Inside Out Reentry

Inside Out Reentry ("IO") is Johnson County's only comprehensive reentry community, and one of the few comprehensive community-based reentry programs in Iowa. To fulfill our mission, IO assists people with housing, employment, healthcare (especially behavioral health) transportation, education, and basic life skills, both directly and by referral. We provide a supportive community to promote pro-social living, accountability, and personal awareness through mentoring, weekly meetings with life skills classes and workshops, volunteer opportunities, and social activities. In addition, criminal justice reform and education for the wider community on the struggles and challenges of returning citizens have been key components of IO's work since its inception. We provide the following core services to citizens returning from incarceration, or with significant criminal legal involvement: Comprehensive Case Management and Individualized Reentry Planning Employment - assistance with job searches, applications, resumes, interviewing skills, collaboration with local jobs programs. Housing - assistance with housing searches, applications, credit checks, referrals to housing assistance programs and furniture Mentoring - pairs a volunteer with an incarcerated or formerly incarcerated individual for support and friendship Life Skills - financial literacy, computer literacy, healthy relationships, communication Community Meetings - weekly support group, topics include goal setting, dealing with adversity, personal growth, and more Additional Group Programming - Peer Recovery Group, seasonal Writers Workshop Identification, Medicaid, Health Insurance - assistance with applications and referrals Referrals and Support - Mental health, substance use, and healthcare (including accompaniment to appointments as needed) Resources- Bus passes, a backpack with hygiene products upon release, and resource closet with donated clothing and household items IO also communicates with individuals incarcerated across the state to provide support and develop reentry plans before release. IO holds weekly meetings at Hope House, Sixth Judicial District's Work Release Center, to provide reentry support. In FY23, IO saw an increase in almost all our services. IO served over 245 people in the community. There were 467 total visits to our Resource Center from 161 different individuals seeking assistance. In addition to the people served in the community, we communicated via CorrLinks (prison email system) and letters to 194 individuals who were incarcerated to assist with reentry planning, receiving more than total 1535 messages. IO saw an increase in attendance in almost all our meetings in FY23: Weekly Community Meetings: 119 different individuals attended. Weekly Hope House groups: 112 different individuals attended. Weekly Coffee and Connections: 56 people attended peer recovery meetings. Writers Workshop: 22 people attended Other services provided included: 68 individuals received services for stable housing 82 individuals received information on a healthy lifestyle 73% of individuals reported stable employment 17 individuals were involved in financial literacy education IO assists individuals with creating resumes, applying for employment, and seeking workforce training. With IO support, many participants found and maintained employment. Several individuals we assisted found jobs after being unemployed, and a couple of others received promotions at their jobs. In addition to working with individuals in our Resource Center and at weekly community meetings, IO continues outreach with individuals who are currently incarcerated or under supervision. We believe this preparation has a major impact on their success upon release. In March 2020, the Iowa Department of Corrections suspended visitations. In response to not being able to visit the correctional and residential facilities, we've increased our outreach via email and mail to continue supporting individuals in preparing for their release. IO offers opportunities for our members to socialize positively in the community and learn about new activities and resources. Social events IO held included attending a fish fry, hosting a movie night, and going on a Fall and Summer hike. Also, every quarter we host a game night where we partner with a local church or group that serves a meal and joins us for games and camaraderie. IO held public events that aligned with its mission to support incarcerated individuals returning to the community. In January, IO presented on a panel for the Afro American Cultural Center's JustUs film screening which was held during Martin Luther King Jr Celebration of Human Rights week. The film highlights long prison sentences and Iowa's racial disparities, as well as the challenges facing individuals as they return home. In February, IO hosted Art From the Inside Out, an art show featuring the art of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Over 100 attendees came to the reception to view the art and hear directly from artists. IO seeks opportunities to share with the community the humanity, capabilities, and creativity of those impacted by the criminal legal system. In May, IO was on a panel for the Iowa Center for Human Rights, Building Human Rights Networks - Restoring Community After Incarceration event. IO shared how our organization builds community for formerly incarcerated individuals. IO believes this outreach impacts how our community responds to those reentering after incarceration. Additionally, we speak at churches, student groups, universities, and other public events on the struggles returning citizens face. In February, IO presented virtually to a group of incarcerated individuals at North Central Correctional Facility to share reentry planning information and employment guidance. To celebrate our incarcerated fathers, we mailed cards and resources for Father's Day. These included information on staying connected with children, and how to reconnect after. Additionally, we mail birthday and Christmas cards. In FY23, IO made great advancements on one of our long-term goals and purchased a reentry house. This 6-bedroom home serves men who have been released from jail, prison, or work release within the past 6 months, with preference to those releasing from prison directly to IO housing. Residents will be low income, at or below 30% area median income at the time of admission. IO's reentry house opened in early FY24.