"This year, some 600,000 inmates will be released from prison back into society. We know from experience if they can't find work, or a home, or help they are much more likely to commit crimes and return to prison... America is the land of the second chance, and when the gates of the prison open, the path should lead to a better life." President George Bush (2004) State of the Union Address.
Our goal is the successful transition of offenders from prison to the community in pursuit of recidivism reduction and public safety.
We want to build stronger communities and families through enhanced education, vocational/employment, transitional/sober housing, and substance abuse/mental health treatment services for the prisoner re-entry population.
We believe that if an offender can return to the community without re-offending and without victimizing, than the community will be safer. If he/she can also become a productive member of society-working, supporting his/her family and paying taxes-the community will be stronger and more stable. If we can be more successful in enhancing offender transition and re-entry, we can anticipate fewer victims, contain correctional costs, and have stronger, healthier communities, which is a win situation for everyone.
Our mission is to provide a safe living environment for individuals and families effected by chemical dependence, and wish to achieve and maintain an alcohol and drug free life style. Our vision is to establish an alliance of sober houses and transitional living programs that will provide services for individuals and families who are suffering from the disease of addiction and or co-occurring disorders either directly or indirectly and to assist them with transitioning into a positive and productive life style that can be sustained indefinitely.
We would like to start a Prisoner Re-entry Initiative that will focus on the primary barriers to successful offender re-entry i.e., affordable housing/transitional housing, mental health/substance abuse services, education and employment/vocational services, social support and family services tailored to individual needs.
This initiative requires collaboration from state and local government, the criminal justice system (including corrections, the court system, and law enforcement), human service/social service organizations, and community leaders and community members.
We believe that such an initiative is an opportunity for positive change in our communities.
