving returning citizens and educating the public while addressing the safety of the community due to the impact of Covid-19.