Public libraries are often on the frontlines of serving communities impacted by incarceration, with many patrons facing the challenges of trauma, stigma, and reintegration. This webinar will explore how libraries can effectively support individuals and families affected by incarceration—whether through outreach to local jails or providing services to those re-entering society. Learn about successful initiatives, funding opportunities, and service models that address the lasting impacts of incarceration. Gain strategies and resources to enhance your library’s role in creating supportive, inclusive services and spaces to help build stronger, safer communities for all.
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Public libraries have an opportunity to help people who have recently been released from prisons and jails get a fresh start and avoid recidivism. Successful reentry depends on finding housing, employment, and acquiring new digital and life skills. Family reunification can be strengthened through story times, community baby showers, and adult programs.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 1.8 million Americans were incarcerated in prisons or jails in 2021. About 66% of persons released from state prisons were arrested within three years after release and 82% were arrested within ten years. Reentry programs in correctional institutions are a first step towards avoiding recidivism.
New Mexico Department of Corrections Reentry Programs During incarceration, the New Mexico Corrections Department offers reentry programs to help people prepare for the future.
New Mexico Corrections Department Reentry Division The New Mexico Corrections Department Reentry Division prepares people to succeed after incarceration. Options include educational opportunities, parenting classes, peer support, vocational training, and life skills.
Bernalillo County Resource Re-Entry Center "The Resource Re-entry Center (RRC) is the first stop for individuals released from the Metropolitan Detention Center as they reintegrate into the community. It will help former inmates navigate the transition from jail back into society by offering access to the services and support they may need to stabilize, stay healthy, regain self-sufficiency and break the cycle of recidivism."
The New Mexico Reentry Center is a peer support non-profit organization dedicated to a mission "to break the cycle of re-incarceration by offering training and support to individuals in New Mexico who are recovering from substance use disorders, mental health issues, and Pre/Post incarcerated individuals. Through initiatives focused on reducing recidivism, fostering self-empowerment, and providing support from lived experienced leaders, we aim to cultivate pride, resilience, and sustainability among our community members."
The Albuquerque Center for Hope and Recovery provides peer support to help individuals struggling with substance use, mental health challenges, and/or co-occurring challenges. ACHR offers peer services that include help with obtaining vital documents, peer support groups, navigating Medicaid/Medicare and Social Security, computer help, assistance in finding and getting into recovery programs, navigating Legal Aid, and more.
Fathers Building Futures is a social enterprise based in Albuquerque, NM. They are led by non-profit professionals as well as a team of formerly incarcerated parents who serve as mentors and supervisors to parents (mostly fathers) returning home from prison.
Our mission is “to ensure parents and families experiencing barriers from incarceration receive the best opportunities for stability — emotionally, socially, and financially.” We believe that by giving the moms and dads who come through our program a true second chance, they can fulfill their potential and become role models for their children as well as productive members of our community.
Next Steps Reentry Services Goodwill New Mexico
Goodwill's NextSteps Program helps with common reentry challenges and serves institution-referred participants whose goals include gaining skills and obtaining employment. Services begin pre-release and continue post-release. The program is offered by referral only.