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Re-Entry

OpportUNITY Workgroup

Overview

Every year, more than 5,000 citizens return to neighborhoods across Iowa after serving time in state prisons. When we support returning citizens, we have an opportunity to turn around a life, avoid future victims, repair a family, and support a community. To ensure that returning citizens have a successful transition back to our community, this work group is addressing their multiple needs, including: 

  • Housing 
  • Employment 
  • Mental health services 
  • Access to government assistance 
  • Community-based organizational involvement and support 
OpportUNITY Summit

Incarceration: By the Numbers

  • There are approximately 8,500 individuals incarcerated in Iowa prisons currently. 
  • Each person who is incarcerated costs Iowa taxpayers over $42,000 a year. 
  • One year after release, up to 60% of people convicted of a crime are not employed, according to the National Institute of Justice. 
  • More than two-thirds of those released from state and federal prison will be re-arrested for a felony or serious misdemeanor within three years. 
  • Approximately 5,000 men and women are released from Iowa prisons each year. 
  • One third of whom return to Polk, Dallas, and Warren Counties 

Objectives

Formerly incarcerated prisoners face challenges at every level. A person may successfully re-enter society by meeting six basic life needs:   

  1. Livelihood 
  2. Residence 
  3. Family 
  4. Health 
  5. Criminal justice compliance 
  6. Social connections 

Attaining each of these basic life needs presents unique challenges, many of which are interconnected. 

One out of every 20 U.S. citizens will serve time in prison in their lifetime and most will return to our communities. Hiring individuals with criminal records can help you build a loyal, hardworking workforce and receive incentives. This guide provides recommendations for recruiting and hiring people with a record. 

  • Sections include:
  • Why hire job seekers with a record
  • Recruiting and hiring practices to implement 
  • Answers to frequently asked questions 

DOWNLOAD: Guide for Hiring Returning Citizens 

Join Us

The OpportUNITY Re-entry Workgroup meets at 2 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every other month. If you are interested in joining the workgroup, please submit the form below.