Building a Foundation: Why Reentry Support Matters

Derek Bluford
Apr 30
3 min read

Coming home from prison is more than walking out of a cell—it’s stepping into a world that has changed, with expectations, pressure, and obstacles that can quickly overwhelm. Many returning citizens have the will to succeed but lack the support to do it.

At A Better Tomorrow (ABT Community), we believe that reentry is only successful when people are given the tools, opportunities, and human connection to rebuild their lives. This blog explores why reentry support matters—and how it prevents recidivism, heals communities, and restores dignity.

What Is Reentry Support?

Reentry support includes the services and guidance provided to formerly incarcerated individuals as they transition back into society. These services often cover:

Housing assistance
Employment preparation and job placement
Credit and financial coaching
Family reunification support
Mental health and substance use treatment
Legal aid and documentation help
Life skills training and mentorship

Reentry is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Every person’s needs are different—and so must be the support they receive.

Why It’s So Important

Without support, formerly incarcerated individuals face significant barriers to success. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, two-thirds of people released from prison are rearrested within three years.¹

Why? Because they return to communities where they may lack:

Stable housing
Income or employment
Healthcare
Family or social networks
Purpose

Reentry support helps people build a foundation—and without it, even the most motivated individuals can fall back into survival mode.

Key Pillars of Reentry Support

🏠 Housing

A safe place to sleep is the foundation for everything else. Without stable housing, it’s almost impossible to focus on employment, recovery, or rebuilding relationships.

We partner with housing programs and transitional shelters to ensure returning citizens don’t fall into homelessness.

💼 Employment and Career Support

Work not only provides income—it offers structure, identity, and confidence. ABT helps returning individuals connect with second-chance employers, prepare resumes, and build job readiness skills.

We also offer training in career pathways that lead to long-term success, not just survival jobs.

💳 Financial Literacy and Credit Support

Coming home with no credit—or bad credit—can feel like starting at zero. We teach budgeting, help dispute outdated debt, and support clients in opening bank accounts and secured credit cards.

🤝 Peer Mentorship and Life Coaching

One of the most powerful forms of support comes from someone who’s walked in your shoes. Our peer mentors are formerly incarcerated individuals who now guide others, offering accountability and inspiration.

Sometimes, knowing “you’re not alone” is the greatest support of all.

🧠 Mental Health and Substance Use Resources

Many people returning from incarceration carry trauma, untreated mental illness, or addiction. We work with licensed providers and recovery coaches to support healing and resilience.

What Happens Without Reentry Support?

When people leave prison with no plan, no resources, and no help, the odds are stacked against them. They may face:

Unemployment
Homelessness
Relapse
Family separation
Depression or anxiety
New criminal charges

With support, they gain:

Stability
Employment
Housing
Purpose
Dignity

The Community Impact

When we support one person coming home, we strengthen entire families and communities. Children reconnect with parents. Employers gain dependable workers. Neighborhoods become safer. Taxpayer costs from repeat incarceration go down.

Reentry support is crime prevention. It’s community investment. It’s justice in action.

Final Thoughts: Reentry Is a Right, Not a Favor

At A Better Tomorrow, we know that no one succeeds alone. We believe in human dignity, not punishment for life. We believe that with the right foundation, every person deserves the chance to thrive.

If you’re returning home, or you work with someone who is, reach out to us. We’re here to help build your foundation—because you don’t have to do it alone.

📚 Sources:

U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics. (2021). Recidivism of Prisoners Released in 2012. https://bjs.ojp.gov
Urban Institute. (2018). Understanding the Challenges of Reentry. https://www.urban.org