Category: Support System Resources
When the Streets Feel Like Your Only Option, There Is Another Way
Gang involvement and gang violence often starts with the search for belonging, protection, or a way to get by. No matter where you are today, your story is not finished. Another path is possible. If you're reading this, you or someone you care about might be standing at a crossroads. Maybe you're worried about a [...]
How Far Would You Go Just to Fit In? When Peer Pressure Gets Real.
For a lot of young people, saying no can feel suspect. Often, it’s not about wanting to break the rules, but about not wanting to be the one who stands out and gets picked on. Maybe you go along with things because you’re scared of what will happen if you don’t. For families, it’s hard [...]
You’re Home—Now What? Your Guide to Life After Prison
It’s over. No more prison. You step out, but suddenly the world feels bigger, faster, and a lot less forgiving than you remember. Maybe you don’t have a job lined up, or a place to stay, or even an ID. And if there’s no reentry program waiting for you, the odds can feel stacked from [...]
Have a Plan: 5 Tips to Know Before Release Day
Whether it’s you, someone you care about, or someone you’re working with that is being released from prison, this is a very important time. It’s exciting, yet scary, full of possibility, yet a big shift. What’s the best way to make the most of it? Have a plan. Here’s five tips to help make the [...]
Where Can Families Turn for Help During a Loved One’s Incarceration?
The struggles that come with incarceration are not limited to the individual on the inside. When a family member or loved one is incarcerated, it can be challenging to deal with their absence and the burdens that come with it. Friends and family members may struggle financially, emotionally, or socially. Loved ones may even feel [...]
A Family Guide to Juvenile Reentry Programs: Insights for a Positive Journey
Your teen's return from incarceration or a step-down program can be an exciting new chapter…it’s all in how you and your child approach it. In this guide, we’ll explore juvenile reentry programs, drawing on insights from experienced reentry professionals who work with justice-involved youth every day. Our goal is to help you and your teen [...]
A New Beginning—Part 11
Marcus sat in his living room, staring at the family photo he had kept with him throughout his incarceration. His children had grown so much in his absence, and the thought of reconnecting with them filled him with both hope and anxiety. They barely knew him, and he feared they might resent him for the [...]
A New Beginning—Part 10
Marcus stood outside his apartment, heart racing after a close encounter with some old associates. Their invitation to join them in an "easy money" scheme had nearly tempted him, but he managed to walk away. This brush with his past left Marcus shaken, acutely aware of how fragile his progress was. Remembering a flyer from [...]
A New Beginning—Part 3
A Close Call Marcus had settled into the halfway house and was working hard to get his life back on track. He attended regular meetings with his probation officer and followed all the rules of his release. However, one day, he found himself in a situation that threatened to derail his progress. As he was [...]
Reentry Checklist: Strategies for a Smooth Transition
As you prepare to transition back into the community after incarceration, you may feel overwhelmed. It's natural to feel uncertain about where to begin or how to tackle the obstacles that come with reentry. However, it's important to remember that you are not alone on this journey, and there are resources available to support you [...]
