FLORIDA - Reentry Essentials

1 1 FLORIDA Office of the Governor PL 05 The Capitol 400 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001 P: I: Attorney General's Office State of FLORIDA The Capitol PL-01 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1050 P: I: Reentry RESOURCES & ASSISTANCE There are many government and nonprofit agencies that offer programs and services designed to enhance the post-release success of those returning to society after a term of incarceration. The agencies and organizations listed in this section were compiled as a starting point to assist those searching for assistance. National Reentry Resource Directories There are many national resource directories designed to assist individuals, families and communities in the reintegration process. As resources change frequently, the following is only a brief sampling of what may be available on a national level.

2 American Civil Liberties Union, Prisoners Assistance Directory Fair Shake Reentry Resource Center, Reentry Packet Federal Bureau of Prisons, Employment Information Handbook Federal Bureau of Prisons, National Directory of One-Stop Career Centers Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, Resources for Prisoners and Ex-Offenders in New England Inside Book Project, National Resource Guide Naljor Prison Dharma Service, Resource Directory for Prisoners Prison Book Program, National Prisoner Resource List Local Reentry Resource Directories In many communities, government and nonprofit agencies have developed Reentry -specific resource directories to help individuals and their families locate community-based service providers. The following links provide access to directories available in your state.

3 2 National & Local Reentry Service Providers There are many agencies throughout the United States that provide services to assist individuals, families, and communities with navigating the challenges of community reintegration. Services offered vary by agency and the availability of funding resources. If an agency does not provide the specific services or assistance you re looking for, request a referral to another agency that may be better equipped to meet your specific needs. Fair Shake Fair Shake Fair Shake is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing recidivism rates through personal and community focused ownership and engagement opportunities for inmates and former felons. Through an interactive blend of electronic tools, Reentry awareness and community building, Fair Shake encourages released prisoners, and all Reentry stakeholders, to participate in the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated people back into society.

4 To learn more about Fair Shake and the resources available, contact them directly for a complimentary copy of their exclusive 98+ page Reentry Packet. National Contact: Fair Shake Box 63 Westby, WI 54667 P: I: E: (TRULINCS Friendly) Additional Resources: Fair Shake, Ready-to-Print Reentry Packet Fair Shake, Ownership Manual Federal Reentry Services Hotline | In April 2016, the Department of Justice in collaboration with the Federal Bureau of Prisons launched a new Reentry services hotline to provide assistance to recently released individuals. This hotline is staffed by inmates employed by Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) who are specially-trained to provide assistance to recently released federal inmates as they navigate various Reentry challenges and seek community resources.

5 For immediate assistance, please call to speak with a trained representative. 3 National Network Established by the Legal Action Center, The National Helping Individuals with Criminal Records Re-enter through Employment Network is both a national clearinghouse for information and an advocate for policy change. National Contact: National Network 225 Varick Street New York, NY 10014 P: I: Additional Resources: National Network, Information & Assistance Clearinghouse FLORIDA Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants CURE, Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants is a national nonprofit prison advocacy organization with state and special interest chapters throughout the United States. Local and special interest chapters provide assistance to ex-offenders on a limited basis within their respective service areas.

6 Local Contact: Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants Box 40934 Jacksonville, FL 32203 P: Free Inside Ministries Free Inside Ministries collaborates with Christian and community-oriented organizations to evangelize, disciple, and assist in the complete recovery of individuals impacted by substance abuse and incarceration. Local Contact: Free Inside Ministries 11225 Highway 19 North Clearwater, FL 33764 P: House of Hope The House of Hope, a faith-based organization, offers shelter and job placement services to recently released people with criminal records. Substance abuse, anger management and spiritual counseling are also available. Participants apply through the correctional facility chaplains department six months before their anticipated release date.

7 Program capacity is five residents. House of Hope staff utilizes One-Stop Career Centers and program contacts to obtain employment for its participants. Residency time ranges from three to six months. 4 Local Contact: House of Hope Box 12113 Gainesville, FL 32604 P: Operation New Hope Community Development Corporation Operation New Hope Community Development Corporation rebuilds low-income communities by offering training and employment to neighborhood residents, 60% of whom are people with criminal records. Operation New Hope works with area churches to provide building/construction skills as well as mentors for each participant. Participation in the program ranges from three months to one year, after which time graduates may be placed in private construction industry jobs.

8 Operation New Hope evaluates applicants before release for incarceration and works closely with the FLORIDA Department of Corrections. Local Contact: Operation New Hope Community Development Corporation Community Development Corporation 1321 North Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32206 P: Pinellas Ex-Offender Re-Entry Coalition The Pinellas Ex-Offender Re-Entry Coalition is a coalition of more than 40 churches, agencies and organizations working t promote services to individuals with criminal records and their families. The Pinellas Ex-Offender Re-Entry Coalition utilizes existing agencies within the public and private sectors to provide services such as temporary housing, clothing, food, resume writing expertise, job interview techniques and employment services. Local Contact: Pinellas Ex-Offender Re-Entry Coalition Box 15936 St.

9 Petersburg, FL 33733 P: Tampa Crossroads, Inc. Tampa Crossroads offers comprehensive residential and non-residential services to non-violent offenders and individuals with criminal histories. Defendants may be court mandated to Crossroads as an alternative to incarceration. Services include residential housing, case management, individual, group and family therapy, employability skills training, substance abuse therapy, and educational and transitional housing assistance. Local Contact: Tampa Crossroads, Inc. 5120 North Nebraska Avenue Tampa, FL 33603 P: Time for Freedom, Inc. Time for Freedom, Inc. offers transitional housing and support for recently released men and women with criminal histories. Time for Freedom mandates attendance at four programs, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, cognitive thinking, bible study and life skills.

10 Al residents are expected to work, with limited job referrals available. 5 Future plans include expansion of cottages industries to generate operational funds as well as teaching vocational skills. Graphic arts and printing is operational at present. Local Contact: Time for Freedom, Inc. 2006 NE 8th Road Ocala, FL 34470 P: Urban League of Broward County The Urban League of Broward County offers an employment skill-building program to assist low-income hard-to-employ individuals, including those with criminal histories, overcome obstacles to obtaining and maintaining a job. Included in the program are training workshops, job coaching and assistance with childcare and transportation needs. Families can also receive assistance in becoming homeowners. Local Contact: Urban League of Broward County 11 NW 36th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 P: Federal Residential Reentry Centers Residential Reentry Centers, formerly known as Community Confinement Centers, are the Federal Bureau of Prisons' means of transitioning prisoners back into society.