Navigating Reentry: A Resource Guide for the Formerly Incarcerated for Georgia State University
REENTRY RESOURCES society after incarceration can be a difficult journey full of challenges and obstacles. To assist formerly incarcerated individuals in their transition, several reentry programs have been established. These programs offer a range of services, from employment assistance to substance abuse treatment, aimed at facilitating reintegration into society. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the world of reentry programs and the resources available to those looking to rebuild their lives after incarceration.
Understand re-entry programs.
REENTRY RESOURCES programs are important resources for people leaving correctional facilities. They are designed to address the unique needs and issues facing formerly incarcerated individuals and provide the tools necessary for a successful transition. Here we will review the key aspects of re-entry programs:
Service Offering:
- Re-entry programs typically offer a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of their participants. These services may include:
- Employment Assistance: Helping people find job opportunities and gain skills needed for the workforce.
- Behavioral and Cognitive Skills: Offer programs to improve behavioral and cognitive skills, which are critical to successful reintegration.
- Mental Health Management: Provide resources and support for managing mental health challenges.
Duration of Participation:
The length of participation in re-entry programs varies widely from several months to several years. The duration depends on the individual’s specific needs and goals.
Target Population:
Reentry programs can be designed to serve a variety of populations, including youth, adults, men, women, and specific demographic groups such as LGBTQ individuals or veterans.
REENTRY RESOURCES: A Complete Guide
To help formerly incarcerated people on their journey toward successful reintegration, we’ve compiled a list of valuable resources:
1. Re-Entry Report (Spring 2024)
Authors: Isaria Daniels, M.P.H. and Tamia Hirst, RSU
Contents: This report presents information on reentry, including a literature review, analysis of surveys of formerly incarcerated people, and a comprehensive list of reentry resources.
Contact: Please contact geld@gsu.edu if you have any questions or concerns.
2. List of re-entry resources
Contents: This directory provides contact information for assistance categories such as credit, education, employment, housing, social service benefits, and substance abuse.
Contact: For inquiries about these resources, please email@gsu.edu.
3. Supporting brochures
- Choosing and Paying for College Brochure: A Guide to Choosing the Right College and Exploring the Financial Aspects of Higher Education
- Take Care of Your Health Brochure: Resources for Maintaining Good Health After Incarceration.
- Mental Health Pamphlet: Information on managing mental health challenges during readmission.
Choose the right university.
For those considering pursuing higher education after incarceration, it is important to understand the types of colleges available. Below are some common types of universities:
- Research Universities: Focused on academic research and education, examples include Georgia State University, the University of Georgia, and the Georgia Institute of Technology.
- Comprehensive and state universities: Examples include Kennesaw State University, University of West Georgia, and Georgia College and State University, depending on specific state regions.
- State Universities: Often serve as gateway institutions at the associate level. Examples include Atlanta Metropolitan College, Dalton
- State College, Georgia Gwinnett College, and Georgia Highlands College.
- Private Universities: Non-profit institutions that are not run by state governments.
- Private for-profit universities: run for profit; Examples include DeVerry University and the University of Phoenix.
Pay for college.
Financial constraints can be a barrier to pursuing higher education.
Federal Pell Grants: Grants awarded to college students who have financial need and do not require repayment.
Scholarships: Awards given to students by colleges, universities, foundations, or the federal government, which usually do not require payment.
Financial Aid Loans: Loans from government agencies, banks, or private companies to pay for education with specific terms and repayment requirements.
Guidance seekers
For guidance on getting into college and managing financial aid, contact the admissions office of the college or university you are interested in. Additionally, consider contacting these organizations for assistance:
Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prisons (GACHEP): A coalition of prison college programs throughout Georgia, accessible at info@gachep.org.
Georgia State University Prison Education Project (GSUPEP) – Offers college programs in prison and can go to prison.
Project Chillon at Life University: The prison college program at Life University, led by Thomas Fabisiak (fabisiak@life.edu).
Common Good Atlanta – A nonprofit prison-college program that offers programming throughout the Atlanta area, with directors Patrick Rodriguez ( patrickleerod@outlook.com ) and Lindsy Hayworth ( haworth@gmail.com ).
Reforming Arts: A nonprofit prison college program with programming throughout Georgia, reachable via info@reformingarts.org.
Result
Re-entering society after incarceration is a difficult journey, but with the right resources and support, it can be a success. Comprehensive guides to re-entry programs and such provide invaluable support to those seeking to rebuild their lives. Whether you’re considering higher education, exploring career opportunities, or managing your mental health, these resources are designed to put you on the path to a better future.
For further assistance or to share helpful REENTRY RESOURCES, please feel free to reach out. Your successful reintegration journey begins here.