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
Join us today and support a great local restaurant and our mission to help those reentering the community after incarceration. We are partnering with The Black Angel in Iowa City. 10% of sales for the day will be donated to Inside Out Reentry Community! #reentry #reentrymatters #dineoutforcharity
This week, Inside Out Reentry Community celebrates National Nonprofit Week. Without our network, the impact of our services would not compare to all we are able to accomplish today. Thank you to our volunteers, facilitators, community supporters, donors, and sponsors, who consistently work behind the scenes to keep our day-to-day functions afloat. With their help, we will continue to support individuals as they reenter the community after incarceration.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #nonprofit #iowacity #nationalnonprofitday
Inside Out Reentry Community acknowledges the correlation between substance use recovery and criminal legal system involvement. We offer a weekly peer-led support group, Coffee and Connections, for those at any stage of substance use recovery, and with criminal legal system involvement. By connecting with others with a similar lived experience, members can share lessons and challenges on their road to sobriety.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated
Save the date and join us next Wednesday at The Black Angel in Iowa City. 10% of sales for the day will be donated to Inside Out Reentry Community! #reentry #reentrymatters #dineoutforcharity
Show your support for Inside Out Reentry Community through sponsorship of this year's Trivia Night Fundraiser! Find more information of how to get involved on our website!
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity #trivia #donate
Throwback to Community Meetings at our old location back in 2019! Thursdays have always been reserved for sharing successes and challenges, while giving and receiving support at this weekly meeting. Centered around discussing reentry at all stages, our Community Meeting has made a positive impact on our members for many years. Join us tonight, from 6:30-8 PM, at our Resource Center!
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated
We are excited to announce that tickets for our annual Trivia Night fundraiser are on sale now! Visit our website to secure your tickets today- you do not want to miss the big event!
#reentrymatters #reentry #formerlyincarcerated #trivia #iowacity #fundraiser
July 2026 Newsletter Supporting Families through Parent Café A big shout out to Johnson County Social Services for funding this program that brings parents together to connect and share in a safe, welcoming and warm space. Thank Read more
May 2026 Newsletter Our Spring Concert is Almost Here! Join us on Sunday May 31st from 3-5 pm for our free upcoming Spring Concert Fundraiser featuring the masterful country blues duo – The Cedar County Cobras. It’s sure to be a Read more
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
