2015 ANNUAL REPORT The Reentry Corporation

“To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.”

—Isaiah 42:7

WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG @NJ_Reentry /NJReentry Addiction and Reentry Statistics

19% 67.8% JCETP/ NJRC Recidivism rate of state prisoners released in 2005 *For comparison, according to the most recent were rearrested within three years of data available from the State of New Jersey, 5 Release Outcome 2010 Report, 53% of released release. *Cooper, A.D., Durose, M.R. & Snyder, H.N. (2014). individuals are rearrested within three years. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Recidivism Of Prisoners Released In 30 States In 2005: Patterns From 2005 To 2010 58% JCETP/NJRC Employment Placement 404 2,349 clients were served in 2015 individuals sought treatment with our partner Integrity House in 2014/2015 85% of inmates are substance-involved (CASAColumbia 2010)

47.4% 50% of Essex County drug-related deaths of Ocean County drug-related deaths in 2014 were due to heroin in 2014 were due to heroin

48.4% 70% of Hudson County drug-related deaths of Passaic County drug-related in 2014 were due to heroin deaths in 2014 were due to heroin *For each of these four counties, heroin resulted in a higher instance of death than any other drug.

2 2015 Annual Report What is the NJRC? The New Jersey Reentry Corporation was formed to replicate the success of the Jersey City/ Hudson County reentry model. Through the leadership of Governor , Senate President Sweeney, and Speaker Prieto, the State of New Jersey authorized funding to establish reentry sites in Newark, Paterson, and Toms River. Our reentry partners, Volunteers of America, established reentry sites in Trenton and Atlantic City.

As we move forward, we will keep you apprised of the Jersey City Employment and Training Program (JCETP), which serves as the local reentry vendor in Jersey City, as well as the NJRC’s activities throughout the state. While JCETP and NJRC have a different board of directors, we share a common mission to serve those returning from state and county incarceration.

NJRC’s Mission Statement and Vision The NJRC is committed to providing critically needed services to court involved individuals to empower them to achieve healthy self-sufficiency, thereby reducing recidivism and fostering safer communities.

The NJRC strives to provide a statewide network of reentry sites to service court involved individuals, to achieve measurable reductions in client recidivism, and to work with private employers and public agencies to maximize the training and employment of this discrete population.

Beginnings

Martin’s Place Grand Opening: Many special guests participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the grand opening of Martin’s Place in Jersey City, which is the headquarters of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation. Shown from left are Former New Jersey Governor Thomas H. Kean, Senator Brian Stack, U.S. Senator Robert Menendez, Congressman , Governor Chris Christie, Mayor , Jim McGreevey, , U.S. House Democratic Leader; Roger Jones, Board Chairman; and Congressman Donald Payne Jr. In rear from left are Pastor Joshua Rodriguez and Reverend Reginald McRae.

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 3 NJRC Chairman NJRC Executive Director Jim McGreevey John Koufos

A Letter from the Chairman and Executive Director of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation We are proud of the work accomplished by our NJRC and JCETP staff throughout the past year and more importantly of the lives we have touched. Our mission here at NJRC and JCETP is to fight for the returning citizen. In order to help ensure these individuals stay sober, stay in structured housing, and access a job, our organizations are working with drug and alcohol treatment programs, employers, training vendors, housing providers, and our partners in the New Jersey State Bar Association to address legal barriers.

Due to Governor Christie’s leadership and working cooperatively with Speaker Prieto and Senate President Sweeney, we are re-imagining how reentry works. Working with Hudson County and the Department of Justice, we are engaging in landmark changes.

One of the great things that we are doing here at the New Jersey Reentry Corporation is helping people maintain their sobriety. We are helping people to obtain structured sober housing and we are also putting people on a gateway to a productive livelihood. With the governor’s leadership on a bipartisan basis, we are reaching towns all across New Jersey.

We are replicating the success of Jersey City Mayor Fulop and Hudson County Executive DeGise’s Hudson County model in multiple New Jersey cities. With the support of Commissioner Richman, Department of Community Affairs, we are instituting our reentry model in Newark with Mayor Baraka and County Executive DiVincenzo, in Paterson with Mayor Torres and Passaic County, and in Toms River with Mayor Kelaher and Ocean County. We are doing something that is demonstrably lowering recidivism and enabling people to have a fresh start by making government work.

We are excited to share our results and activities from the past year with you, our partners, constituents and community members, in gratitude, and also as a reminder of the important work we are doing.

Jim McGreevey John Koufos

4 2015 Annual Report Board Members Thank you to all of our Board Members, and a note of gratitude to Governor for her organizational support.

NJRC BOARD MEMBERS JCETP BOARD MEMBERS Governor Roger Jones, Chairman Governor Robert B. Knapp, Vice Chairman Governor Henry A. Plotkin Governor James McGreevey Hilario Nuñez Governor Andrew Campbell Chief Justice Deborah Poritz Leslie K. Franks McRae Bishop Reginald T. Jackson Lizette Delgado Father Edwin Chinery Darrell Laval Michael Kempner Oscar Velez Joseph Hayden, Esq. Thomas Calcagni, Esq. Leslie K. Franks McRae Mayor Steven M. Fulop

Report authored by Marie Pryor, Ph.D. and Michael Lacy. Contributors to this report include Jim McGreevey and John Koufos. Graphic design by Stefanie Campolo.

©2016 New Jersey Reentry Corporation

Our Locations

The Greater Newark Conservancy The Community Resource Center 32 Prince Street 53 S. Hackensack Avenue Newark, NJ 07103 Kearny, NJ 07032

Martin’s Place: NJRC Headquarters Center of Hope Toms River 398 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive 147 Montgomery Street 310 Main Street, Suite 3B Jersey City, NJ 07305 Paterson, NJ 07501 Toms River, NJ 08753

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 5 NJRC Program Flowchart NJRC Program Flowchart

Pre-Release Post-Release

Recruitment: Individuals over 18 with alcohol or drug dependence who have been sentenced and Individual is Released incarcerated and/or are nearing release are identi ed inside a NJ correctional facility.

Intake Case Orientation: Management Plan: This begins the Orientation is This is put into same day, or the Completed action to connect day after, release the individual to from correctional appropriate facility. services. People Screening and Assessment: Individuals with disabilities receive a complete mental health assessment by a and veterans Licensed Social Worker to determine strengths, receive unique risks, and needs assessment. services.

Sober Addiction Transitional Treatment Continuum of Care Plan: A case Housing management transition plan is developed by the case manager following a continuum of care model.

Healthcare: Identi cation: Legal Services: Mentoring: Medicaid registra- Motor Vehicle Legal services Mentoring working tion and linkage to Commission working through with faith-based healthcare through identi cation the New Jersey and professional federally quali ed State Bar Associa- associations healthcare centers tion, Young and hospitals Lawyers Division

Once Stabilized and Cleared: Working with One Stop employment center, the agency crafts an individually-designed employment training, education, and/or job search plan.

6 2015 Annual Report The NJRC Logic Model

Measurement Intermediate Goals/ Inputs Outputs Tool(s) Outcomes Outcomes Treatment Clinicians/ Social Referrals to Treatment Completion of IOP/ Workers outpatient (IOP/ attendance / program/ treatment OP) programming discussion with Treatment treatment staff No negative facilities Referrals to NA/ dismissal AA/ GA IOP/ OP notes/ Case attendance Engaged in management treatment as per Sign-in sheets case manager/ client (voluntary) Increased Individual and family self- Housing Emergency Referrals to Housing Increase 1 “HUD- sufficiency Assistance funds housing providers assessment defined” housing and assistance questionnaire level from housing Recidivism Rapid Rehousing agencies status at intake reduction assistance Salesforce within 90 days Increased public Partner providers Number of housing safety placements Case Sobriety/ Recovery management Reduced Transportation On-the-Job training Training attendance/ Certificate of completion Employment governmental coverage sign-in sheet / from Martin’s Place/ Training costs Resume construction certificate NJRC/ outsourced Technology training provider Computer training Computer skills Employment checklist Employment retention at specialsits Interview preparation 30, 60, 90 days Video-recorded Partner employers interviews

Employer feedback forms

Pay stubs/ wage verification

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 7 A Timeline of Our Events

FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL JUNE JULY

February 2, 2015 March 4, 2015 April 1, 2015 June 1, 2015 July 1, 2015 Walmart Transportation, NJMVC partnership CDBG Grant The NJ BUILD PEPP Program begins Distribution, & Logistics began providing Program begins second year Grant services to clients to April 2, 2015 recruiting for restore licenses Hosted our second July 1, 2015 February 28, 2015 New Jersey reentry conference at Building Trades Out of School Statewide Attorney St. Peter’s University Youth Grant Reentry Training (Mike Tyson) February 2015 Building Trades Veteran Apprenticeship Fair

AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER

August 1, 2015 September 23, 2015 October 1, 2015 November 2, 2015 December 2015 NJRC receives support NJCU Veterans NJRC’s Community John Koufos and NJRC Newark of cially from the New Jersey Job Fair1 Resource Center Governor McGreevey opens at The Greater Department of of cially opens meet with President Newark Conservancy Community Affairs Obama in Newark, as part of the August 25, 2015 Reentry Summit. US DOT Grant Awarded November 5, 2015 CRC opens on S. Hackensack in Kearny

FEBRUARY MARCH

February 2016 March 2016 NJRC Paterson NJRC Toms River of cially opens at of cially opens on The Center of Hope Main Street

8 2015 Annual Report Client Demographics

Gender Race 670 220

109 17 15 7 Number of clients

77.7% 22.3% Black Latino White Asian Other

Male Female Multi-racial

Housing Status Level of Education

1.8% 8.6% 590

39.5% 20.8% 160 69 28.8% 51 10 Number of clients .4% Master’s Associate’sBachelor’s Permanent, 39.5% No HS diplomaHS Grad/GED Shelter, 28.8% Subsidized, .4% Couch*, 20.8% PEPP Clients Homeless, 1.8% Transitional, 8.6% *Doubled up with friends/relatives 204

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 9 Thank You to Our Supporters

Shown from left to right: Oscar Aviles, former director, Hudson County Jail, left, with Tom, New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) client, and Jim McGreevey, NJRC Chairman • Cornell Brooks, National President, NAACP and William Payne, Fmr. Assemblyman, with Jim McGreevey at an NAACP reception in Newark for Mr. Brooks • John Koufos, Executive Director, NJRC; Bryan Stevenson, MacArthur Fellowship Award-winner and author, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption;” and Jim McGreevey • John Koufos with Chris Christie, New Jersey Governor; Joe DiVincenzo, Essex County Executive; and Philip B. Alagia, Essex County Chief of Staff • NJRC Jersey City staff: Helena Muhammad, Alejandra Reyes, John Koufos, Owen Allen, and Katie O’Malley • Clients from the Newark branch of the NJRC with Jeran Crawford, case manager, left, Jim McGreevey, center, and John Koufos, second from right

10 2015 Annual Report Shown from left to right: David, a student enrolled in the Out of School Youth Program through the New Jersey Youth Corps, which is held at New Jersey City University, writes an essay in class. • Jose “Joey” Torres, Mayor, Paterson, with NJRC Paterson staff, shown clockwise from left: Jada Fulmore, Manny Garcia, Ana Millan, and Joshua Rodriguez • Steven M. Fulop, Mayor, City of Jersey City, during the grand opening of Martin’s Place • Mayor Fulop, center, recognizes EMT trainees along with Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and CEO, Barnabas Health, right • Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive • Ras J. Baraka, Mayor, City of Newark, with Joe DiVincenzo, Essex County Executive, during the NJRC Newark grand opening • Thomas Kelaher, Mayor, Toms River

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 11 “ Governor Christie I want to commend the New Jersey Reentry Corporation and Governor McGreevey for the tremendous work they are doing every day to reduce recidivism and provide non-violent offenders the support they need to successfully re-enter society, break the cycle of criminality and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie met with Pastor lead productive lives. Joe A. Carter during the Faces of Addiction Summit at the New Hope Baptist Church in Newark on September 30, 2014. The New Jersey Reentry Corporation is a one-stop model that is connecting comprehensive services to ex-offenders battling addiction as they transition from incarceration or drug court, to stable housing and employment.

Programs like this are critically important, because even the most troubled among us can Governor Christie accompanied former Governor Jim be redeemed, further McGreevey on stage to speak during the 2014 Prisoner Reentry Conference, which was held at the Mac Mahon demonstrating the belief in the Student Center at Saint Peter’s University. idea of second chances and that every life is precious.”

—New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

12 2015 Annual Report Americans are only five percent of the world’s population, but we account for 25 percent of the world’s incarcerated population.2

Introduction those persons who have been court-involved. The NJRC aims to provide seven critical Tragically, America has a love affair with services to our clients: 1) Addiction prisons. We have locked up more of our fellow treatment, 2) Sober transitional housing, 3) citizens than any nation in the world. While Training and employment, 4) Medicaid Americans are only five percent (5%) of the registration and linkage to healthcare through world’s population, we account for twenty five federally qualified healthcare centers and percent (25%) of the world’s incarcerated hospitals, 5) Motor Vehicle Commission population.2 Historically, New Jersey was not all identification, 6) Legal services working that different from the rest of the nation. “The through the New Jersey State Bar vast majority of prisoners currently being Association, Young Lawyers Division, and 7) detained in secure facilities will, someday, be Mentoring working with faith-based and released into the community, and more professional associations. offenders are transitioning into the community today than ever before.”3 After months or years Comparing our clients with the average behind bars, freedom can be disorienting, American, former prisoners tend to be less confusing and particularly frightening. educated, less likely to be gainfully employed, and more likely to have a history of mental The New Jersey Reentry Corporation (NJRC) illness or substance abuse, which are increased is designed to provide critical services for risk factors for recidivism.4 According to the

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 13 CASAColumbia Report (2010), drugs and alcohol play a large role in criminal offenses. “ Based upon a of offense type, 78% of inmates incarcerated for violent crimes Employment provides were involved with alcohol or drugs, as were 83% of those incarcerated for property crimes dignity, self-worth, and and 77% of those incarcerated for public order, purpose. Employment, immigration or weapon offenses.5 If we do not employment, employment; help clients achieve sobriety, all is lost. we work diligently every “For people transitioning from incarceration back to their communities, substance abuse is day with supportive often closely related to their difficulties with housing, employment, and mental health.”6 employers to develop job Without sobriety, our clients will never be a opportunities for our responsible parent, a productive employee, or a timely tenant. Sobriety is critical, it is clients.” essential, it is fundamental. Second, housing is a necessity.

—Jim McGreevey, Chairman, NJRC “Securing housing is one of the most immediate challenges individuals leaving prison face upon their release. Obtaining housing is complicated by a host of factors, including the scarcity of affordable and available housing, legal barriers and regulations, landlords’ prejudices against formerly incarcerated individuals, and strict eligibility requirements for federally subsidized housing.”7

For decades, when someone left prison, they were merely given a bus pass. Typically, persons returning home struggle to locate a shelter and their next meal.

If people do not have secure, structured sober housing, their days are spent wondering where they will sleep at night. Thanks to our partnership with the New Jersey Department of Human Services and county welfare offices, we are providing safe, secure, and sober transitional housing. As clients maintain sobriety in their lives and living

Kedar, a client of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, was all smiles arrangements, the next major challenge is after getting a new job as a baker.

14 2015 Annual Report securing employment.

Former prisoners identify employment as the most important factor in successful reintegration after incarceration.8 Employment provides dignity, self-worth, and purpose. Previous studies have shown that providing opportunities that increase educational and work-related skills can reduce recidivism rates.9 There is also evidence that reduced employment opportunities are what lead to criminal involvement in the first place.10

“Employment, employment, employment; we NJRC clients Patrick and Gary Maurice listen attentively during a workshop at Martin’s Place. work diligently every day with supportive employers to develop job opportunities for our clients,” said Jim McGreevey, Chairman, NJRC. an income, while offering the prospect of increased academic and skill training One of the great things that we are doing at commensurate with the clients’ interests. the New Jersey Reentry Corporation is placing people on a path to productive With the gruesome crisis of heroin addiction livelihood. With the Governor’s and plaguing our state, the price that substance- Legislature’s leadership, we are now reaching dependent citizens pay for these addictions is towns across New Jersey. either prison or death. NJRC aims to offer the only alternative to this vicious cycle, and that Employment is sobriety through intensive treatment. In addition to addiction treatment, the aims of “Conventional wisdom states that finding a this program are also to increase employment job is one of the most important elements for placement and housing referrals to foster a a person to successfully transition from three-legged-stool approach to supporting incarceration back into the community.”11 And successful reintegration. We are working with we as an agency believe there is great dignity partners in Essex, Hudson, Ocean, and in work. Yet, for many of our clients, they Passaic Counties to improve these services have not worked in the “above ground” for our reentry clients. economy. Our approach is straightforward: we ascertain the clients’ skills, interests, and NJRC is currently operating sites in Jersey the availability of job prospects. We test the City, Newark, Paterson, and Toms River. We clients using baseline measurements are excited to be implementing our NJRC including those examinations sponsored by model to benefit reentry populations across the NJDOL and organized union tests including New Jersey. The NJRC model helps to the TABE test; performance on academic and improve the circumstances of court-involved skill based tests determine skill proficiency individuals through employment, drug and and thus placement. A case manager and our alcohol treatment, and housing. job developer will then customize a job training career path, which will help to secure

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 15 The first NJRC site to open beyond Jersey City was at the Greater Newark Conservancy in Newark. The program thus far has realized a 58.3% employment placement rate for the first five months of operation.

Below are several highlights from our targeted employment programs.

58.3% The Community Resource Center in Kearny. The employment employment team, and its close relationships placement rate during with trade unions and local businesses to the first five months help the parolees access employment of operation at NJRC. opportunities that are career oriented.

The JCETP CRC additionally provides access to in-demand job training opportunities, CISCO IT computer training services, anti- Community Resource Center: In 2014 the gang education, cognitive behavioral Jersey City Employment and Training Program therapy, one-on-one case management, (JCETP) submitted a proposal to the New access to public assistance and other benefits Jersey State Parole Board (NJSPB) to programs, and other clinical services that establish a Community Resource Center make successful reentry more attainable. (CRC) in Jersey City. CRCs are the frontline of JCETP is proud to be the Jersey City operator reducing recidivism among parolees and are of the NJSPB’s CRC program and is thrilled a critical resource to help returning men and to extend its umbrella of services to this women successfully reintegrate into society. critical segment of the reentry community. Nearly all CRCs in New Jersey were previously operated by large corporations, including the Since opening in November 2015, 56% of former operator of the CRC in Jersey City. work-eligible CRC clients have been JCETP has the unique distinction of being successfully placed in employment. In the one of the first small non-profits to win a three months since the program has been contract to operate a CRC; this is a great honor operational, none of the CRC clients have and humbling privilege for the staff of JCETP. recidivated, and seven of these clients are also participating in Integrity House’s drug and Working closely with the NJSPB, the staff of alcohol treatment. JCETP developed a clinically based program for returning citizens that would help them *Work-eligible is defined as having no mental or physical adjust to life on the outside and better disabilities precluding someone from working. prepare for employment. The JCETP CRC, which began operating in November 2015, Parolee Employment Placement Program: utilizes the unique access JCETP has to This program provides job coaching and Jersey City One Stop services, its employment preparation to parolees. Orientation includes job coaching and

16 2015 Annual Report “ Speaker Prieto I am so very proud of what former Governor McGreevey and the New Jersey Reentry Corporation have accomplished. Imprisonment without rehabilitation does not work unless the end goal is to keep this segment of the population behind bars. Luckily for those individuals who have run afoul of the law, but want to change their lives around, the New Jersey Reentry Corporation knows better.

The NJRC deals with the root of the problem to give inmates a better chance of leading productive lives after they are released. The NJRC not only gives these individuals hope; it gives them the resources needed to prevent them from falling back to a life of crime.

I was happy to assist in securing funding for the NJRC to continue its work because I believe in what they are doing, and because their work is baring results.

The NJRC model, which started in Hudson County, is being replicated in Newark, Paterson and Toms River, and has been recognized as one of the best in the country by the United States Department of Justice. I look forward to continuing to work with the NJRC so we can give New Jersey residents who have made mistakes, the opportunity to atone for them, and become self- sufficient, contributing members of society.”

—New Jersey General Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 17 NJRC Locations: Shown from left: Martin’s Place, located in Jersey City. The Jersey City Employment and Training Program and Integrity House’s drug and alcohol treatment center are located here. • The NJRC at the Greater Newark Conservancy, which also includes City Bloom • The Center of Hope in Paterson • The Toms River branch, located downtown on Main Street

employment preparation as a majority of the • Hudson County is unique in that classroom hours. In program year 2014-2015 individuals born in Hudson County must the following objectives were met: go to Trenton for a birth certificate. Therefore, we partnered with a local aa All 111 (100%) of the PEPP clients received job coaching and employment preparation self-help agency that goes to Trenton services. Enrollment in the program weekly to retrieve documents for guarantees receiving those services. participants who produce the necessary prerequisite documentation. bb Assist participants in obtaining sustainable employment. • 65 (59%) individuals were placed in Same Sky: Same Sky, employment founded by Francine LeFrak, is a trade • 56 (86%) individuals retained a job at initiative that creates least 30 days employment • 48 (74%) individuals retained a job at opportunities for least 60 days women facing • 42 (65%) individuals retained a job at difficulties rising out of least 90 days extreme poverty. At Same Sky, female cc Ensure that there are no new arrests for a artisans use their talents to create beautifully 6-month period. crafted jewelry pieces to sell in America and • 12 (11%) individuals were rearrested across the world. Originally established in within 6 months. Rwanda to help female victims of the horrific 1994 genocide, Same Sky has branched out PEPP Year 1 Programmatic Changes: to the United States, and more specifically, to Hudson County. • We employed bilingual staff in order to communicate with our clients and serve Working with Mayor Steven Fulop of Jersey their needs more effectively. City, Same Sky America was established in • We brought on an Adult Basic Education Jersey City. Locally, Same Sky America is teacher to improve literacy skills. working with women of the Most Excellent • We increased outreach to local GED Way Life Center, who have recently been programs in order to meet those needs. released from the Hudson County Jail. Same Sky America trains these women and • We provided bus tickets for clients to get employs them to hand-bead the Same Sky to and from job interviews (and some Benefit Collection, which consists of creative, other job search/work related needs) to fashionable bracelets admired by women of combat high transportation costs.

18 2015 Annual Report Client Success Story: Tariq

Tariq’s story: Growing up, Tariq’s mother was not involved in his life, and his father died when he was just 11 years old. Tariq was raised by his grandmother, who provided him with love and At the Same Sky jewelry kiosk at the Newport Mall in Jersey City, support. Despite this, Tariq Francine LeFrak, Founder, Same Sky, right, speaks about the jewelry harbored a lot of negativity, hand-crafted by Barbara and Nicole, center, who are part of a group of female artisans at the Most Excellent Way Life Center. At left is religious doubts in particular. Reverend Gloria Walton, Founder, Most Excellent Way Life Center, This weighed him down and led him to become who coordinates the jewelry-making program with Francine. These involved in a gang during high school, where Hudson County artisans created all of the jewelry in Same Sky America’s “Benefit Collection.” he felt more understood. Upon graduating and completing a year of community college, Tariq’s gang involvement resulted in an arrest with 10 months in county jail. A week after Tariq returned home, his mother died.

“I really just went downhill,” Tariq said of his all ages. With the employment opportunities mother’s passing. He was soon arrested again, provided by Same Sky America, these Hudson this time for three years. Upon release, Tariq tried County women have been able to earn a to get his life back together but found himself stable income and improve their sense of slipping back into old ways. In 2010, he was arrested and given a five-year sentence. This time, dignity and confidence, which is the foundation Tariq was determined to change his mindset. needed to pursue their passions, attend school, He began studying the laws of the universe and and lead successful lives. karma, which motivated him to improve his future.

“Same Sky, in Partnership with Most “I had to literally change my whole way of Excellent Way, is giving women ex-offenders thinking... I came to the conclusion that I have to love myself.” Tariq said surrounding himself with a real, credible alternative to being trapped in good people had a significant impact on where the loop between jail and the streets,” said he is today. When he found the NJRC, he said it Francine LeFrak, Founder. “And it’s working: tremendously lightened his burden and motivated the women who participate in our program him to think positively. He credits the program are taking that alternative; the recidivism rate with his successes and expresses genuine for Same Sky artisans is zero.” gratitude for those who have helped him.

All of Tariq’s efforts, along with his positive Fireman Foundation: Jersey City attitude, have paid off. He was recently promoted Employment and Training Program (JCETP) to a full time position at the Hudson County received funding from the Fireman Parks and Rec Department, where there are Foundation for the Strengthening the Ladder opportunities for advancement. His new employer to Independence Program. Recognizing that will even pay for college courses. Tariq expressed access to high-quality job training and support great excitement for his new position and for his future. Now working full time, he can save for his are critical tools in preparing Jersey City’s own apartment, establish a family, and even get most vulnerable families (TANF recipients) to back into his passion: singing and songwriting. achieve self-sufficiency, the City of Jersey City in collaboration with JCETP implemented

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 19 “ Mayor Fulop Our efforts at reentry have been rewarding, not only for helping people maintain sobriety and achieve employment, but also for lives that have been transformed.

Spending time with our clients, understanding their needs, and Mayor Steven Fulop with Earl, a newly employed sharing both their pain and joy; I client from the New Jersey Reentry Corporation. realize the road back can be difficult. With reentry services, we lighten the load for the returning person and help them to help themselves to a healthier way of life.

My parents taught me that each of us has a duty to make our community better. Reentry helps Mayor Steven Fulop with Father Paul Nolan at the all of us to be better. New Jersey State Bar Association Reentry Conference, where many social justice advocates attended. —Mayor Steven Fulop of Jersey City

20 2015 Annual Report Client Success Story: Chris

an enhanced job readiness coaching model. Many of these adults with dependents subsiding off public assistance came to us Chris’ Story: Chris (name with extraordinary circumstances related to withheld) is a 31 year old lack of stable housing, access to childcare, lack male parolee who suffers from epilepsy—a hidden of appropriate attire for employment, and disability—which repercussions of domestic violence, among prevented him from taking other issues, which we attempted to address many jobs he desperately to remove their barriers to employment. wanted, to avoid being on Supplemental Security Income. Within approximately two weeks of Prisoner Reentry Conference participation in our program, Chris received a Our 2015 Prisoner Reentry Conference hosted “dream job” in an office setting. He had not keynote speaker Mike Tyson. “Iron Mike”, the made more than minimum wage since his former professional boxer and Heavyweight conviction in 2012. Chris has since reunited with Champion of the World, drew from his own his family and is now earning $12.00/hour as a receptionist, gaining crucial skills and work experience in the criminal justice system experience. He has successfully been able to to explain the difficult world of reentry. His maintain housing as a result of his continuing involvement with the court system, employment, which is vital to his continued extending into his years as a wealthy, beloved stability and success. celebrity, shows just how difficult it is to overcome negative behavior patterns and how important sobriety and pro-social connections are to successfully reintegrate. Tyson told us, “I had everything in the world… but I still had Esq., United States Attorney, District of New that darkness in me.” Jersey, former NYPD commissioner Bernard Kerik, and the Mayors of Newark, Paterson, and Some of our other guests included Mayor Trenton. We were thrilled by the turnout, and the Steven Fulop of Jersey City, Paul J. Fishman, conference helped begin countless new initiatives across the state of New Jersey, which have

Prisoner Reentry Conference: Christopher Hedges, Prisoner Reentry Conference: During the 2015 Prisoner accomplished author, Reentry Conference, keynote Presbyterian minister, and former New York Times journalist, was speaker Mike Tyson, Heavyweight Champion of the World, center, one of the keynote speakers at the 2015 Prisoner Reentry takes a picture with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, left, and Paul Conference. Hedges has dedicated his life to social justice. Fishman, Esq., United States Attorney, District of New Jersey.

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 21 Laborers Apprentice Training: L: The Jersey City Employment and Training Program’s clients have been receiving extensive training to become laborers through classes held at the Bethune Center of Jersey City. In February, they were in Jamesburg, NJ, where they received hands-on construction training in the town’s 20,000 square foot facility. R: At the Bethune Center, OSHA trainees listen attentively as current laborers offer insight, advice, and words of encouragement about the profession.

years of lock-up time. Former prisoners who are returning want something different. Unfortunately for so many of our clients, the chaos of the streets, and the mayhem of their past lives is the only thing they know. improved the lives of men and women with court involvement. For those 70 percent of prisoners that are addicted to drugs and alcohol, the only “job” The 2016 Prisoner Reentry Conference— that many inmates have had is the ”Reentry: A Moral Cause, a Proven Track purchasing and selling of drugs. Whether Record”—featured guest speakers including surviving gang territories, the violence of the Chris Christie, New Jersey Governor; Mark streets, interaction with police and the Holden, Senior Vice President and General criminal justice system, the soon to be Counsel, Koch Industries, Inc.; Reverend Al released individual may sincerely seek to do Sharpton, MSNBC, National Action Network; something different. The NJRC works to Honorable Andrew P. Napolitano, Fox News provide an entry point for the integration of Senior Judicial Analyst; Paul J. Fishman, needed services, pragmatic job training, and Esq., United States Attorney, District of New the feasibility of employment with the local Jersey; Ras J. Baraka, Mayor, City of Newark; business community. Karen M. Williams, United States Magistrate Judge, District of New Jersey; Francine LeFrak, But before services can ever be accessed, Founder, Same Sky; John Koufos, President, there must be a desire by the client—the New Jersey Reentry Corporation; and more. formerly incarcerated—to follow another course and to fashion a new narrative. Transforming Lives It is very tough when a person is coming Program Recidivism: Of the 300 reentry clients home from prison and struggles to live life served by JCETP last year, there was a 22% differently. Former prisoners do not want to recidivism rate. This year, using a 6 month return to prison for another 10 years, 15 benchmark, of the 129 clients who enrolled in

22 2015 Annual Report Client Success Story: Mike

Martin’s Place (JCETP’s Reentry Program) prior to June 30, 2015, only 24 clients (19%) have recidivated, which we define as having been Mike’s Story: Mike (name rearrested for a new offense. Eight clients withheld) is a 24-year old were rearrested for a technical violation, client with a previous which means that the remaining 97 clients charge for which he received a 5 year sentence with 5 years of parole; he was released from prison and came to JCETP in June 2015. An autodidact with 19% almost no formal schooling Since June 2015, of since the age of 14, Mike has spent the majority of the 129 clients his life in juvenile detention, jail and prison. enrolled in Martin’s Place, only 19% Upon entering our program, Mike was identified recidivated. as high risk from the onset and received cognitive behavioral therapy and a continuum of psychiatric care. He was re-connected with Bridgeway Crisis made it at least 6 months without being Center to re-start his psychiatric medication during his intake session with the Clinical Director, as his rearrested since enrolling in our program. seven days of medication issued from state prison Number of clients served to date: 404. had run out. During this time his psychological symptoms were significant. For comparison, according to the most recent data available from the State of New Jersey, Following completion of our orientation week and Release Outcome 2010 Report, 53% of released after enthusiastically engaging in employment and psychosocial programming, Mike was accepted individuals are rearrested within three years. into a prestigious Fellowship advocacy training program (with an Nationally, 67.8% of state prisoners released acceptance rate of only 15%) and is beginning in 2005 across 30 states were arrested within steps towards becoming a B.A. candidate at 3 years of release according to the most Columbia University. recent report from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (2014).

Addiction Treatment Integrity House: As the Jersey City community continues to be diverse and full of promising developments, it also experiences increased prevalence of substance use, increasing crime rates, high levels of poverty and homelessness, and the the Hudson County residents. lack of adequate employment opportunities. Throughout the last 24 months, the Jersey Integrity House is the current NJRC Jersey City City Employment and Training Program provider of evidence-based addictions (JCETP)/NJRC and Integrity House have treatment for both men and women in need of collaborated in addressing a number of the outpatient treatment. JCETP is the NJRC’s issues affecting the day-to-day livelihood of

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 23 “ Senate President Sweeney I have worked with others in support of reentry programs in New Jersey because they have proven successful in helping to break the link between unemployment, addiction and repeated incarceration. Those who get caught in this vicious cycle of substance abuse, joblessness, and crime can be offered a way out through programs that provide treatment, job training and the ability to reintegrate into society, their home communities and their families.

These reentry programs have proven to be successful and I believe the ongoing expansion to other counties in New Jersey should continue. They reduce recidivism, which results in safer communities, financial savings to the criminal justice system and better lives for the men and women who participate.

I applaud the work and commitment of the New Jersey Reentry Corporation in helping to transform prisoner reentry throughout the state.”

—New Jersey State Senate President Steve Sweeney

24 2015 Annual Report Meeting With Clients // Staff Training: L: John Koufos, Executive Director, and Jim McGreevey, Chairman, met with Darrell Baldon, Frank McClain, and Michael Lawson at Mates Inn at the NJDOC Headquarters in Trenton. R: At Martin’s Place—the New Jersey Reentry Corporation’s Jersey City location—John­ Koufos leads staff from all of NJRC’s locations in a training about the effectiveness of Vivitrol. Coupled with proper treatment and counseling, this prescribed medical injection helps individuals recover from opioid and alcohol dependence.

Jersey City source of employment and Training vocational training and services for the US Department of Transportation: The community. Through these partnerships we Jersey City Employment and Training work together towards improving the Program’s (JCETP’s) U.S. Department of community and providing a number of Transportation (U.S. DOT) grant program opportunities for individuals committed to serves a target population of minorities, rebuilding and restoring their lives. veterans, women, persons with disabilities, low income individuals, individuals in Individuals who engage in treatment at JCETP/ reentry, and otherwise underserved NJRC are most frequently convicted of individuals. This program provides remedial controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and education services, case management, other drug-related charges. Many have suffered commercial driver’s license (CDL) training from sexual abuse and a series of traumas that and Occupational Safety and Health have affected their lives tremendously. Administration (OSHA) training, employment services and pro bono legal assistance with In 2015, 97 JCETP clients were treated by driver’s license issues. Ultimately the Integrity House, which means they also had program connects individuals with careers in criminal charges. Forty-six of these the public transportation industry including individuals have a co-occurring mental health local unions and New Jersey Transit. issue in addition to their substance dependence. Forty-seven of these individuals The U.S. DOT grant program has worked are currently employed. The majority of these closely with Project Impact, Freeholder clients are African American males between William O’Dea and Hudson County Building the ages of 25-50. and Construction Trades President Patrick Kelleher’s program to assist individuals to gain admission into the building trades

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 25 Client Success Story: Tom

Tom’s Story: Tom came to our program after spending going. Tom was promoted at work, 30 years in jail. With nowhere to stay, no family, and found a new apartment, and so being out of the workforce for three decades, he was quickly demonstrated his diligence the perfect candidate for recidivism and and trustworthiness that he was reincarceration. Tom defied all expectations and offered to be his apartment building worked his way diligently through the employment supervisor. Though we’d love to say program at Martin’s Place, and he just kept going. that this is the norm, the success Tom has had is exceptional. From day one we noticed Tom was grateful for every opportunity presented to him and never had a harsh What we can say helps Tom succeed (where others word or moment of pessimism. The fact that he was stumble) is without a doubt his unflinching optimism staying clean and optimistic felt like a victory in itself and the fierce enthusiasm with which he chases his after all the time he’d spent on the inside­—but Tom goals. Tom has a profound ability to look at his life always had his eye on higher achievements. with healthy perspective, this lets him embrace even the littlest victories with great joy. We are proud of Tom Within weeks, Tom had been placed in a full time job at and know he will continue to achieve great things. a new restaurant. Within a few months, Tom moved out of government provided housing, and for the first time in 30 years he was living on his own. But Tom kept

26 2015 Annual Report Client Success Story: Derrick unions. Grant partners also include Jersey City, Hudson County, the Amalgamated Transit Union, New Jersey Transit, the Hudson Derrick: Derrick’s driving County Building and Construction Trades background was provided Council, the New Jersey Carpenters Union, by the NJMVC, who allowed the New Jersey Laborers Union, the Hudson JCETP to identify the unresolved traffic violations County Workforce Investment Board, and the that resulted in the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. suspension of his driver’s license. However, none of Since this program began in August 2015, the these violations were U.S. DOT Case Manager has completed 115 actually committed by him. intakes with individuals from these target One such violation was a ticket for driving without a license dated when Derrick was 6 populations. The Case Manager has worked weeks old. The pro bono lawyer was able to with all individuals to determine their career quickly resolve this mistaken charge with the interests, as well as to identify and remediate Jersey City Municipal Court, and help is still all barriers to employment. This includes being provided to Derrick to clear his assisting individuals with any driver’s license suspensions so he can get his driver’s license issues, linking individuals to state benefits, and have a better chance entering the workforce. assisting with skills remediation, and any other Without this information from the NJMVC, Derrick would not have known these case management needs that might affect an suspensions existed, and JCETP would not have individual’s ability to obtain and maintain a job. been able to assist him in clearing up the error.

In December, the program hosted one remedial education class for nine individuals to prepare them for Tile Layers test with Local 7 out of Long Island City, New York. The class ran for two weeks, in the evening. The nine individuals were bused to the testing location in Long Island City in order to complete the union test and application.

That same month, JCETP was recognized for the impact of its U.S. DOT grant program by Ray Greaves at the Amalgamated Transit Union Holiday Luncheon, and at Freeholder O’Dea’s Holiday Breakfast.

In January, in partnership with the New Jersey Laborers Union, a class of 17 individuals began Laborers Apprentice training consisting of one week of OSHA-30 training in Jersey City followed by an 80-hour general construction training in Jamesburg, New Jersey. The U.S. DOT grant program provided transportation to and from Gene McKnight, case manager, with Rosalie, a client from NJRC, celebrating her second job with utility services.

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 27 Working Scholars Program: Community Service Youth from the Working Scholars Program came together on Tuesday, December 22 to clean up debris at the Martin Luther King Hub Plaza.

Jamesburg for the two-week training. The Community Service: The Working Scholars program then connects these individuals Program is committed to helping the youth with work. earn their High School Equivalency, gain work experience and develop skills to have a Out of School Youth Program: Program long term connection to the labor market. goals are to increase competency by two One of the ways in which they begin to grade levels in reading and math, or GED develop soft skills and work experience is equivalent, place participants in paid through community service projects. employment and connect them with mentors. Services also include pregnancy Of the students enrolled in the program, 25% prevention, life skills and work readiness are undecided about their career path or preparation. Community connections were goals. After taking career assessments, 100% made regarding the mentorship aspects with of our students have been able to discover local businesses such as Jersey City Invest their strengths and weaknesses and get one and HCAEH Youth and Education Committee. step closer to discovering their career path and setting goals for employment. The first cohort of the Working Scholars started on December 1, 2015 with 29 youth who are Partnerships: Through networking, the 16-24 years old. The group is comprised of program coordinator has been able to 46% females and 54% males; 97% are African partner with community organizations, American or Latino, 92% live in households churches and schools in Jersey City to that earn below the poverty level, 100% have connect with more out of school youth and dropped out of high school, 12% have volunteer mentors. Partnerships include Mt. children, 3% have a disability and 12% are on Pisgah AME Church, Mt. Olive Baptist Church, probation. Since the start, we have been Hudson Pride, Lincoln High School, Project able to maintain a 90% retention rate, losing Invest, Hudson Partnership CMO, New Jersey three people to incarceration. All three of the City University and leaders of local individuals who have been incarcerated plan businesses in Jersey City. to re-enroll in our second cohort in March.

28 2015 Annual Report Moved by Our Stories? Here are ways you can help make a difference.

DONATE: Our clients are always CONNECT: Some of the most VOLUNTEER: We always in need of attire for interviews valuable resources available are welcome interns to assist with and professional networking the human capital we each program operations and to help events. There are also small fees possess. We are always on the foster interest in this important associated with things such as lookout for new partners, field. We also welcome mentors license restoration, personal especially as it relates to for our youth program. care products and client employment and training transportation costs. opportunities for our clients.

CONTACT US: 398 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305 • P: 551.222.4323 F: 201.630.4187

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 29 Addressing Barriers New Jersey State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division: JCETP has prioritized Jersey City One Stop Operating Center: forging unique relationships with legal service Through our link with the Jersey City One providers in response to fulfilling an unmet Stop, clients are assessed for skill deficiencies need among program participants. We have so the proper services can be provided to recruited 56 pro bono lawyers from the New them. These include literacy assessment and Jersey State Bar Association Young Lawyers TABE testing. Workforce Learning Link (WFLL) Division. This NJSBA program is the first of services such as Adult Basic Education, GED its kind in the state. These collaborating and TASC are provided to help close skill gaps. attorneys clear driving issues in courts All clients must meet with the One Stop WFLL statewide, including conversion of fines to Counselor stationed at the JC One Stop in previously served incarceration time. They order to be enrolled into WFLL. Business also provide representation and assistance in Services include employer outreach and job family court matters including child support. matching as well as a list of all training needs assessment, eligibility and case management, and enrollment into training. Training is based Endnotes on eligibility and available, applicable training 1 Photo by Mike Mozart, https://www.flickr.com/photos/ jeepersmedia/13297827333/, 2014. services such as TDL warehouse training 2 American Psychological Association. (2014). Incarceration nation. October 2014, Vol 45, No. 9 under the JFF/Walmart grant and Solar Panel 3 James, N. (2015). Offender Reentry: Correctional Statistics, Reintegration into the Community, and Recidivism. Congressional Technician training under WIA/WIOA. Research Service. 4 James, N. (2015). Offender Reentry: Correctional Statistics, Reintegration into the Community, and Recidivism. Congressional Research Service. New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission: 5 The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University. (2010). Behind Bars II: Substance Abuse and Beginning in March of 2015 the State of New America’s Prison Population. New York: Author. Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) 6 The Council of State Governments, Justice Center, National Reentry Resource Center, What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse: began providing a much needed service to Substance Abuse, http://whatworks.csgjusticecenter.org/focus_ areas/substance-abuse. the clients being served by the Jersey City 7 The Council of State Governments, Justice Center, National Reentry Resource Center, What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse: Employment and Training Program (JCETP), Housing, http://whatworks.csgjusticecenter.org/focus_areas/ housing. which serves low income, unemployed and 8 James, N. (2015). Offender Reentry: Correctional Statistics, Reintegration into the Community, and Recidivism. Congressional underemployed individuals from Hudson Research Service. 9 Anderson, S. (1995). Evaluation of the impact of correctional County, NJ who are seeking employment. education programs on recidivism. Columbus, OH: Office of Management Information Systems, Helping individuals find employment is a Bureau of Planning and Evaluation, Ohio Department of multifaceted task and requires a multifaceted Rehabilitation and Correction. Andrews, D., & Bonta, J. (1994). The psychology of criminal approach. One of the main impediments to conduct. Cincinnati, OH: Anderson. Wilson, D., Gallagher, C., & MacKenzie, D. (2000). A meta-analysis most employment opportunities that many of of corrections-based education vocation, and work programs for adult offenders. Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 37, our formerly incarcerated clients face is a lack 347–368. Gerber, J., & Fritsch, E. (1995). Adult academic and vocational of a driver’s license. Since partnering with the correctional education programs: A review of recent research. Journal of Offender Rehabilitation, 22, 119–142. NJMVC, there has been an exponential 10 Piehl, A. (1998). Economic conditions, work, and crime. In M. Tonry (Ed.), The handbook of crime and punishment. New York: increase in the number of individuals being Oxford University Press. Saylor, W., & Gaes, G. (1996). PREP: Training inmates through able to clear up unresolved issues that impede industrial work participation and vocational and apprenticeship them from obtaining a license. This gives instruction. Washington, DC: U.S. Federal Bureau of Prisons. 11 The Council of State Governments, Justice Center, National clients hope and helps to reduce the backlog Reentry Resource Center, What Works in Reentry Clearinghouse: Employment, http://whatworks.csgjusticecenter.org/focus_areas/ of unpaid fines and outstanding legal issues. employment-topic.

30 2015 Annual Report Thank You to Our Partners A. Harry Moore School • Amalgamated Transit Union • The Archdiocese of Newark Roman Catholic Church • Barnabas Health • Bridgeway Crisis Center • Brightside Tavern • City of Jersey City • Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corporation • Historic Loews Theater • Hope House • Hudson County • Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council • Hudson County Division of Family Services • Hudson County Division of Housing • Hudson County Prosecutors • Hudson County Public Defenders • Hudson County Schools of Technology • Hudson County Workforce Development Board • Hudson Partnerships CMO • Hudson Pride Connections • Integrity House • InterAct Museum • Jersey City Department of Public Safety • Jersey City Department of Recreation • Jersey City Medical Center • Jersey Explorer Children’s Museum • Kenmare High School • Juvenile Intensive Supervision Program • Khaleidoscope Health Center • Laborers’ International Union of North America • Let’s Celebrate Soup Kitchen • Light Horse Tavern • Light Rail Cafe • Mary Bethune Center • Metropolitan Family Health Network • Most Excellent Way Life Center • Mt. Pisgah AME Church, Jersey City • National Alliance on Mental Illness • New Jersey Carpenters Apprenticeship Training and Educational Fund • New Jersey City University • The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs • The New Jersey Department of Corrections • The New Jersey Department of Health • The New Jersey Department of Human Services • New Jersey Department of Labor • The New Jersey Department of Vocational Rehabilitative Services • New Jersey Motor Vehicles Commission • New Jersey State Bar Association Young Lawyers Division (YLD) • The New Jersey State Parole Board • New Jersey Transit • New Jersey Youth Corps • North Hudson Community Action Corporation • Plumbers Local 24 • The Port Authority of NY and NJ • Project Home • Project Impact • Project Safe Neighborhoods • Rutgers University • Self-Help of Collaborative Support Program of NJ • Starting Points Inc. • Suits for Success/ Dress for Success • The York Street Project • Young Lawyers Division of Jersey State Bar Commission

New Jersey Reentry Corporation | WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG 31 “Perfect love casteth out fear.”

—John 4:18, KJV

WWW.NJREENTRY.ORG @NJ_Reentry /NJReentry

Apply to our Jersey City Administrative Office Employment Program Today: 398 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive P: 551.222.4323 F: 201.630.4187 Jersey City, NJ 07305