Our History

This year we are commemorating 10 years of dedicated service to those returning to the community after incarceration.

Inside Out Reentry Community’s name reflects its mission to support individuals transitioning from prison back into the community. “It’s a bit of a play on words, as it refers to people coming from the inside of prisons/jails to the outside world and also to the need for all of us humans to grow and change from the inside out throughout our lives. Putting ‘community’ in the name was to emphasize that we’re all – returnees, volunteers, staff, and the public. Inside Out also suggests how important inner healing is for people returning from prison,” explains Dorothy Whiston, early organizer and current board member of Inside Out.

The story begins in 2014 with the First Baptist Church of Iowa City’s work in support of two returning citizens to our local community from prison. They received a $15,000 Palmer grant from American Baptist Home Mission Society in October 2014 to expand their support for returning citizens. In the beginning of 2015, IO started its ten-year journey as an autonomous group, working with people who were referred for support. In March 2015, IO had its grand opening to fully support justice-involved people who needed reentry services.

“We were surprised at how the demand for services emerged as quickly and spontaneously as it did.” said Whiston. “Once we caught our breath from the initial high demand, it became clear…we needed to become our own entity.”

IO officially became a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in October 2015.

When One Ancient Hope Presbyterian Church took over the building from First Baptist Church in March 2019, IO was able to continue occupying the space until its move to South Capitol St. in the summer of 2024.

The significant growth of IO over the past decade underscores the strong demand for its services. Since IO opened its doors, it has served approximately 1,500 individuals. Last year, IO provided services to close to 300 formerly incarcerated individuals. IO now has 4 full-time staff members, and has a large army of committed volunteers to address the needs of those it serves.

IO has expanded its services over the years. At the heart of IO’s mission is providing personalized service to each member. This includes meetings with case managers and weekly peer support groups where members share and provide support to each other. The members also enjoy social activities together, such as game nights, movie nights, and outdoor activities. IO provides workshops to promote financial literacy, creative arts, and skill building to aid with emotional regulation. IO also provides a non judgemental and supportive community to promote prosocial living, accountability, and personal awareness. Additionally, members receive direct assistance with their employment and apartment searches, and IO provides bus passes, backpacks with hygiene products and clothing essentials. IO’s impactful mentoring program matches members with community volunteers whose role is to provide social, emotional and practical support during the transition.

IO educates the public on the challenges faced by those involved in the justice system through art shows and reentry simulations. IO has also been involved in public advocacy, such as the campaign for restoration of voting rights.

In 2023, IO met a major milestone in combating reentry challenges by opening its own reentry house. The residence houses six low-income men for up to two years after their return to the community following incarceration. IO provides on-site case management, mentors, and other supportive services for the residents, who pay less than market value rent as they get established in the community.

IO is commemorating its ten-year anniversary with various fund-raising events throughout the year. IO is currently running its $10 for 10 fundraiser, where donors can give $10 to support IO’s work. On June 1, IO is hosting its Be an Instrument for Change Spring Concert fundraiser. This free public event will be held at the Chauncey Swan Park on Gilbert and Washington streets from 3-5 p.m. and will feature the groovy sounds of Iowa City’s The Beaker Brothers Band. Later this year, IO will host its popular annual trivia night fundraiser. “We are very lucky,” said executive director Michelle Heinz. “The Johnson County community is very generous in their support for our mission and our members. And donations are welcome at any time of the year through our website at https://www.insideoutreentry.com. I’m always amazed at how willing people are to open their hearts to help some of the most needy.”

Where is IO heading over the next ten years? Board chairman, Dan Tallman, explains, “we’re focused on the long-term health of our community by cultivating staff and volunteer morale, expanding community partnerships, and strengthening sustainable fundraising efforts, upping our ability to serve more people as we continue to grow.”

TIMELINE:

2018 was a year of growth as we hired our first full time employee! With increased staffing, we began expanding our services to those returning from incarceration, and increased our outreach to the broader community.

In 2017, IO held our first (of many) parole simulations, a great opportunity for the public to experience firsthand what it’s like to re-enter the community. We started serving more individuals out of our resource center and continued to engage with the broader public on justice reform issues.

From the beginning, Inside Out has engaged with the wider community to educate people about obstacles returning citizens face, including voting rights. We’ve also sponsored forums on needed legal system reforms with legislators. And gardening together with IO members, staff, volunteers, and church members was a great way to promote healthy bodies, minds, and spirits during our early years!

Inside Out has been serving those returning from incarceration for 10 years! In October 2014, the First Baptist Church of Iowa City received a grant to begin the work. In early 2015, we opened our resource center (seen here in pictures) located upstairs at the church. Inside Out would not be where we are today without the immense efforts of the First Baptist Church, the 6th Judicial District, and other community partners!