We are here to help.

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Employment Readiness — Assistance with job applications, resumes, and interviewing skills.
  3. Housing — Assistance with housing searches and applications, accessing credit reports, referrals to housing assistance programs.
  4. Resources — Bus passes, a backpack with hygiene products upon release, and access to Inside Out’s resource closet with donated clothing and household items.
  5. 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!

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Resource Center Hours:

Monday 12 – 5 pm
Tuesday 12 – 5 pm
Wednesday 12 – 5 pm
Thursday 12 – 6:30 pm
Friday 10 am – 4 pm


 

We consider ourselves one community seeking personal and social change from the inside out.


@insideoutreentrycommunity
Inside Out Reentry Community
  • Hey members, stop in to check out our collection of free books here at the Resource Center! What better way to unwind then by reading a good book?
A huge thank you to the @antelopelibrary  for donating these books to us! We are so grateful to our community partners who are committed to supporting those reentering the community after incarceration.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
  • Every step toward reaching your goals matters.
  • Calling all members! Our next game night is coming up on June 25th from 6:30-8PM. Join us for a fun night with friends, delicious food, and a bags tournament! Need a ride? Call us at (319) 338-7996! We hope to see you there!
  • Save the date and join us next Wednesday, June 17 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
  • A few weeks back at Creative Collective, our members unleashed their inner artist by creating Shrinky Dinks. Check out these inspiring messages and unique designs that can fit in the palm of your hand! Thanks, Lyndsey Scott, for facilitating! Want to get in on the fun? Join us at Creative Collective every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, from 5:30-7pm, to discover the healing power of art! #reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
  • Parent Cafes tonight! Come join, lots of great food. 500 N Clinton St, Iowa City.
  • Join us for Parent Cafe tonight at One Ancient Hope (500 N Clinton St, Iowa City) from 5:30-8 pm! 5:30 is the meal, and 6-8 is the cafe! If childcare is needed call 319-338-7996 to register, otherwise see you there!
  • The rain is gone! We’re getting started come and join us at Chauncey Swan Park in Iowa City until 5 pm
Hey members, stop in to check out our collection of free books here at the Resource Center! What better way to unwind then by reading a good book?
A huge thank you to the @antelopelibrary  for donating these books to us! We are so grateful to our community partners who are committed to supporting those reentering the community after incarceration.
#reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
Hey members, stop in to check out our collection of free books here at the Resource Center! What better way to unwind then by reading a good book? A huge thank you to the @antelopelibrary for donating these books to us! We are so grateful to our community partners who are committed to supporting those reentering the community after incarceration. #reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
5 hours ago
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Every step toward reaching your goals matters.
Every step toward reaching your goals matters.
1 day ago
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Calling all members! Our next game night is coming up on June 25th from 6:30-8PM. Join us for a fun night with friends, delicious food, and a bags tournament! Need a ride? Call us at (319) 338-7996! We hope to see you there!
Calling all members! Our next game night is coming up on June 25th from 6:30-8PM. Join us for a fun night with friends, delicious food, and a bags tournament! Need a ride? Call us at (319) 338-7996! We hope to see you there!
3 days ago
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View on Instagram |
3/8
Save the date and join us next Wednesday, June 17 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
Save the date and join us next Wednesday, June 17 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
4 days ago
1
View on Instagram |
4/8
A few weeks back at Creative Collective, our members unleashed their inner artist by creating Shrinky Dinks. Check out these inspiring messages and unique designs that can fit in the palm of your hand! Thanks, Lyndsey Scott, for facilitating! Want to get in on the fun? Join us at Creative Collective every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, from 5:30-7pm, to discover the healing power of art! #reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
A few weeks back at Creative Collective, our members unleashed their inner artist by creating Shrinky Dinks. Check out these inspiring messages and unique designs that can fit in the palm of your hand! Thanks, Lyndsey Scott, for facilitating! Want to get in on the fun? Join us at Creative Collective every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, from 5:30-7pm, to discover the healing power of art! #reentry #reentrymatters #formerlyincarcerated #iowacity
5 days ago
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View on Instagram |
5/8
Parent Cafes tonight! Come join, lots of great food. 500 N Clinton St, Iowa City.
Parent Cafes tonight! Come join, lots of great food. 500 N Clinton St, Iowa City.
7 days ago
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View on Instagram |
6/8
Join us for Parent Cafe tonight at One Ancient Hope (500 N Clinton St, Iowa City) from 5:30-8 pm! 5:30 is the meal, and 6-8 is the cafe! If childcare is needed call 319-338-7996 to register, otherwise see you there!
Join us for Parent Cafe tonight at One Ancient Hope (500 N Clinton St, Iowa City) from 5:30-8 pm! 5:30 is the meal, and 6-8 is the cafe! If childcare is needed call 319-338-7996 to register, otherwise see you there!
2 weeks ago
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View on Instagram |
7/8
The rain is gone! We’re getting started come and join us at Chauncey Swan Park in Iowa City until 5 pm
The rain is gone! We’re getting started come and join us at Chauncey Swan Park in Iowa City until 5 pm
2 weeks ago
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View on Instagram |
8/8

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