We are here to help.
Inside Out Reentry Community is based in Iowa City and serves people returning to Johnson County after incarceration. Returning to and becoming an active member of society after being in prison is tough, and we strive to give individuals the support they need to reach their goals.
Approximately 95% of currently incarcerated individuals in Iowa will be reentering society.
What we offer:
A drop-in Resource Center: a safe place to seek support. The drop-in center also provides the following resources that are available when we are open and by appointment:
- Case Management and Reentry Planning — Including goal setting, resources and referrals for health care, mental health care, substance use recovery, identification, and assistance with forms and applications.
- Employment Readiness — Assistance with job applications, resumes, and interviewing skills.
- Housing — Assistance with housing searches and applications, accessing credit reports, referrals to housing assistance programs.
- Resources — Bus passes, a backpack with hygiene products upon release, and access to Inside Out’s resource closet with donated clothing and household items.
- Life Skills — personal finances, mindfulness, communication skills, healthy relationships, etc.
Meetings: Our meetings are open to our members, and those directly impacted by the criminal legal system. If you would like to get involved with Inside Out please contact us!
- Community Meetings: Every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 pm, we hold weekly group mentoring community meetings. Every meeting features a check-in where members share successes and challenges with one another, and give and receive support. Meetings include discussions related to reentry, workshops on life skills, small group activities, and presentations from community speakers.
- Coffee and Connections: Every Tuesday from 5:30 – 6:30 pm we host a peer -led support group for those in all stages of recovery who have also been involved in the criminal legal system. Inspired by Johann Hari’s famous Ted Talk, the group is based off the belief that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it is connection. The group meets weekly to share successes, discuss challenges, and show peer support for others in the group.
- Creative Collective: On the first and third Wednesday of each month from 5:30 – 7:00 pm, we host a writing and creative arts group. The group helps those interested in writing expand their skills, experiment with different styles, and engage in the healing properties of writing.
Mentoring pairs a returning citizen with a community volunteer for social, emotional, and practical support. Mentors form a meaningful friendship and help a returning citizen overcome barriers, increase their confidence, and reach their goals.
Inside Out Reentry Community aims to reduce the social stigma returning citizens often feel.
Contact
[email protected]
(319) 338-7996
804 S Capitol St, Iowa City, IA 52240
Resource Center Hours:
Monday 12 – 5 pm
Tuesday 12 – 5 pm
Wednesday 12 – 5 pm
Thursday 12 – 6:30 pm
Friday 10 am – 4 pm
Our programs are supported by these grant funders. Thank you!
We consider ourselves one community seeking personal and social change from the inside out.
Inside Out Reentry Community provides support and resources to our members as they reenter Johnson County after incarceration, such as assistance in searching for housing. From helping with housing searches, applications, and navigating credit reports, we strive to help our members find hope during uncertain times. Our services and support are vital to keeping our members on track with their reentry goals and personal growth. #reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
7 hours ago
Want to make a difference in your community? Inside Out Reentry Community is looking for volunteers to assist us at our Resource Center, and help us provide to support to formerly incarcerated individuals as they reenter the Johnson County Community! Interested? Email
[email protected].
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity #volunteers
2 days ago
Join us today at @reunionbrewery in Coralville! From 5-9pm ReUnion will donate 10% of their sales to Inside Out! #reentry #reentrymatters #dineoutforcharity
3 days ago
Our volunteers are awesome! Thank you to these volunteers for representing Inside Out Reentry Community at North Liberty's Annual Blues & BBQ last weekend! What a great opportunity to give back to our Johnson County community, while also advocating for our members and support of their reentry journey after incarceration.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
1 week ago
A huge thank you to New Leader Manufacturing for granting us funds to improve our office facilities to help keep up with increased demand with our busy Resource Center! We were able to purchase a new refrigerator, water dispenser, and more! We are grateful for those who continue to advocate for our mission of supporting individuals as they reenter Johnson County after incarceration.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
1 week ago
Save the date! Next Tuesday on July 21, Inside Out will be at ReUnion Brewery for our monthly restaurant partnership. From 5-9pm ReUnion will donate 10% of their sales to Inside Out!
#reentry #reentrymatters #dineoutforcharity
1 week ago
We believe in second chances, and we are here for you every step of the way!
2 weeks ago
We had a blast at our quarterly Game Night last week! Members enjoyed the summer sunshine, a thrilling bags tournament, and some delicious food. We are so glad that we can provide a space where our members can feel the value of community and friendship as they reenter the Johnson County community after incarceration.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
2 weeks ago
