United Way for Southeastern Michigan Ex-Offender Reentry Program

The Edward Byrne Memorial Discretionary Grants Program (Byrne Discretionary Program) helps local communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and provides for national support efforts. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 08 Congressional Budget. Funds should be used for purposes recommended by Congress.

The United Way for Southeastern Michigan will partner with the Wayne County Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative (MPRI) to strengthen the community's capacity to provide pre- and post-release services that are essential to successful reintegration of former prisoners. The target population will be former prisoners released to Wayne and Livingston counties. This project will build on the existing partnerships among the transition team, service providers, faith-based institutions, Michigan Department of Corrections staff, and local law enforcement. Case management services and other needed services related to reducing recidivism will begin prior to release from the correctional facility. Services will include employment-centered programming that incorporates job training, cognitive restructuring, mentoring, housing, and other comprehensive transitional services. The project will also focus on capacity building and equipping organizations with skills, access to information, and training to improve their ability to positively impact recidivism, employment, and substance abuse among former prisoners.

NCA/NCF