Indianapolis First Day Out Men's Re-Entry 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 city of Indianapolis will support First Day Out, a relationship-oriented program that focuses on prisoner re-entry. The city has engaged numerous community partners to participate in the program, including the Plainfield Re-Entry and Education Facility (PREF), Marion County Re-Entry Court and Probation Department, PEN Products, WorkOne, Jobs Partnership, Public Action in Correctional Effort/Offender Aid and Restoration (PACE/OAR, Inc.), Goodwill Industries, and the Front Porch Alliance. The faith-based partners, in conjunction with the Front Porch Alliance and the Marion County Re-Entry Court, will visit participants prior to release, match participants with a mentor from their congregation, pick them up at their time of release, have a meal prepared for the offenders and their extended family, assist them in finding clothes and other needs, and supply transportation to the WorkOne office. The WorkOne office will conduct a pre-employment assessment, assist with creating a resume, and make referrals as needed to secure employment. Goodwill Industries will work in conjunction with WorkOne to administer pre-employment services and secure employment. PACE/OAR will deliver community based counseling services and referrals.

NCA/NCF