Reentry Organizations: National Directory of Groups That Help

Call 211. This free, confidential helpline connects you with local services including reentry programs, housing, food, employment assistance, and more. Available 24/7 in most areas by dialing 211 or visiting 211.org.

Search the National Reentry Resource Center directory. The NRRC maintains a searchable database of reentry programs by state and service type at nationalreentryresourcecenter.org.

Contact your state's Department of Corrections. Most state DOCs maintain lists of approved reentry service providers and can refer you to programs in your area.

Ask your probation or parole officer. Your PO often knows which local organizations are most effective and can provide direct referrals. Some probation departments have formal partnerships with reentry organizations.

Visit your local American Job Center (formerly One-Stop Career Centers). These federally funded employment centers provide free job search assistance, resume help, and training referrals. Find your nearest location at careeronestop.org.

Check with faith-based organizations. Many churches, mosques, and synagogues run reentry programs or can connect you with ones in your community. Organizations like Prison Fellowship and the Salvation Army have extensive reentry networks.

Legal services: help with expungement, record sealing, understanding your rights, resolving outstanding warrants, child support modifications, and driver's license reinstatement. Organizations like Root & Rebound and the Legal Action Center specialize in this area.

Employment: job readiness training, resume building, interview coaching, job placement, connections to employers who hire people with records, and the Federal Bonding Program (which provides free fidelity bonds to employers who hire people with records). The Center for Employment Opportunities and Safer Foundation are leaders here.

Housing: transitional housing, assistance finding second-chance apartments, security deposit assistance, and advocacy against housing discrimination. The Fortune Society and many local organizations provide housing services.

Education: GED preparation, college enrollment assistance, vocational training, apprenticeship connections, and Pell Grant guidance. Many community colleges have dedicated reentry programs.

Substance abuse and mental health: treatment referrals, peer support, recovery coaching, and connection to Medicaid-covered services. SAMHSA's helpline (1-800-662-4357) provides free referrals.

Family reunification: parenting classes, family counseling, assistance with custody issues, and support for families affected by incarceration. The Osborne Association is known for their family programs.

Advocacy and policy: working to change laws and policies that create barriers for people with records, including ban-the-box campaigns, Clean Slate laws, and voting rights restoration. JustLeadershipUSA and CURE focus on systemic change.

Many of the most effective reentry organizations were founded by people who experienced incarceration themselves. This lived experience means they understand the challenges in a way that others cannot, and their programs are designed based on what actually works.

JustLeadershipUSA was founded by Glenn E. Martin, who served six years in New York State prisons. His vision of 'those closest to the problem are closest to the solution' drives the organization's work developing leaders from the formerly incarcerated community.

The Fortune Society was co-founded by David Rothenberg and formerly incarcerated individuals in 1967, making it one of the earliest reentry organizations. Today, the majority of Fortune's staff have personal experience with the criminal justice system.

Homeboy Industries, while founded by Father Greg Boyle, is staffed and operated largely by formerly gang-involved and formerly incarcerated individuals. Their 'nothing stops a bullet like a job' philosophy has helped thousands of people transform their lives.

These organizations often have higher credibility with the people they serve because their leaders and staff have walked the same path. If you are looking for support, connecting with an organization led by people who have been through the system can be especially powerful.

Once you are stable in your reentry, many organizations welcome volunteers and peer mentors who have been through the system. Sharing your experience can help others and is also personally meaningful.

Become a peer mentor. Organizations like JustLeadershipUSA, The Fortune Society, and many local programs train formerly incarcerated people to mentor others going through reentry. Mentoring can be informal or part of a structured program.

Volunteer at reentry events. Job fairs, resource fairs, and community events for people with records always need volunteers. Your personal experience makes you a valuable resource.

Share your story. Many advocacy organizations need people willing to speak publicly about their reentry experiences to humanize criminal justice reform efforts. This can include testifying at legislative hearings, speaking to media, or participating in community forums.

Advocate for policy change. Join organizations like CURE, JustLeadershipUSA, or your local advocacy group to push for reforms like Clean Slate laws, ban-the-box policies, and voting rights restoration.

Start something in your community. If your area lacks reentry services, consider starting a support group, peer mentoring circle, or resource-sharing network. Many national organizations provide technical assistance to help you get started.