Category: Blog
Your Mental Health Matters— During and After Your Transition
Mental health issues have long been associated with shame, failure, and weakness, but this stigma has changed drastically over the past decade. Today, it’s normal to have an open dialog about mental health— if you haven’t experienced it yourself, you probably know someone who has. One in four people suffer from a mental health issue, [...]
Employment Tips to Land the Job You Want
Q&A with Vanessa Q., Reentry Program Supervisor Securing a job after incarceration is often a top reentry priority for individuals making the transition to the community. Job hunting takes time, patience, and planning. We spoke with Vanessa Q., a Reentry Program Supervisor in California who specializes in job readiness, educational programming, and vocational training enrollment [...]
How to Connect with Your Community by Volunteering
One of the biggest challenges after incarceration is finding a meaningful way to connect with your community. Volunteer work is the perfect way to renew your place in the community while giving back, showing gratitude, and making a difference in the lives of others. Additionally, some opportunities can lead to jobs and a long-term support [...]
How to Rebuild Relationships With Family and Friends During Your Transition
Incarceration can have lasting effects on you, your friends, and family. Oftentimes, the separation can change the family dynamic or cause friends to fall out of touch. Research suggests that individuals with social support and positive family relationships tend to have better psychological wellbeing and a more successful transition into the community. Having people in [...]
Does a Criminal Record Prevent You from Going Back to School? Myths vs. Facts.
If you have goals to go back to school, but are hesitant to apply because of your criminal background, think again. As the country continues to take steps to provide Second Chance opportunities, educational institutions including trade schools and colleges have become more flexible with their admissions processes. Before you turn down the opportunity to [...]
How to Get Your Finances Back on Track After Incarceration
Any length of incarceration can set you back financially. Whether you have a history of debt or you are now dealing with lawyer fees and owed restitution, a few simple steps can help you get back on track. Below are resources that support second chances and a strong financial foundation. Know where you stand Before [...]
Want to Grow Your Support Network, but Not Sure Where to Start?
Reentering the community after a period of incarceration can be hard, especially if your friends and family members don’t support your goals. A safe place to share your frustrations and receive guidance can make a difference. Building a support network is one of the most important steps to maintaining a crime-free life. With the onset [...]
Second Chance Opportunities
Gaining employment upon release is an important factor in a successful transition to the community, and is often a component of community supervision. Aside from making money to support yourself and family, a job enables you to feel productive, independent, and self-sufficient. There is a growing trend in the U.S towards hiring individuals with a [...]
Changes in Employment – What This Means for the Reentrant in 2021
Under normal circumstances, returning citizens struggle to find employment, and employment opportunities have been even more scarce due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many businesses have had to temporarily or permanently close, and for those that have remained open. social-distancing safety measures have drastically affected the job market and environment. As a result, many companies and [...]
What to Do When Your Job Application Requires a Background Check
Are you trying to find employment for a job that requires a background check? With a criminal background, it’s natural to feel some anxiety. Before walking away from an opportunity, take the time to understand what employers are looking for and what information is being generated when they pull a background check. Below you will [...]
