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.
Inside Out Reentry Community is based in Iowa City and serves people returning to Johnson County after incarceration. Returning to and becoming an active member of society after being in prison is tough, and we strive to give individuals the support they need to reach their goals.
Approximately 95% of currently incarcerated individuals in Iowa will be reentering society.
What we offer:
A drop-in Resource Center: a safe place to seek support. The drop-in center also provides the following resources that are available when we are open and by appointment:
Case Management and Reentry Planning — Including goal setting, resources and referrals for health care, mental health care, substance use recovery, identification, and assistance with forms and applications.
Employment Readiness — Assistance with job applications, resumes, and interviewing skills.
Housing — Assistance with housing searches and applications, accessing credit reports, referrals to housing assistance programs.
Resources — Bus passes, a backpack with hygiene products upon release, and access to Inside Out’s resource closet with donated clothing and household items.
Life Skills — personal finances, mindfulness, communication skills, healthy relationships, etc.
Meetings: Our meetings are open to our members, and those directly impacted by the criminal legal system. If you would like to get involved with Inside Out please contact us!
Community Meetings: Every Thursday from 6:30 to 8 pm, we hold weekly group mentoring community meetings. Every meeting features a check-in where members share successes and challenges with one another, and give and receive support. Meetings include discussions related to reentry, workshops on life skills, small group activities, and presentations from community speakers.
Coffee and Connections: Every Tuesday from 5:30 – 6:30 pm we host a peer -led support group for those in all stages of recovery who have also been involved in the criminal legal system. Inspired by Johann Hari’s famous Ted Talk, the group is based off the belief that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, it is connection. The group meets weekly to share successes, discuss challenges, and show peer support for others in the group.
Creative Collective: On the first and third Wednesday of each month from 5:30 – 7:00 pm, we host a writing and creative arts group. The group helps those interested in writing expand their skills, experiment with different styles, and engage in the healing properties of writing.
Mentoring pairs a returning citizen with a community volunteer for social, emotional, and practical support. Mentors form a meaningful friendship and help a returning citizen overcome barriers, increase their confidence, and reach their goals.
Inside Out Reentry Community aims to reduce the social stigma returning citizens often feel.
Contact
[email protected] (319) 338-7996 804 S Capitol St, Iowa City, IA 52240
Join us today at @patandfrans ! Enjoy great food and help us support those returning to the community after incarceration! 15% of food sales from 11-10 (excluding grubhub) will be donated to Inside Out. #dineoutforgood #reentrymatters
Want to learn more about challenges and opportunities of reentry after prison? Join us on September 24th for the University of Iowa’s Reentry Simulation, from 4-5:30pm at the Unitarian Universalist Society. In order to participate, please arrive 10 minutes early for instructions.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
Securing employment after incarceration can be challenging. At Inside Out, our wonderful volunteers routinely update a job posting with opportunities in Johnson County to connect members with employers during reentry. We strive to eliminate barriers that criminal legal system involvement may bring. Our experience in navigating reentry in Johnson County gives us the ability to connect our members with the right employers to get them back on their feet!
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated
Inside Out Reentry Community acknowledges the ripple effects that incarceration and criminal legal system involvement can have on families and loved ones. By providing ongoing reentry services, we help our members rebuild their lives through obtaining resources and requirements, as well as cultivating skills to improve relationships that may have been impacted by incarceration.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated
Check out this colorful chalk art our members drew last week at Creative Collective! Want to get a taste of the healing power of art and writing? Join us next week at Creative Collective from 5:30 to 7pm at the Resource Center.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
Inside Out Reentry Community is searching for an additional member of the community to serve on our Board of Directors. Apply your professional experience to a mission with lasting impact in Johnson County. Submit your application on our website today!
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity #volunteer
July 2026 Newsletter Supporting Families through Parent Café A big shout out to Johnson County Social Services for funding this program that brings parents together to connect and share in a safe, welcoming and warm space. Thank Read more
May 2026 Newsletter Our Spring Concert is Almost Here! Join us on Sunday May 31st from 3-5 pm for our free upcoming Spring Concert Fundraiser featuring the masterful country blues duo – The Cedar County Cobras. It’s sure to be a Read more
March 2026 Newsletter Our 4th year of incredible art, inspiration and human connections! Creativity hung on the walls and inspiration was abundant at our Art from the Inside Out reception on February 6th! Artists, family members representing their Read more
