The road back is hard to travel after you
have served your sentence, and there will be challenges that you are not
likely prepared to overcome. In fact, there will be challenges that you
cannot imagine. However, you will also find people in the community who
want to help you succeed. The links in this section will provide
information to get you through the most important roadblocks during your
first few weeks out.
There are many offices you will need to
contact during your first few weeks. Here is a listing of the most important.
(Note: this list is under construction.)
| Office | Contact | Website | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Defender's Office | [Phone number] | Website | Legal representation for those who can't afford an attorney. |
| Probation Office | [Phone number] | Website | Supervises individuals on probation, ensuring compliance with court orders. |
| Parole Office | [Phone number] | Website | Oversees individuals released from prison on parole, providing support and monitoring. |
| Reentry Program | [Phone number] | Website | Support services for transitioning back into society, including housing and employment. |
| Department of Social Services | [Phone number] | Website | Assistance with housing, food, and financial aid programs. |
| Substance Abuse Treatment Centers | [Phone number] | Website | Resources and treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse. |
| Mental Health Services | [Phone number] | Website | Mental health support and counseling services. |
| Employment Services | [Phone number] | Website | Job training, placement, and support for finding employment. |
| Housing Authorities | [Phone number] | Website | Information on affordable housing options and assistance programs. |
| Legal Aid Organizations | [Phone number] | Website | Free or low-cost legal assistance for various legal issues. |
The first few days back home can be overwhelming.
While incarcerated, every moment was planned for you, when you got up, ate,
showered, and slept. Though you could not wait to be out, now that it has
happened, it can be difficult to know where to start.
You will not likely have a car or other
transportation available when you first hit the streets. Since we are
in a rural area with little public transportation options, getting
around is even more challenging than in a city. However, you will not
be completely stranded.
One challenge is finding a job and
you may need training to qualify for the job you want. This page
includes tips for finding training programs to help with your
job search.
It is important to have a place to call
home. Unfortunately, that will be a challenge for you. Rent in our area
is high and there are very few low-rent housing options available. The
page linked below contains information that may help.
You will need a job. Options are few,
but people who want to work should be able to find employment.
There are several food banks, religious
institutions, and other sources for low-cost, or free, food. Once you
have transportation, a food source may be easy to access.
Tap here for information about food (still being developed).
There are other services you may need
once you settle the basics listed above. These other
services include legal, medical, religious, and clothing. The page
linked below contains information about these services.
Tap here for information about other services (still being developed).