A prisoner’s release is an opportunity to rebuild their lives and re-establish connections with friends and loved ones. But a successful transition to society can be difficult. And for some ex-offenders, life on the outside is only temporary. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 76 percent of all inmates will return to jail within five years of their release.

This cycle of recidivism can have a devastating impact on the lives of the offenders, their victims, and their families. It also affects the greater community, which bears some of the financial burdens of the jail and court costs associated with sending the offender back to prison. A focus on rehabilitation and support can give ex-offenders the tools they need for success and reduce the burden on the rest of the community. We asked some of our CEC candidates, who are ex-offenders, for their advice on how to overcome some of the adversity that ex-offenders can face when trying to get a fresh start.

Finding work can be difficult for an ex-offender who may face discrimination from potential employers and various licensing restrictions. But providing inmates with education, skills training, and job placement assistance are just a few of the tools that can give them a solid base of support as they re-establish themselves after release.

A positive network of support can also reduce the likelihood that an ex-offender will commit future crimes. Being surrounded by encouraging friends and family can help them stay on track and achieve their goals, especially during the more challenging times. As carpenter Sam Tart advises, “Surround yourself with people who want something out of life and are doing things the right way. Shake all the naysayers, whether they’re family or not. Just live and stay focused.”

Life after prison is not always easy. But as carpenter Tremain Leggans told us, having another chance at life makes all of the hard work worth it. “One key piece of advice I’d give to someone coming home from the joint is that your worst day out here in society is still better than your best day in the joint. Nobody owes you nothing, but you owe yourself everything!” he says.

There are many organizations across the City of Chicago that provide support services to ex-offenders. Here are a few:

Haymarket Center www.hcenter.org

Haymarket Center is a treatment center that supports ex-offenders who are ready for reform. They offer substance abuse and trauma services in addition to assisting parolees with their mental health and housing needs. Their family enrichment program teaches job readiness and money management skills. They also employ some program participants to help them build work experience for resumes.

Cara – www.carachicago.org

Cara helps people impacted by poverty, homelessness, and incarceration by providing skills training and access to quality jobs. Their Cleanslate program connects participants with exterior jobs including landscaping and snow removal. Cara Connects offers administrative, customer service, and warehouse opportunities. 

Breakthrough Urban Ministries –  www.breakthrough.org

Breakthrough is a faith-based non-profit that supports residents of East Garfield Park with job training and financial education in addition to housing, health and wellness, and spiritual guidance. 

CTA Second Chance Program – www.transitchicago.com/secondchance/

This reentry program supports ex-offenders who were incarcerated for non-violent crimes. City of Chicago residents who complete an approved job readiness program must be referred to the CTA for participation in Second Chance. Program participants complete a skills training period which makes them eligible to apply for permanent positions with CTA.