STRESS ON COMMUNITIES & FAMILIES:
- Each month 350 offenders are released from the Rhode Island prison system.
- Over 70% have a substance abuse history
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- About 38% of all those released return to live in Providence.
- These men and women settle in one of the 4 most economically stressed neighborhoods in Providence with unemployment rates from 12 – 36%.
| Drug relapse plays a primary role in the return to crime and consequently, the return to prison. |
- 50% of the men and women released from prison will return to prison within 3 years; 30% within first year of release.
BARRIERS TO SUCCESSFUL REENTRY:
Many ex-offenders have worked hard on their recovery while in prison. Many have talents and skills needed in our community and in their families. Yet they face many obstacles upon their release, including many of the following:
- a lack of an acceptable identification cards;
- a history of substance abuse (70%);
- serious mental health problems requiring medication (15%+);
- lack of health insurance;
- community and personal poverty;
- failed past attempts to succeed ;
- felony records which bar them from jobs and housing;
- court fines requiring immediate payment;
- transportation costs;
- family difficulties and unresolved conflicts;
- minimal education for today’s job market
- Ex-offenders will be provided the guidance and social services needed to meet the gamut of their reentry needs.
- Fewer ex-offenders will relapse and therefore there will be less crime needs.
- The talents and skills of Blessing Way participants, Peer Leaders, family, and friends will play a key leadership role in this organization.
Our staff is continually growing. We began 2007 with an Executive Director, a core team of 6 part-time staff, 6 peer leaders, and 19 members of the Board of Directors in addition to several short-term and long-term volunteers.
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