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.
June is Pride Month! Inside Out Reentry Community stands with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond. We strive to foster an inclusive community where people of all identities and backgrounds are valued and celebrated. We acknowledge the adversity that LGBTQ+ individuals face, especially in relation to involvement with the criminal legal system.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarerated #pride #pridemonth
1 day ago
Say hello to one of our board members, Dave Martin. Here's what he says about being involved with Inside Out Reentry Community:
"I got interested in Inside Out after talking to a friend who was working with the group. They were looking for mentors, and it seemed like something interesting to do. I really knew nothing about the issues formerly incarcerated folks faced in getting out and starting over. So, after being a mentor to 4 different guys over about an 8-year period, I have learned a lot and hopefully have helped them a bit."
Dave is also active in our fundraising committee. We are so thankful for all you do, Dave! Thank you for supporting our mission!
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity #volunteer
2 days ago
As we know from our work with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, Father's Day can be a difficult day for many in our community. We recognize how separation from fathers, partners, and loved ones may bring many emotions today. We're thinking of everyone who feels distance from those we hold dear today, and we hope you can hold on to memories that will last forever.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #fathersday
3 days ago
Join our team to support those returning to the community after incarceration! For more information, visit our website: https://www.insideoutreentry.com/employment-opportunities/
5 days ago
A huge thank you to the @cedarcountycobras for performing at our annual Spring Concert Fundraiser a few weeks back! These excellent musicians rocked the house! Additionally, thank you, Rich Mathias, for photographing these awesome moments! We are so grateful to have supporters in our community who believe in our mission of helping individuals reenter the Johnson County community after incarceration.
6 days ago
Join us today (Wednesday, June 17th) at @quintonsiowacity! Enjoy amazing food and support those returning the community after incarceration. 15% of sales from 4-10pm will be donated to Inside Out! #reentrymatters #reentry
1 week ago
June is Pride Month! Inside Out Reentry Community stands with the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and beyond. We strive to foster an inclusive community where people of all identities and backgrounds are valued and celebrated. We acknowledge the adversity that LGBTQ+ individuals face, especially in relation to involvement with the criminal legal system.
#reentry #reentrymatters #fomerlyincarcerated #pride
1 week ago
Hey members, stop in to check out our collection of free books here at the Resource Center! What better way to unwind then by reading a good book?
A huge thank you to the @antelopelibrary for donating these books to us! We are so grateful to our community partners who are committed to supporting those reentering the community after incarceration.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
1 week ago
