Self Care
Ex-prisoners often need help meeting their physical needs, such as housing and employment. Many also need emotional support as they transition back into society and try to lead a law-abiding life.
The report provides the background on why ex-prisoners face challenges re-entering the community once they are released from prison. The document gives an overview of multiple faith-based programs that serve ex-prisoners and details the types of services provided. It also describes how each organization operates including staffing and funding, the types of ex-offenders served and requirements for entry and the role of religion within the program. The report lists what aspects of these programs still require additional study. This report has a related At-A-Glance summary titled Coming Home: From Prison to the Community with the Help of Faith.
Ex-prisoners often leave prison without connections to faith organizations, their families or the community. Faith-based re-entry programs work to provide the structure needed for ex-prisoners, including that related to worship and faith, housing, employment and community connections.