REENTRY AVENUES
THE SUCCESS OF REENTRY PROGRAMS
evidence-based approach makes an impact
U.N.I.T.Y. and its representatives have been making a significant impact working with pre and post release women and men incarcerated in jails and prisons over the past twenty years. U.N.I.T.Y. programs deliverables have demonstrated cost effectiveness and a variety of positive impacts, such as reductions in recidivism; high rates of satisfaction among program participants; and positive impacts on families, and communities. There is consensus on this among law enforcement, probation, social services, community service providers, and especially those who have participated directly. U.N.I.T.Y. and related practices are indeed remarkable for transformative enlightenment.
We are in tough economic times and budgets everywhere are seriously constrained. The social impacts are far-reaching. Many people feel as if their lives may unravel—or have unraveled already. It is in times like these that we need more restorative reentry programs for successful transformation more than ever. We need U.N.I.T.Y.’s range of resources and proven methods to build and heal communities, their track record of successful trauma/healing‐informed approach, proven reentry strategies, and to eradicate criminal behavior inexpensively and effectively. Thereby, helping keep returning citizens, families, and communities intact during a very difficult times
A logical way to approach this challenge is to collaborate more closely, to combine resources where possible, and in so doing to achieve economies of scale that are beyond the reach of small agencies acting on their own. But to achieve this, and to do it well, a significant amount of preparation is necessary.
Successful re-entry programs for inmates rely on more than just helping ex-offenders find jobs; it also requires helping offenders change their attitudes and beliefs about crime, addressing mental health issues, provide mentoring, offering educational opportunities and job training, and connecting them with community resources
PEER SUPPORT
our Peer Support Committee has been transforming lives for over 30 years
A key part of successful reintegration lies in returning citizens participating in pro-social groups. Many individuals returning home have had their ties with the community severed by time and past mistakes. Often, the stigma around formerly incarcerated individuals is such that the only social groups accepting of returning citizens are those still engaging in substance abuse and other unhealthy, maladaptive behaviors. Recognizing the importance of social connectedness, Unfolding New Ideas Towards Yourself formed the Peer Support Committee with the intent to support returning citizens with engaging in prosocial, healthy, and sober activities through peers already well-connected with U.N.I.T.Y’s reentry community.