Join us for an Alternatives to Violence (AVP) workshop on March 24th from 2-5. AVP is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization that offers experiential conflict transformation workshops in prisons, reentry communities, refugee camps, classrooms, and other environments in more than 60 countries worldwide.
This immersive workshop will consist of structured exercises, games, role plays, and group discussions. Workshops draw on people’s life experience and inner wisdom to help change how we engage in the problems and conflicts in our lives.
Space is limited - register now to save your spot! https://bit.ly/AVPWorkshop2024 #alternativestoviolence
3 hours ago
Thank you to the Lydia Circle from St Andrew Presbyterian Church for donating backpacks (and many more not seen here) filled with hygiene products for our members. This support means so much! #reentrymatters #reentry #volunteer
2 weeks ago
March 4th: Expungement and Employment Barriers Clinic at Shelter House! Registration required by March 1 and space is limited.
2 weeks ago
Reentry is more than employment or housing searches, it’s also getting out, socializing and having fun. Inside Out had a movie night on Friday where we watched Top Gun: Maverick, ate popcorn, pizza, and homemade cake and cookies thanks to our wonderful volunteers! #reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #returningcitizens
3 weeks ago
Our volunteer Bill Schiefer won two awards at last month's appreciation event. The volunteer with the most hours in 2023 and the "Golden Toolbelt Award" for all of his incredible work repairing, maintaining, and coordinating contractors for our Reentry House. We are lucky to have Bill as a volunteer at Inside Out! #volunteer #reentrymatters
3 weeks ago
Shoutout to Peter Nothnagle for winning our volunteer award of Mileage Maestro at last month's volunteer appreciation event. Peter always comes through (and often on very short notice) to give rides to help our members get to important appointments. Thanks Peter!
Interested in volunteering with Inside Out - shoot us a message! #volunteer #reentrymatters
3 weeks ago
Host a Community Backpack Drive
Returning to the community after incarceration is challenging. To assist individuals with getting a head start, Inside Out Reentry Community provides a backpack filled with hygiene products and other items to aid the transition between incarceration and returning to the community. Ready to host a drive? Contact the office at 319-338-7996 or [email protected]! Backpack Drive Flyer PDF
What is involved in a Backpack Drive?
Groups such as churches, social action committees, schools, and more – sign up to assist Inside Out with hosting a drive. At these drives, groups will advertise, and collect donations of backpacks and hygiene items. Backpacks are most often requested by men, so male or gender-neutral hygiene products are the biggest need.
What to collect?
Backpack- Standard size
Shampoo and Conditioner
Bar of soap/ Body wash
Wash Cloth
Lotion
Nail Clippers
Deodorant
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Notebook and Pen
Other items you could include:
T-Shirts Boxers
Socks Razors
Host a packing event
After collecting donations, many groups find it fun to host a packing event where everyone comes together to pack the items into the backpacks. If you’d like us to join you or stop by just let us know.
Handwrite supportive messages:
This community building time is also a great opportunity for the group to handwrite encouraging and welcoming messages for the recipient of the backpack. These notes are a great way to let those receiving the bag know that the community cares!
Thank you to these organizations for their backpack drives!
Interested in helping individually? Shop our Amazon backpack list: https://a.co/3CAU1qU