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
Become a Sustaining Member like Carolina and Chandler!
“Nearly everyone who is incarcerated will return to society. Inside Out believes in second chances backed by community, mentorship, and practical resources. We support Inside Out because returning citizens often receive the least amount of assistance despite having some of the greatest needs, and even small acts can make a difference. Chandler’s volunteer role as a mentor has shown us how meaningful steady presence and genuine human connection can be. Inside Out Reentry Community creates space for belonging and connection, and we’re proud to support their work!”
#sustainingmemberdrive
Inside Out is recruiting a new board member with professional experience in employment, HR, labor relations, or workforce development. Please visit our website for more information and to apply! https://www.insideoutreentry.com/
💚Become a Sustaining Donor like Dorothy and John Whiston
“We’re sustaining members of Inside Out Reentry because we care about justice that heals rather than punishes and builds relationships rather than destroying them. Inside Out provides people returning after incarceration opportunities for personal growth and much needed practical assistance so they can become successful, contributing members of our community.”
#sustainingmemberdrive
Join us today (Wednesday, February 25th) at @quintonsiowacity ! Enjoy amazing food and support those returning the community after incarceration. 15% of sales from 4-10pm will be donated to Inside Out! #reentrymatters #reentry
Calling individuals who support our mission of helping those who are returning to the community after incarceration! Ready to be a sponsor for our upcoming Spring Concert with the Cedar County Cobras? Go to https://bit.ly/IOSpringConcert26 and choose your sponsor level. #reentrymatters #reentry
Save the date and join us next Wednesday, February 25th at Quinton's! Enjoy amazing food and support those returning the community after incarceration. 15% of sales from 4-10pm will be donated to Inside Out! #reentrymatters #reentry
Mark your calendars for May 31st and join us for our Annual Spring Concert Fundraiser with the @cedarcountycobras at Chauncey Swan Park from 3-5 pm! Help us maintain our mission to provide much needed resources for Johnson County citizens returning from incarceration!
Two days left to check out Art from the Inside Out at @p_s_won (Fri and Sat 11 am – 1pm).
Thanks again to everyone who came out for the reception last week, and those stopping by to view the art. Our hearts are full of gratitude for our community’s support for those impacted by the legal system. Shows like this provide us hope for the future!
Everyday Iowa – Inside Out Reentry Community’s Art from the Inside Out Link to video interview on Everyday Iowa with Executive Director Michelle Heinz. _______________________________ Little Village – ‘Art is my escape’: Paintings, drawings, a Read more
January 2026 Newsletter 4th Annual Art from the Inside Out Art Show! Our fourth annual Art from the Inside Out art show is coming up soon! This free show features the incredible artwork of current and formerly incarcerated artists. The reception is February 6th at 6 pm at Read more
One year of incredible work and ten years of gratitude! As 2025 comes to a close, we proudly celebrate 10 years of growth, resilience, and service to our community. At Inside Out Reentry Community, our Read more
