Re-ENTRY SERVICES

The Prison Society's Re-Entry Services Program has enabled thousands of men and women released from prison to become self-sufficient and lead productive lives in the community.

Often, people returning from prison find that their communities have changed, face discrimination in their search for jobs and housing, and feel isolated.

As the population of women in prison grows, so too does the number of women struggling with gender-specific barriers to re-entry that can be hard to face without adequate support. Many women face re-unification challenges with their children, a shortage of public housing suitable for raising a family, and affordable child-care options that allow them to work full-time.

The ISI or Welfare to Work program assists (primarily) women with criminal records transition from welfare to work by providing them with employment referrals and case management in such areas as: child care, medical/mental health, housing, legal, and referrals to other human service agencies. Clients interested in this program should contact their CDU worker at the Department of Welfare.

Re-Entry Services prepares former prisoners to reach self-sufficiency through a series of workshops offered weekly that address how to obtain necessary identification and the skills necessary to find and keep a job. Clients are urged to call the Prison Society to attend one weekly in-take sessions held on Mondays at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m. To schedule an appointment, call 215.564.4775 Extension 121.

Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative is a pilot program at SCIs Graterford and Muncy that work with individuals who will soon be released into the community. Participants attend training classes while they are still incarcerated, and are offered programs and services when they return home. For instance, the Prison Society helps them find work, develop home plans, and offers participants assistance with transportation and clothing needs.

Contact:
     Betty-Ann Izenman
     Program Director
     215.564.4775 Extension 114