Jeremy M., a product of a broken family in Pennsylvania, grew up without guidance or long-term plans. He embraced a life of spontaneity, living only for the present moment. At the age of 19, Jeremy developed an online friendship with a girl from South Dakota who convinced him to make the life-altering decision of relocating there. However, his hopes of finding a better life in South Dakota were shattered when he was convicted of sexual assault and sentenced to a lengthy prison term. Currently, he has served 22 years of his sentence and is eligible for parole in May 2024. Although Jeremy is no ..read more

Justice-impacted individuals often find themselves facing a significant health gap, with limited access to essential medical services. According to a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, released in 2022, formerly incarcerated individuals are more likely to suffer from chronic health conditions, mental health issues, and substance use disorders compared to the general population. Source: Drexel University Dornsife School of Public HealthAre There Legal Barriers to Coverage? Justice-impacted individuals may encounter legal barriers that hinder their ability to obtain health insurance. T ..read more

Returning to the community after incarceration presents a unique set of challenges for individuals as well as their loved ones. It’s a time of both hope and uncertainty, requiring dedication, support, and access to the right resources. Whether you are facing reentry directly or supporting a loved one, knowing where and how to find available resources is crucial. Accessing resources in a timely manner can assist with various aspects of the reentry journey, promoting successful integration back into society. Fortunately, numerous free resources exist right here on GEO Reentry Connect to help yo ..read more

Women all around the world face adversity and have managed to persevere against all odds. In honor of International Women’s Day, this article will highlight some influential women who have overcome hardships in their past. Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey is a successful talk show host, producer, and author, and famously uses her platform to help and inspire people around the world. She is viewed as one of the most influential women on television. Oprah admitted to dealing with cocaine use that was fueled by a negative relationship during one of her shows. Her drug use ended with that relationshi ..read more

Have you heard of trade school or vocational school? If not, they are training programs for many careers, like welding, cosmetology, plumbing, and much more. In this post, we’ll talk about the benefits these programs offer as well as the steps you can take to get started—regardless of your past. What is the Difference Between a Trade School and a Vocational School? Trade schools generally offer: Hands-on skills and knowledge needed for a specific industry or occupation like a mechanic, plumber, locksmith, forklift operator, etc. Shorter programs that run from a few weeks to two years. A ..read more

Upon reentry, tattoos can serve as a constant and painful reminder of the past. Seeing these visible marks everyday may reinforce an identity that you no longer align with and can be a barrier to moving on personally and professionally. Removing tattoos can be a powerful way to symbolize change and grant you the mental freedom to move forward with your journey toward a better life. With your tattoo gone, you may even experience an increase in confidence and mental strength. Source: RemoveryHeal Emotional Scars Some tattoos may represent a positive time or achievement in your life, such as the ..read more

Upon release from prison, individuals face numerous challenges, including finding employment. This is where second chance companies come in. Second chance companies are businesses that hire or provide services for individuals with criminal records. These companies not only offer job opportunities, but also help rebuild trust and provide a sense of purpose for those who have been incarcerated. In this article, we will explore the importance of second chance companies and provide a list of second chance trucking companies that are making a positive impact. Why Second Chance Companies Matter Op ..read more

If your incarceration or the incarnation of a loved one has led you astray from family and friends, you may find that the holiday season brings feelings of loneliness and isolation. It can be hard to go through the holidays on your own when it is a time that is typically spent with loved ones, and you may be missing yours more during this season. Talk to Someone Thanks to social media and technology, connecting with friends and family who do not live near you is easier than ever. Calling or video-chatting a friend can help ease feelings of loneliness even if they cannot physically be with you ..read more

Josephine E. found herself in a dark place due to her alcohol use. It wasn’t until her church was seeking a recovery group coordinator that she found the motivation to make a change. Asking for Help At her lowest point, Josephine turned to faith and her community to guide her toward a successful recovery. Through faith and service, she has been able to find her way toward a brighter future. Through her experience, she found that there is no shame in asking for help. Josephine tried the “I can do this on my own” path and would not recommend it to others. She learned that with the support of he ..read more

During your time incarcerated, your legal identification may have been lost, damaged, or expired. You will need to renew your license or state identification card to secure basic needs such as housing, employment, and medical care, or to apply for benefits. Getting an official ID should be one of the first things you do upon release. It is an essential step to moving forward and rebuilding your life. Accomplishing this sooner rather than later will greatly impact your success as you return to the community. Getting a new ID may seem like a daunting task. You may have transportation or financi ..read more