Reentry Support: Rehabilitation and Inclusion After Jail and Prison
Our Reentry Support ministry accompanies individuals returning from jail and prison as they navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives and re‑entering their communities. Rooted in dignity, presence, and hope, we recognize that reentry is not a single event, but a gradual journey that requires care, relationship, and sustained support.
While inspired by Catholic tradition and restorative justice values, our reentry services are offered to people of all faiths and backgrounds, as well as to families and communities impacted by incarceration. We walk alongside justice‑impacted individuals not to label or define them by their past, but to affirm their inherent worth and support pathways toward healing, stability, and belonging.
Restorative Justice Leadership Summit
The Reentry Leadership Summit brings together formerly incarcerated leaders, community organizations, faith leaders, advocates, and public partners. The Summit creates space for dialogue, shared learning, and collaboration around best practices in reentry, restorative justice, and community safety.
Reentry Conference and Expo
The Reentry Conference and Expo is an in‑person gathering that offers workshops, panel discussions, and a resource fair designed to support people returning from incarceration and those who serve them. Participants connect directly with service providers offering employment support, housing assistance, education pathways, legal help, health services, and faith‑based accompaniment.
This event centers community voices and fosters collaboration among agencies working on the frontlines of reentry.
Reentry Webinar Series
The Reentry Webinar Series expands access to reentry knowledge and conversation through virtual learning. Webinars feature speakers with lived experience, practitioners, advocates, and system partners addressing key reentry topics such as healing, employment, family reunification, trauma, restoration, and leadership development. These sessions are open to a broad audience and are designed to educate, inspire, and build understanding across communities.
San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Resource Fair
Hosted at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, the Reentry Resource Fair connects incarcerated individuals preparing for release with trusted community organizations. The fair provides direct access to services and information that can support a successful transition, including housing, employment, education, health care, faith communities, and mentorship. This initiative strengthens continuity of care and helps bridge the gap between incarceration and community life.
Reentry Scholarship Fund (Excell Network)
Through the Excell Network Reentry Scholarship Fund, we provide financial support for justice‑impacted individuals pursuing education, workforce training, and leadership development after incarceration. Scholarships are paired with mentorship and community support, recognizing education as a powerful pathway to restoration, opportunity, and long‑term stability.
Life Together After Prison Retreat
The Life Together After Prison Retreat is an annual day of reflection, healing, and renewal created specifically for people who have experienced incarceration, as well as families with loved ones currently inside. This retreat offers: - Space for spiritual renewal and personal reflection Opportunities to connect with others who share similar experiences - Tools for healing, courage, and resilience - A supportive environment grounded in faith, dignity, and grace Participants leave renewed, accompanied, and equipped to face life’s challenges with hope.
Restorative Justice Online Resource Directory (Coming Summer 2026)
Our Restorative Justice Online Directory will provide access to more than 100 vetted resources, available to: - Formerly incarcerated individuals - Families of incarcerated people - Survivors of violent crime - Families of homicide victims The directory will include services across housing, employment, legal support, counseling, spiritual care, victim services, and community organizations—helping individuals locate support and connection when it is most needed.
Catholic Social Teaching in Practice
Our approach to reentry is guided by principles that affirm the life and dignity of the human person, the importance of solidarity, and a commitment to care for those most impacted by injustice and exclusion. We recognize that incarceration often intersects with poverty, trauma, and systemic barriers, and that meaningful rehabilitation requires addressing these realities with compassion and responsibility.
Through accompaniment, education, and collaboration, we seek to support individuals returning home in ways that honor their humanity and strengthen their capacity to participate fully in community life.
Restorative Justice: From Healing to Belonging
Our reentry work is informed by restorative justice practices, which emphasize accountability rooted in responsibility, restoration over punishment, and relationship over isolation. Restorative justice recognizes that successful reentry benefits not only individuals, but families and communities as a whole.
By centering lived experience, listening deeply, and fostering opportunities for leadership and growth, we support reentry as a process of healing, learning, and renewed participation in society.
A Ministry of Presence and Accompaniment
Reentry support is grounded in presence rather than prescription and relationship rather than programmatic solutions. Participation is voluntary and responsive to each person’s needs, timing, and goals.
We accompany individuals through moments of transition by creating spaces for reflection, connection, and practical support—remaining available as long as accompaniment is desired, and honoring each person’s pace and path forward.
Discerning How You Might Engage in Reentry Support
Many people feel drawn to reentry work but are unsure how they might participate—or whether this ministry is the right fit at this moment in their lives. We recognize that involvement often begins with curiosity and grows through learning, conversation, and experience.
Those exploring reentry support are invited to engage in ways that feel appropriate to their readiness, background, and goals. This may include:
- learning through restorative justice trainings and educational events
- attending conferences, webinars, or community gatherings
- supporting reentry through advocacy, partnership, or accompaniment
- connecting with others who have lived experience of incarceration
Discerning a role in reentry support is not about being “ready” or having all the answers—it is about listening, learning, and discovering how your gifts and experiences might contribute to rehabilitation, inclusion, and belonging.
We welcome people at every stage of discernment and remain available for conversation as next steps become clearer.
Reentry is a journey that unfolds over time, and no one should have to walk it alone. Whether you are returning home from jail or prison, supporting a loved one, or feeling called to stand alongside others, we invite you to engage in ways that honor dignity, growth, and shared responsibility.
You can take the next step by connecting with our reentry support services, learning through restorative justice opportunities, or accompanying others as they rebuild their lives and strengthen their communities.