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
Spring refresh starts with the basics 🌸
Thank you to St. Thomas More Church for generously donating 32 backpacks filled with hygiene products for our members. We’re so grateful for your support of those returning from incarceration!
Game night was a success! 🎉
Thank you to New Song Church for providing the space and food for such a great evening. We hope everyone left with a sweet treat — at least a lemon bar!
Our March Sustaining Member Drive is almost over, but still time to join in! Learn why Susan Spears became a sustaining member and consider giving today:
“I support giving people a second chance to turn their life around, and giving monthly means I don’t have to remember when I last gave!”
#sustainingmembedrive
Today! Come to @tributerestaurants for our fundraising Community Night! Enjoy amazing food and support our mission to help those who are returning to the community after incarceration. 10% of sales for the day will be donated to Inside Out! #reentry #reentrymatters
Calling all members! Our next game night is coming up on March 26 from 6:30-8PM. Join us for a night of fun games, delicious food, and good company!
#gamenight #reentrymatters #reentry
Join us next week for a Community Night at Tribute Eatery & Bar! Enjoy amazing food and support our mission to help those who are returning to the community after incarceration. 10% of sales for the day will be donated to Inside Out! #reentry #reentrymatters
Inside Out is currently looking for mentors! Having a mentor during reentry creates a positive support network for both people involved- benefitting from emotional support and practical help! #reentry #reetrymatters #fomerlyincarcerated #mentorship #volunteer
Become a sustaining member like Abbi Cobb –
“Incarceration adversely impacts our lives and communities everyday. We all have a duty to reduce its harm by supporting efforts that improve the safety and well-being of formerly incarcerated members. I’m a sustaining member of Inside Out because I’ve witnessed daily services and support groups empower members to connect with each other and the communities they belong to, restoring relationships and reducing recidivism.”
#sustainingmemberdrive
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
