Enhancing the Effectiveness of Reentry for Ex-Offenders Returning to Chicago Communities

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 FAITH Inc. (For Action In Togetherness Holdfast) will implement its Enhancing the Effectiveness of Reentry for Ex-Offenders Returning to Chicago Communities program. The goal of the program is to reduce the rate of recidivism among ex-offenders from Chicago's West Side Community, and increases the rates of successful recovery. FAITH will serve a minimum of 1200 clients as it helps ex-offenders obtain major forms of identification (e.g., State of Illinois Identification Card, birth certificates, license, etc.). Case managers will provide services and health literature to HIV/AIDS-affected clients via the Department of Public Health. FAITH will provide pastoral and non-denominational counseling sessions to ex-offenders on a daily basis for individuals. Group counseling sessions will be held once a month. Case managers will provide employment screening and job referrals for qualified applicants. FAITH's Employment Referral Program consists of the Community Advisory Group (CAG) to the Illinois Department of Corrections and the African American Businessmen Network Association. The CAG is a body of approximately 75 various agencies and entities which provides employment and training for ex-offenders returning home. FAITH will provide legal services and paralegal services to clients on a daily basis.

NCA/NCF