Inside Out Reentry Community

We are here to help.

Inside Out Reentry Community is based in Iowa City and serves people returning to Johnson County after incarceration. We also work with individuals incarcerated throughout the State to help them develop re-entry plans, regardless of where they plan to live after release. Returning to and becoming an active member of society after being in prison is tough, and we strive to give these individuals the support they need to reach their goals.

Our mission: to support people involved in the criminal legal system in changing from the inside out, and to educate the public, in order to promote healing, restore relationships and achieve success in the community.

What we offer:

A drop-in Resource Center to socialize, get assistance with education, job and housing applications, HiSET(GED) and other tutoring, and general problem solving.
Mentoring pairs a returning citizen with a community member for support, companionship, and accountability. Partners meet every week or so for social time, skill building activities (e.g., writing a resume), and/or discussing how your reentry plan is going.
Community Meetings: Most Community Meetings begin with a check-in, where members share their recent successes and challenges. The second part includes workshops on life skills, self-awareness and emotional literacy, communications skills, and problem-solving, etc. Small group activities, journaling, meditation, and other exercises are used along with presentations from speakers.

Inside Out Reentry Community aims to reduce the social stigma returning citizens often feel. We are not a faith-based community but we do encourage spiritual exploration as one means of growth and change.

Approximately 95% of currently incarcerated individuals in Iowa will be reentering society.

Our programs are supported by these grant funders. Thank you!