The Hope Commission urges the State, City and the Faith Community to evaluate the current
outcomes of re-entry programs and work together to make sure ex-offenders who go back to
their neighborhoods are provided greater support and do not pose a threat to the community. The
Commission recommends the expansion of successful existing job training, substance
abuse/mental health counseling and housing placement programs for released ex-offenders.
Community and faith-based organizations should be engaged to make these programs more
effective.
The Commission recommends that an analysis be done on the needs of released ex-offenders to
the City and that funding be sought to meet those needs. We further recommend an
enhancement of programs to provide released ex-offenders with assistance to earn a GED or high
school diploma to increase the likelihood of successful re-entry into the community.