REFORM Alliance seeks to reform probation and parole systems, helping people move from the justice system to stability, which strengthens families and communities. Inspired by Meek Mill's unjust re-imprisonment, REFORM was founded in 2019 to address systemic flaws. The organization has taken impactful actions, including distributing millions of masks to correctional facilities during COVID-19 and supporting key legislation like California's AB 1950.
The National Reentry Resource Center (NRRC) helps improve support for people returning from prison by sharing resources and connecting them with local services. It works with experts to find and promote effective ways to reduce reoffending. The NRRC also offers a helpline for those reentering communities. It was created by the Second Chance Act and is run by the Council of State Governments Justice Center with support from federal agencies.
The Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) helps individuals recently released from prison build career skills and financial stability. As the largest reentry employment provider in the U.S., CEO uses its experience and participant feedback to influence government investment in criminal justice and workforce development.
OutsideConnection is partially funded by Prudential Financial as part of their Emerging Visionaries Project. Prudential has provided the resources for a large part of our operations including job searching and current web-maintenance costs.
The Re-Entry Coaching Academy (ReCA) uses a coaching approach to empower individuals and organizations, particularly those in the justice system, to foster growth and transformation. Starting in 2011 at a Pennsylvania prison, ReCA's coaching model transformed the prison culture and now helps reentrants and others transition to successful, contributing lives.
Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) offers degree programs in Tennessee prisons, showcasing the transformative power of education. Their mission is to disrupt harmful systems and create opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. With zero graduates returning to prison, THEI's impact is significant. The average GPA of their students is notably higher than that of traditional students, and the program offers substantial cost savings compared to incarceration.
Golden Rule ReEntry offers tailored, trauma-informed support for returning citizens through services like personal support, life skills classes, resource navigation, career help, and trauma support. They work with local organizations to build a network for real-time community support and invite community engagement.
Less Than The Least (LTTL) Ministries, founded in 2001, is a nonprofit that supports incarcerated individuals in Texas through worship services, Bible studies, correspondence, and chapel upgrades. They expanded their outreach during COVID-19 to provide hygiene items. With over 350 volunteers, LTTL is committed to growing and adapting to meet the needs of the incarcerated.
Homeward Alliance, founded in 2008 as Homeless Gear and renamed in 2018, provides a range of services for families, adults, and seniors, including basic needs, housing case management, and employment support. Serving around 5,000 people annually, their mission is to empower individuals and families facing homelessness to survive, advance, and thrive.
Hope for Prisoners provides long-term support for formerly incarcerated individuals, helping them reclaim their lives, families, and community standing. Founded by Jon Ponder, who experienced these challenges firsthand, the organization offers mentorship and partners with local law enforcement to build understanding and respect. Their approach aims to give clients hope and a positive outlook, contributing to their successful reentry and transformation.
The Allegheny County Anchored Reentry (ACAR) Coalition aims to enhance reentry support by coordinating resources and services for formerly incarcerated individuals. ACAR builds on best practices to address needs in housing, employment, education, self-empowerment, family support, health, rehabilitation, and finance management. Its goal is to improve the lives of individuals and their communities through coordinated efforts.
Community Kitchen Pittsburgh’s mission is to use food as a foundation to change lives and strengthen communities. They believe in the inherent worth and potential of every individual, offering training, transitional employment, apprenticeships, and job placement services to help participants achieve career success. Funded by donors and social enterprises, their programs are free, removing financial barriers and enabling individuals to secure stable, higher-level positions in the culinary or related industries.
The Returning Citizens Association (RCA) aims to boost the economic, political, and social capital of returning citizens to reduce recidivism. Their team includes individuals affected by the carceral system, such as family members. RCA provides valuable information to support successful reintegration and publishes a quarterly magazine accessible to those incarcerated. They focus on transforming liabilities into assets and highlight the positive stories of returning citizens and their families.
Since 2014, Transition Professionals has supported over 1,700 individuals transitioning from jail to society in Northern New Jersey. They provide resources, counseling, and direct assistance to help people overcome barriers to reentry, such as housing, employment, and addiction issues. Their efforts aim to reduce recidivism, support community integration, and enhance the local economy. Every donation directly benefits those in need.
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