InsideOut Reentry

[Source: “A Resource Guide for People Leaving Prison,” Iowa Public Radio, 27 December 2017, by Rob Dillard]

A Johnson County-based nonprofit is joining with the Iowa Department of Corrections to produce an on-line resource guide for people who are being released from prison. The organization is trying to compile a complete list of support services available in the state.

The group Inside Out Reentry Community formed in 2015 to assist recently incarcerated men and women find jobs, housing, counseling services and even clothing after their release. Its director Mike Cervantes says there is plenty of support for these people, but it’s not always easy to find. (more…)

[Source: “Prison art exhibit in Iowa City to raise awareness of ex-offenders’ challenges,” The Gazette, 28 December 2017, by Erin Jordan]

IOWA CITY — Making customized greeting cards was Doren Walker’s prison hustle, a way to earn behind-bars currency of toiletries, stamps, or pop tokens.

One card colored by Walker is featured in “A Glimpse Inside: Art Produced in Iowa Prisons,” a small exhibit hosted through January by Little Village and InsideOut Reentry in Iowa City.

The 50 pieces, which include pencil sketches of Marilyn Monroe and other celebrities, detailed drawings of colorful motorcycles and two larger pieces featuring what look like cartoon villains, are part of the art collection Walker built during his time behind bars. (more…)

[Source: “Planting Seeds of Change: Gardening with Prisoners,” Iowa Public Radio, 9 February 2017, by Lindsey Moon & Charity Nebbe]

After serving time in the corrections system, finding a job isn’t the easiest task. A new program in Johnson County is hoping more Iowans will return to the work force with the know-how to take on jobs in agriculture. Scott Koepke is education director for Grow Johnson County.

“I just started listening to people’s stories, from juvenile detention to Oakdale, and food insecurity was a part of all of them,” says Koepke. He’s been working with inmates at the Oakdale correctional facility on their five acre garden, which was producing a good yield of vegetables before Koepke started working with them. (more…)

[Source: “Inside Out offers new start, second chance,” Iowa City Press-Citizen, 17 January 2017, by Andy Douglas]

In a cozy garret above a downtown Iowa City church, a group of people gathered to talk about the work they’re doing. Or would like to do.

People returning to society after being released from prison attend skills-building workshops here or confer with mentors, or can attend a spiritual seekers group, as part of the Inside Out Reentry Community. (more…)