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The Justice Reinvestment Team at the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) aims to increase information and resource-sharing, while creating and fostering a statewide, online community Newsletter.
- Reentry Programming and Services
- Behavioral Health Treatment and Services
- Support for Victims and Restitution Enhancements
- Training and Education
- Safe Alternatives to Incarceration
- Pretrial Services and Programs
Please note that the Newsletter organizes all updates in chronological order under its subsections: Grants, Upcoming Events and Conferences, Meetings, Programs, and Other Information.
April is Second Chance Month!
Second Chance Month aims to inform and highlight the many opportunities for state, local, and tribal governments and community-based service providers to build meaningful second chances for people returning from incarceration. For more information about this important month, visit https://bja.ojp.gov/second-chance-month.
There are a lot of special updates to share this April, both in Maryland and beyond! At GOCPP, we are hosting a Reentry Simulation to highlight the challenges faced by people recently released from incarceration. What do you do to support returning citizens and their second chances? Share it with us here!
Zoom into the calendar for best viewing.
Application Deadline: April 11th, 2025, at 11:59 PM
The primary purpose of PIGF/PJRA funding is to reduce Maryland’s State and local incarcerated population through appropriate diversion, deflection, service provision, and recidivism reduction resources. The fund was established through savings generated from Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Act (JRA) to provide for county-led innovations and state expansions of programming that were prioritized by Maryland’s Justice Reinvestment Coordinating Council (JRCC).
The JRA reforms are centered on safely reducing Maryland’s prison population by incorporating evidence-based programming, improving reentry outcomes, reducing collateral consequences of incarceration, establishing connections to community treatment and support for nonviolent offenders with behavioral health needs. For background on how potential grant applications fit the JRA and Local Funding Initiatives, visit gocpp.maryland.gov/justice-reinvestment
Application Deadline: April 18, 2025, at 11:59 PM
The primary purpose of the DRCE program is to enable a local jurisdiction to implement or support an established Day Reporting Center to provide community-based services and treatment to individuals under pretrial or probation supervision to reduce recidivism, jail and prison populations, and corrections-related costs.
1. F.A.C.E. Community Center Opening - Baltimore, Maryland
April 1, 2025
For over two decades, F.A.C.E. has provided vital support, empowering returning citizens to rebuild their lives and become productive members of the community.
We are thrilled to announce the opening of our expanded F.A.C.E. Community Center on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025, located at 325 McMechen Street, Baltimore, MD 21217. This significantly increased area will allow us to expand our comprehensive services, addressing critical needs within the formerly incarcerated population.
Our multifaceted program encompasses:
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Supportive Housing: Providing transitional housing to facilitate a smooth transition back into the community.
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Employment Support: Offering job training, resume building workshops, and direct placement assistance to secure sustainable employment.
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Mentorship and Guidance: Connecting individuals with experienced mentors who provide ongoing support and guidance.
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Emergency Resource Provision: Offering immediate assistance with essential needs such as food, clothing and temporary shelter.
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Community Advocacy and Collaboration: Actively working with community partners to advocate for policies and opportunities that support successful reintegration.
Please visit our website for more details about our program and how to become involved at: www.FaceBaltimore.org
2. CMAP Nexus Series: Suicide Prevention in U.S. Jails: A Public Mental Health and Corrections Collaboration - Washington, D.C.
April 1, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
The Center for Mental Health and Addiction Policy (CMAP) is thrilled to announce its 2025 Nexus Series, Advancing Mental Health & Addiction Policy Solutions in 2025. This three-part event series will take place at the Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington D.C. and will convene top experts to address some of the most pressing policy challenges surrounding mental health and substance use disorders. Each event will feature a public panel followed by either a policy discussion or networking reception, creating a collaborative space for decision-makers from local, state, and federal levels to explore innovative solutions. Learn more about the series on our website.
Suicide rates in U.S. jails and prisons remain alarmingly high, raising critical questions about the intersection of mental health and correctional systems. This event will convene experts in mental health, corrections, and policy to examine the current state of suicide prevention in jails and explore innovative solutions. Panelists will discuss current efforts in Maryland and beyond, focusing on the design and implementation of effective suicide prevention protocols and what more can be done to save lives. Join us for this important conversation on April 1st, from 4:00-5:00 pm ET, followed by a networking reception from 5:00-6:30 pm ET.
For more information and registration, click here.
3. NARP Reentry 2025 "Wholistic" Approach to Reentry Conference - Little Rock, Arkansas
April 6, 2025 to April 9, 2025
The National Association of Reentry Professionals (NARP), Inc. represents the interests of criminal justice professionals engaged in prison reentry, people who have been incarcerated and their family members, and other justice reform advocates by providing education, training, and professional services that are rooted in evidence-based practices and demonstrate positive impacts on racial and economic inequity - particularly for people who have historically suffered the consequences of the disparity and trauma of the justice/reentry system.
For more information and registration, please visit https://www.thenarp.org/general-7
4. The 35th Maryland Statewide Memorial Services for Crime Victims and Their Families - Columbia, Waldorf, Easton, and Frederick, Maryland
April 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, or 3:00 PM, depending on location
You are cordially invited to the 35th Statewide Memorial Services for Crime Victims and Their Families. The services are presented by the Charles, Frederick, Howard, and Talbot County State's Attorneys' Offices, the Maryland State Board of Victim Services and the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy.
If you have any questions, please contact Rebecca Allyn, Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy, at rebecca.allyn@maryland.gov or 410-697-9384.
Click here to RSVP.
5. 2025 Maryland Crime Victims' Rights Conference - Baltimore, Maryland
April 9, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
The 2025 Maryland Crime Victims' Rights Conference is an annual conference hosted by the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy and the Maryland State Board of Victim Services.
This annual in-person conference will bring together experts, advocates, and community members to discuss crime victims' rights, learn about emerging issues, and network to better serve Maryland crime victims. The conference will be held in-person April 9, 2025, and lunch will be provided for attendees. The event will take place at Martin's West, 6817 Dogwood Rd, Baltimore, MD 21244.
Audience: victim advocates, prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, judges, parole and probation officers, community members, faith community members, researchers
Social Work Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) will be available through a partnership with the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault. A total of 5.25 CEU hours will be available.
- We can provide certificates for social work CEU credits only.
- CEUs are free of charge.
- When filling out the sign-in/sign-out forms, please write your name as you would like it to appear on your certificate. For example, if you would like it to say first name and last name or first name, middle initial, last name or full name and your credentials (such as LMSW, LCSW, etc.).
- You can expect to receive your certificates within 4-5 weeks via email.
- If you have any questions about CEUs or certificates, please contact Alyssa Garagiola, at agaragiola@mcasa.org
Please contact Rebecca Allyn at rebecca.allyn@maryland.gov with any questions.
Click here to register.
6. Fifth Annual National Returning Citizens Conference - Columbus, Ohio
April 10, 2025 to April 11, 2025
The National Returning Citizens Conference is dedicated to empowering individuals transitioning from incarceration and those formerly incarcerated by fostering pathways to personal growth, community reintegration, and economic stability. Through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, we seek to remove barriers to successful reentry, promote restorative justice, and elevate the voices of returning citizens.
For more information and registration, please visit https://nrcconference.org/
7. Western Maryland Reentry Simulation - Hagerstown, Maryland
April 10, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
In observance of Second Chance Awareness Month, the Western Maryland Reentry Task Force is pleased to extend an invitation to the Western Maryland Reentry Simulation. This impactful event provides an opportunity to engage in a hands-on experience that highlights the challenges individuals face when reentering society after incarceration. It also underscores the importance of collaboration among community partners in supporting successful reintegration.
By attending, participants will gain valuable insights into the reentry process by learning what it’s like to be someone returning to the community who must navigate systems, resources, and challenges. The goal is to help foster greater understanding and encourage collective action to strengthen our community’s efforts in providing second chances.
Click here to register.
8. Maryland Department of Labor's Expungement & Resource Pop Up - Brooklyn Park, Maryland
April 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Haga clic aquí para verlo en español.
Expungement attorneys from Community Legal Services will provide assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be two rooms full of resource providers, including MD Motor Vehicle Administration, Office of the Public Defender, Health Care Access MD, Child Support Administration, Peer Recovery Specialists, Reentry Programs, Workforce Development, support for victims of violence, and much more!
9. 1st Annual Second Chance Awareness Gala - Cockeysville, Maryland
April 11, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Welcome to the 1st Annual Second Chance Awareness Gala! Hosted by PIVOT, H.O.P.E, No Struggle, No Success, Tru Mile Logistics, Out 4 Justice, and The Flowers-Whiting Initiative.
Come join us for a night of inspiration and hope at Martin's Valley Mansion, 594 Cranbrook Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030. This event aims to raise awareness about the importance of second chances. Together, we can celebrate reentry through commitment, compassion and building community.
Join us for an evening filled with heartwarming stories, live music, and delicious food. Let's celebrate the power of returning citizens and all contributions of the second chance community. Your presence at the gala will help us spread the message of hope and transformation to all.
Don't miss this opportunity to be part of something special. Reserve your spot today and let's make a positive impact together!
Need more information? Please call 443-977-6692 or email ashley@pivotprogram.org
Click here to register.
10. PGSAO Expungement Fair - Glenarden, Maryland
April 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
A criminal record can significantly impact your ability to obtain housing, public benefits, financial aid, occupational licenses, quality employment, citizenship and much more. State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy and community partners have organized this expungement fair.
Legal professionals will be available to evaluate your record, discuss options and assist with expungement filings. Bring your identification and court documents, if available. Maryland arrests and convictions only.
The event will take place at 8600 Glenarden Parkway, Glenarden, MD 20706.
Click here to register.
11. GOCPP Justice Reinvestment Reentry Simulation - Annapolis, Maryland
April 21, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
In honor of Second Chance Month, the Governor's Office of Crime Prevention and Policy invites you to the Justice Reinvestment Reentry Simulation on April 21st, 2025, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Registration will begin at 9:30 am, so we can start the presentation promptly at ten.
During this eye-opening experience, each attendee will assume the identity of an individual recently released from incarceration. They will then be required to navigate a complex system as they return to life in their community. Through this immersive simulation, attendees will gain valuable insight about the struggles and significant barriers to reentry that returning citizens must too often confront.
For more information about the reentry simulation model, please visit https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/reentry-simulation.
** Please register in advance if you plan to attend, as space is limited. Click here to register.
12. FCI Cumberland Reentry Resource Fair - Cumberland, Maryland
April 23, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
FCI Cumberland is the only federal correctional facility in Maryland and consists of an FCI (medium level security), and an FPC (camp/minimum level), that currently houses approximately 1,000 adults in custody.
On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, we will be hosting a Maryland Reentry Resource Day for both our FCI and FPC population. The FCI will be in the morning from 9:00am until 11:00am, and the FPC will be from 12:30pm until 2:00pm. Please arrive no later than 8:30am so we can get everyone processed in and set up before 9:00am. This event will be open to our population who will be returning to Maryland or nearby areas.
If you are interested in attending and/or know other resources that would like to attend, please respond by April 15th, 2025 via email to Joshua Simmons, Reentry Affairs Coordinator, at j3simmons@bop.gov.
1. The Maryland Statewide Alliance for Returning Citizens (MSARC)
April 22, 2025, at 9:30 AM; Recurring, every fourth Tuesday of the month via Zoom
MSARC comprises reentry service providers, returning citizens, advocates, government, corrections, and law enforcement staff working in reentry, and others who support increasing reentry resources. Meetings primarily consist of information sharing, guest speakers, and announcements about upcoming events of interest, aiming to break down silos. The next meeting will take place on April 22nd, 2025 at 9:30 AM. The meetings are open to all with an interest in reentry. Please email Dawna Cobb, MSARC Co-Chair, at marylandreentry@outlook.com to be added to the MSARC email list and to receive the Zoom link for meetings.
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The Reentry Resource Packet is a guide developed to help the incarcerated individual on his/her journey as they re-enter society. While all are afforded the opportunity for an exit orientation interview, some may refuse services. This packet is another opportunity for the Reentry Specialist to connect the returning citizen to those much-needed services within the community and distribute contact information if they need to call back for help.
- Birth Certificate/Social Security Card Instructions,
- Government-issued ID Instructions,
- Housing Options,
- Resources from Social Services (e.g., Food, Cash, and Medical Assistance),
- Voter Registration Services, and
- Maryland Legal Aid Information.
Click here to access the resource guide.
Gatekeepers
Gatekeepers is an organization that focuses on re-entry. Our mission is to motivate, empower, and encourage both current and ex-offenders through mentoring services by challenging them to make positive decisions and ultimately help facilitate the process of a successful transition back to their communities. These individuals often do not have positive role models in their life to aid them in their efforts. At Gatekeepers, our team is dedicated to helping people overcome obstacles standing in their way to achieving success and reaching their life goals.
Business of Living Workbook and Program: The Business of Living is the heart of what we do. It focuses on the Personal, Occupational, Educational, and Spiritual areas of your life. Under the supervision of our Director of Operations Keith Roys, Gatekeepers has created the Business of Living Workbook and uses it to help current and former inmates chart their re-entry path to success. Gatekeepers works with men and women currently incarcerated to get them started on their re-entry planning. Gatekeepers will then meet them at the gate on their day of release (if needed) and get them immediately started on implementing their re-entry plan.
Resource Club: The Saturday morning Gatekeepers Resource Club, held in the Fellowship Hall at Trinity Lutheran Church (15 Randolph Ave.), is where community resources get to connect with returning citizens. The doors open at 9:30 am for networking and coffee. The meeting starts at 10:00 am and runs until 11:00 am. Many people stay afterwards to continue networking and connecting with resource providers that were present. Organizations including the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, the Area Health Education Center - West (AHEC-W), the Washington County Health Department, CASA, and many more provide a wide array of assistance to meeting attendees.
For more information about the Business of Living program, the Resource Club, Gatekeepers’ community partners, and more, visit https://www.gatekeepersmd.org/ or email gatekeepers.wcmd@gmail.com
Maryland Administrative Office of the Courts - Victims of Crime Video Series
The Maryland Judiciary has produced a two-part video series on the rights and roles of victims of crime. The first video covers the role of victims in bringing criminal charges and in criminal cases, and the second video addresses the rights of victims of crime, hiring legal representation, receiving information about the criminal case, financial compensation, and the rights of sexual assault victims. Each video has Spanish captioning available and has an accompanying tip sheet that summarizes the key points of the videos and provides a list of resources. The videos and tip sheets are available at mdcourts.gov and are part of a wider Court Help Video Library at mdcourts.gov/videos.
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Identity Access Project
Flikshop
Flikshop aims to ease the process of sending postcards to incarcerated individuals. Founded by Marcus Bullock, a formerly incarcerated individual himself, the company fights recidivism by keeping families connected, so that individuals foster successful reentry, once released. We focus on families and their loved ones affected by incarceration, and assist them with technology that helps to leverage their relationships. Likewise, Flikshop has grown to connect businesses that work to build social impact strategies and community engagement teams that work to combat mass incarceration.
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Mindset Care specializes in assisting individuals and caregivers with SSI and SSDI applications. Our streamlined online process reduces the application time from 4-6 weeks to just 1 hour. We charge a one-time fee, equivalent to 25% of the claimant's back pay, mandated by the SSA office. There are no recurring fees or monthly charges for claimants. Our services include full legal representation, dedicated case managers, and access to a licensed psychologist.
We manage the entire application process from initial filing to appeals, ensuring a seamless experience for claimants. Our partnership with TruConnect also offers qualified claimants a federally subsidized cell phone. Noteworthy points about Mindset Care:
- No charge to our partners or your organization
- No fee if the claimant's application is not accepted
- Management of all necessary medical records and correspondence
- Focus on securing stable income, benefits, and housing opportunities for claimants
Contact Kian Ronnasi at kronnasi@mindset.care with any questions.
Project ENCORE (P-ENCORE) is the Pratt Library's new restorative justice program which aims to dismantle institutional barriers and social reintegration challenges that lead to recidivism. There are three parts to P-ENCORE: Workforce Development, Digital Equity, and the Reconnection Center. Our mission is to empower formerly incarcerated individuals by equipping them with the essential tools to thrive as productive members of society. We adopt a comprehensive approach by seamlessly connecting participants with Pratt's existing wrap-around services, including housing, substance abuse rehabilitation, social work, and more, addressing their mental, emotional, financial, and physical well-being. See here for more information on their extensive programming. Our Multi-Tiered approach is designed to:
- Foster generational wealth and leave a lasting legacy.
- Provide a stable source of income for participants.
- Offer support for housing and transportation needs.
- Create safe, inclusive spaces for open dialogue about barriers and mental health challenges.
- Enhance self-esteem and boost participants' sense of pride and self-worth.
If you're interested in volunteering, partnering, or becoming a participant in any of our initiatives, please reach out to swalker@prattlibrary.org or kbailey@prattlibrary.org.
Description of this workbook from the author, Vanessa Bright, Executive Director of the Maryland Reentry Resource Center:
"I created this workbook because I believe that reentry should begin the day after a person enters the correctional facility to serve his or her sentence. Instead, too often the process does not begin until a few months before release. This workbook focuses on soft skills, which we can take wherever we go in life, no matter what we do. Soft skills characterize how a person interacts in relationships with others, including communication, time management, problem-solving, and conflict resolution."
Click here for more information.
Baltimore Veteran Reentry Resources
The Baltimore Station
Know a veteran who is soon to be released with a substance use disorder? The Baltimore Station provides wraparound support programs for homeless veterans that has a workforce program, and a free residential program. Click here for more information, and contact James Hardy at outreach@baltimorestation.org with any questions.
Housing in Howard County
Bridges to Housing Stability
Bridges to Housing Stability is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, serving Howard County, MD. Bridges believes that housing is the key to a household’s stability. Whether resolving the issue of homelessness or preventing a household from becoming homeless, our goal goes beyond crisis intervention – our approach and mission focuses on long term housing stability for our target populations.
MISSION: To provide a path to self-sufficiency to prevent and end homelessness through affordable housing solutions and advocacy in Howard County, Maryland.
VISION: To champion the eradication of homelessness in Howard County, Maryland.
For more information, please visit https://bridges2hs.org/
Housing in Prince George's County
DXT Therapeutic Foundation
Offers shared transitional wrap around housing in Prince George's County. Call (240)-838-3707 or Michelle Hare at (240)-676-2895 for assistance.
Housing in Baltimore City
Sheppard Pratt
Sheppard Pratt is offering a new residential treatment program for clients with co-occurring disorders. They offer rent support and other resources for apartments in Baltimore City. For more information, contact Ziva Ritchie at (410)-382-5426.
Additional Housing Options
St. Ambrose
Four new housing spots/beds are available in partnership with Jacob's Well for justice-involved youth ages 18-24. Please contact Shalawn James at St. Ambrose for more information at shalawnj@stambros.org.
To be included in May's Newsletter, please make your submission by COB Friday, April 25th, 2025.
For more information and to make your May submission, visit the Submission Page here or send it to justice.reinvestment@maryland.gov.
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