To support people involved in the criminal legal system in changing from the inside out, and to educate the public, in order to promote healing, restore relationships and achieve success in the community.
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
We’re in need of coffee donations at our Resource Center ☕️
Keurig cups are preferred and always appreciated! If you have any questions or would like to help, give us a call at 319-338-7996. Thank you for supporting our community.
Thanks to the generosity of donors Mike and Debbie, we were able to enjoy a great meal at a recent fish fry 🐟💛
Reentry can be a time of great stress, so it means a lot to get out into the community, share a meal, and have fun together.
Mark your calendars for our upcoming @wildwoodiowacity restaurant partnership – coming up next Tuesday, April 14! Dine in, enjoy some great BBQ, and support Inside Out. Wildwood will donate 10% of sales for the day. #reentry #reentrymatters
Interested in providing support to individuals returning from incarceration? Consider becoming a volunteer mentor! Apply on our website, or reach out to Tracy with questions – 319-338-7996
Say hello to one of our board members, Lynn Knight!
Lynn is currently the HR/Risk Manager for the City of Coralville, previously spent 16 years at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center, and is involved in the Board Leadership Program.
She enjoys connecting with members at Coffee and Connections, saying the supportive, nonjudgmental environment makes those moments meaningful. Trivia Night is also a favorite for its fun, relaxed atmosphere.
“I was always inspired by reentry success stories and wanted to find a meaningful way to contribute,” she said.
We’re so grateful to have Lynn on the Inside Out team 💛
Thanks Emily for leading us in mask-making at our last Creative Collective group. What a great way to de-stress and connect with creativity. Join us tonight for the next Creative Collective, where we are writing from 5:30-7 pm.
Monthly giving is more than just a donation, its a gift of stability for individuals returning form incarceration. It allows us to keep up with our ever-increasing need for services – whether it be supporting our weekly peer support groups, the drop-in resource center, or our reentry house. Consider joining today as a sustaining member – it's convenient, fast, and shows your support year-round.
Spring refresh starts with the basics 🌸
Thank you to St. Thomas More Church for generously donating 32 backpacks filled with hygiene products for our members. We’re so grateful for your support of those returning from incarceration!
March 2026 Newsletter Our 4th year of incredible art, inspiration and human connections! Creativity hung on the walls and inspiration was abundant at our Art from the Inside Out reception on February 6th! Artists, family members representing their Read more
Everyday Iowa – Inside Out Reentry Community’s Art from the Inside Out Link to video interview on Everyday Iowa with Executive Director Michelle Heinz. _______________________________ Little Village – ‘Art is my escape’: Paintings, drawings, a Read more
January 2026 Newsletter 4th Annual Art from the Inside Out Art Show! Our fourth annual Art from the Inside Out art show is coming up soon! This free show features the incredible artwork of current and formerly incarcerated artists. The reception is February 6th at 6 pm at Read more
