Reentry Guide: Navigating Life After Incarceration
Reentering society comes with many challenges—and opportunities for growth. As human beings, we all have basic needs like food, safety, and shelter—but we also have deeper needs like connection, purpose, and healing. During your time in prison, some of those needs may not have been fully met. Our goal with this guide is to offer a roadmap to help you not just survive but truly thrive.
Give yourself grace as you move through this process. Change—even the good kind—can be overwhelming. And depending on how long you’ve been in the system, adjusting to life on the outside might feel unfamiliar or even frustrating at times. That’s completely normal.
This guide is here to support you. It’s grounded in psychology—specifically Maslow’s hierarchy of needs—and offers practical steps to help you rebuild your life, one layer at a time.
Laying the Groundwork
Upon release, your first steps should be taking care of your basic needs, such as food, water, clothing and shelter. You also may need to secure your ID. It can feel like a lot all at once, but you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
There are resources out there designed to support you through this transition. One of the easiest ways to start is by using the Resource Center from Honest Jobs. Just type in your zip code, and it will help you find local programs that offer food, housing, transportation, healthcare, and more.
Another great resource is Fair Shake, a nonprofit that believes deeply in second chances. Their website is packed with helpful tools and links, including info on 211— a nationwide, 24/7 helpline that connects you to local services—and the National Reentry Network, which offers around-the-clock support, especially during those critical first three days after release. You can check out Fair Shake here.
If possible, you might also consider staying with a friend or family member you trust. Having someone you already know in your corner can make a big difference as you get back on your feet.
Finding Work, Rebuilding Life
Once your immediate needs are met, the next step is finding steady, meaningful work—a job that supports you financially and gives you a sense of purpose. Employment is a big milestone, and while it can take time, it’s absolutely within reach.
Start by putting together a clean, professional resume and cover letter. Practice answering common interview questions and if possible, try to line up a few references. If you’re not sure where to begin, check out our Career Center with online resources here.
Keep in mind: landing a job usually doesn’t happen overnight. It might take multiple applications—and many rejections—before the right opportunity comes along. That’s totally normal. Stay persistent and don’t get discouraged.
If you need more hands-on support, there are excellent reentry programs designed specifically to help you succeed. Check out the Community Partners Map from the Second Chance Business Coalition to find local programs in your area. You can also explore the Ready4Work Program, an initiative by the National Reentry Network that helps with job training, placement, and support.
We understand that this part of the reentry process can feel overwhelming, so we’ve created a separate article focused just on the job search. You can check that out here.
Finding a Permanent Place to Live (if needed)
Once you’ve started earning a steady income, it might be time to look for a more permanent place to live—especially if you don’t already have a stable housing situation.
It is helpful to learn about the variety of housing options that exist. There is group housing, supportive housing, rental housing, and home ownership. If you are looking to live independently with limited savings, rental housing may be the way to go. Also, check if there are any local organizations that help formerly incarcerated individuals find housing such as The Fortune Society.
Processing Difficult Emotions and Experiences
Even after you’ve found a job and a place to live, there is still important inner work to do. Incarceration takes a toll—and while you’ve left the prison walls behind, you may still be carrying a lot inside. That’s completely normal.
You might have gone through traumatic experiences—while serving time or before your incarceration. It can be tempting to push those feelings aside and focus only on survival, but real freedom means giving yourself space to heal, too.
The good news is healing is possible; your brain is built to adapt and grow—this ability is called “neuroplasticity.” That means you can retrain your brain—to form healthier thought patterns, adjust to life on the outside, and create a new future for yourself.
Everyone’s healing journey looks a little different, but here are a few ways to start processing your emotions:
- Talk with a licensed therapist or counselor
- Open up to a trusted friend or mentor
- Read books that offer hope, tools, or personal stories
- Journal about your experiences and feelings
- Spend time in prayer or meditation, alone or with others
You don’t have to figure this out all at once—and you don’t have to do it alone. Be patient with yourself. Each step you take toward healing helps you build a life that feels more stable, meaningful, and your own.
Building Community
As you continue to work towards your individual healing, one of the most powerful things you can do is start building—or rebuilding—community. Reentry includes reconnecting with people and forming healthy relationships that support your growth.
Start by thinking about the relationships you already have. Are there family members or old friends you’d like to reconnect with? Reach out. Show interest in their lives and look for ways to build stronger bonds.
Next, consider expanding your circle. Meeting new people can feel intimidating at first, but it’s worth it. You might connect with others by joining local groups, taking a class in something you enjoy, or visiting a local church or community center. These kinds of spaces can open the door to real, lasting friendships.
You might also consider finding a mentor—someone who’s walked a similar path and can offer guidance and encouragement as you adjust to life outside. Programs like the Peer Navigator Program, offered by the National Reentry Network, are designed to match you with people who truly understand what you’re going through.
Learning New Things
Once you’ve started to feel grounded and built strong relationships, it’s a great time to explore new interests or learn new skills. Try picking up a hobby that brings you joy. Whether it’s drawing, knitting, playing sports, writing, or something totally new, finding an activity you enjoy can boost your confidence, ease stress, and bring more balance to your life.
You can also take things a step further by continuing your education. Learning new skills can open exciting opportunities and even lead to better job options. Blackstone Career Institute offers flexible online career training and certificate programs that you can complete from home and at your own pace. But that’s just one option—there are many other online learning options out there. The key is to find something that fits your goals and interests.
Using Your Journey to Help Others
As you grow and heal, one of the most meaningful things you can do is give back. Your experiences can become a powerful gift to others who are still finding their way.
There are countless ways to give back. You might make cards for people in nursing homes, knit scarves for children in need, or mentor someone who’s walking a path you know all too well. Volunteering with a local nonprofit is another great way to make a difference and connect with your community.
Take time to explore causes that matter to you. Whether it’s helping the elderly, supporting youth, or serving in a reentry program, your contribution can have a lasting impact.
And remember—progress isn’t always a straight line. There will be ups and downs along the way. What matters is that you keep showing up for yourself and others. Celebrate the small wins, no matter how small they seem.
Every step forward counts.
Additional Reentry Resources/Programs:
- Self – https://www.self-reentry.org/
- Maine Inside Out – https://www.maineinsideout.org/
- Reform – https://reformalliance.com/#
- Youth Sentencing and Reentry Project – https://ysrp.org/
- Unlock Potential – https://www.unlock-potential.org/
- Project Return – https://projectreturninc.org/
- Spark Inside Coaching in Prisons – https://www.sparkinside.org/
- Goodwill Northern New England (NNE) – https://goodwillnne.org/success-stories/goodwill-nne-partners-with-local-prison-to-offer-paid-work-experience/
