BOOST Reentry Program (Bridging and Overcoming Obstacles Through Service and Training)

Siouxland Human Investment Partnership (SHIP) through Bridging and Overcoming Obstacles through Service and Training (BOOST) Reentry will serve beneficiaries to include 100 adult incarcerated individuals who are 18+ years old, live in Woodbury County Iowa, are involved with the criminal justice system, and have an interest in finding employment in high-demand career options. In partnership with Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), Iowa Third Judicial District Department of Corrections, Third Judicial District Residential Treatment Facility (RTF), and Woodbury County, SHIP will deliver customized pre- and post-release job driven services via the evidence-based BOOST Reentry program to promote achievement of individual reentry and career goals. Due to a disproportionate representation of people of color in jail and partner facilities, BOOST will ensure priority access for African American, Latinx, Native American, and multi-racial adults through the intake, recruitment, and screening process.

The goal of BOOST Reentry is to provide seamless pre- and post-release customized reentry and career services. Individualized services focus on career and criminogenic assessment, reentry planning, career planning, placement, retention, career advancement, support services and follow-up.  Tailored services are documented in the Individual Development Plan (IDP) and result in the employment highest demand careers in Woodbury County identified by Iowa Workforce Development including Food and Meat Processing, Health Care, Industrial Maintenance & Environmental Services, Trades (Construction, Carpentry), Transportation, and Warehouse Logistics and Operations.

Pre-release services assist participants prior to release to prepare for returning to their communities. Services include job preparation, pre-release module completion, developing individual development plans (IDPs), identifying barriers, career exploration and planning, and linkage to needed wraparound services to include mental health, substance use, medical/dental, legal, housing, and more.
Post-release services include skill-building services, career services, and credential attainment for Siouxland job-driven careers in collaboration with 1700 employers in the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce network and BOOST priority employers to include Global Foods, Hirschbach, Unity Point Health-St. Luke’s, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters, Seaboard Triumph, and Tri-State Drywall. In addition, ongoing wraparound services customized to each individual will continue to occur through follow up.

Outcomes will include reduced recidivism, job attainment, job retention, and improved quality of life. SHIP is seeking priority consideration for criteria 1A (page 15) for addressing inequities and removing barriers for marginalized communities in Woodbury County and criteria 2 (page 7) for demonstrating assessment of local demand for employees, individualized reentry planning, career planning, and tracking of employment outcomes.