Start Here St. Louis Area Resource Directory
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RE-ENTRY

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IDENTIFICATION
Do your best to obtain one or two valid forms of ID (state picture ID and birth certificate) before you start looking for work and a place to stay, as well as other services. Inmates should start the process of obtaining ID before leaving prison, if possible. Dept. of Corrections case managers will sometimes assist with this. Picture ID is required before starting a job.

CLICK HERE for information and instructions on how to obtain birth and death certificates throughout the state of Missouri.

COLLEGE CHURCH OUTREACH PROGRAM
St. Francis Xavier College Church
SFX Ballroom at 3620 Lindell (just west of Grand, entrance on Grand)  63108  

www.sfxstl.org/outreach     314-266-9557 
They assist with both birth certificates and Missouri State IDs.  Arrive by 8:45am on Tuesdays (NOT Wednesdays).  Appointments strongly encouraged.
Here is a link to their flyer, which can be printed for distribution.
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The City of St. Louis has "banned the box." That means that applications for employment with the City of St. Louis will no longer require job applicants to check a box if they have a felony conviction. This is becoming more widespread with other employers as well.

EXPUNGEMENT
Click here for a comprehensive article about Senate Bill 588, which allows expungement of certain felony convictions.
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FAIR SHAKE
www.fairshake.net
This website is packed with information, resources, links, advice, and more. 
Sex Offender Resource Guide
www.fairshake.net/sex-offenses-2/

TIPS FOR JOB SEEKERS Lots of practical advice. Feel free to print and distribute.

If you do a Google search using the words "HELPFUL INFORMATION FOR THE EX-OFFENDER," you'll find a number of resources that actually could be helpful!

Employers may be eligible for tax credits when they hire ex-offenders. For information about WOTC, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, click CLICK HERE.

Here are some useful websites for employment and other issues:
http://www.felon-jobs.com/resources/
http://www.changelives.org
http://www.saferfoundation.org/
http://www.goodwill.org/
http://www.delanceystreetfoundation.org/
http://lac.org/
http://www.careeronestop.org/


PRISON ACTIVIST RESOURCE CENTER
www.prisonactivist.org/resources
PARC corresponds with and mails a directory of these resources to prisoners, their friends and family members. We are often the first point of contact for people to connect with prisoners' rights organizations, community organizations, prison literature and arts projects, family and visiting resources, health car, legal and LGBTQ resources, parole and pre-release resources, and the prison abolition movement.

​To view a PDF of the National Reentry Resource Center CLICK HERE.

CLICK HERE for many re-entry ideas, links, resources including grants for felons.

CALL FOR HELP, INC.
9400 Lebanon Rd. East St. Louis, IL  62203
www.callforhelpinc.org   618-397-0968

Multi-service agency responding to crisis situations in the metro East area.

CENTER FOR WOMEN IN TRANSITION (CWIT)
7529 South Broadway  63111

www.cwitstl.org   314-771-5207
There are two transitional housing facilities in St. Louis city for women reentering the St. Louis area from a correctional facility. Comprehensive supportive housing.
Courtois House: All women are participants in the organization’s mentoring program and other programs. Residents may stay up to one year.
Schirmer House: Opened in 2007, provides housing for 30 women who are fulfilling state-mandated supervision requirement. It is partially funded by Missouri Department of Corrections and has four full time employees, a probation officer, and a 24-hour security team. Women can stay up to 120 days and then are transferred to a less restrictive facility or allowed to go home.
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COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY (CAASTL)
2709 Woodson Rd.  63114
www.caastlc.org   314-863-0015

Assists residents of St. Louis County meet the terms of their probation and parole, including GED, money management, drug and alcohol, counseling, family development, job readiness and placement.


CONCORDANCE ACADEMY
www.concordanceacademy.org    314-396-6001

Reentry support program that starts six months before an inmate is released and continues for up to one year after return to the community. Three primary areas: behavioral health and wellness; education and employment; and community and life skills. The organization is currently operating in select Missouri and Illinois prisons. Call or check the website for more information and enrollment qualifications. 
 
CONNECTIONS TO SUCCESS and DRESS FOR SUCCESS
www.connectionstosuccess.org
2125 Bissell 
63107  (No street sign - In the Grace Hill building
near Grand and Florissant)  314-584-6887
3000 Little Hills Expressway St. Charles 63301 636-940-8027 

New location in East St Louis:
601 James R Thompson Blvd .  SIUE Campus - Building B
East St Louis, IL  62202   618-482-8359

Monday-Friday 9:00 am-4:00 pm. Both organizations provide clothing for job interviews and outfits for starting work before the first paycheck. Also, counseling and job readiness. They work with men and women who have been incarcerated, as well as other job seekers. Call to make an appointment if possible.

CONSTRUCTION CAREER  DEVELOPMENT  INITIATIVE (CCDI)
2199 Innerbelt Business Center Dr.    63114
www.ccdi.org   314-258-2460

On the job training, mentoring, apprenticeships, job placement and more.
Programs designed to bring diversity and career development to minority and underrepresented men and women.  Up to age 26.

CORIZON RE-ENTRY RESOURCES
www.corizonreentry.com/missouri
An online partnership between the Missouri Department of Corrections and Corizon Health.  A variety of re-entry and service listings across the state of Missouri, including, food, housing, employment, medical and more. 

CRIMINAL BACKGROUND: EMPLOYERS AND INFORMATION
www.goodwill.org or www.mersgoodwill.org
www.employmentstl.org (Employment Connection)

NELP: The National Employment Law Project 
Promotes policies and programs that create good jobs, strengthen upward mobility, enforce worker rights, and improved benefits and services. Resources and legal assistance.

​
How to get a job with a criminal record. Practical tips. 

How to Get a Good Job even if you are a Convicted Felon

CRIMINAL JUSTICE MINISTRY
1104 S. Jefferson  63104
www.cjmstlouis.org   314-652-8062

For incarcerated individuals, CJM offers inside classes, tutoring and counseling.  For recently released individuals, CJM offers short-term, basic needs services and long-term, reentry housing services, including clothing, hygiene products, bus passes, assistance for rent/utilities, weekly classes/counseling (anger management) and referrals to.  CJM has three different long-term, reentry housing programs (Release to Rent, Release to Rent Veterans and Release to Rent Lite).  These programs include the following services for 12 months: housing placement, rental/utility assistance, employment referrals, counseling/treatment assistance, 24/7 case management, life skill and financial planning and others based on individual need. Women now eligible for housing program.
IMPORTANT: If you are interested in services, please contact CJM at the phone number provided or email: info@cjmstlouis.org.  PO should contact CJM in advance (if incarcerated, at least 3 months before release).

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY CENTERS
4495 Forest Park Ave.  63108
314-535-6670

The Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) are part of the federally-funded TRIO program and provides free educational counseling to assist individuals in furthering their education beyond high school. Call for an appointment.
Educational Opportunity Center
1408 N Kingshighway Blvd., #107   314-367-8100
4644 Gravois Ave.   314-352-4113
13 N Oaks Plaza   314-385-4005

East St. Louis, IL Educational Opportunity Center
601 James R Thompson Blvd., Building B, Suite 2079 East St. Louis, IL.  62201   618-482-6931  

EMPLOYMENT CONNECTION
2838 Market St.  63103
www.employmentstl.org   314-333-JOBS (5627)

Free employment services to ex-offenders and persons who have a barrier to finding and maintaining employment, and to St. Louis area businesses who are seeking qualified job applicants. World of Work (WOW) training is Monday-Thursday, 9:00am-3:30pm. Services provided include: GED classes, on-site job fairs, placement services, homeless veterans program, disabled veterans program. Bring ID.


FATHERS  and FAMILIES SUPPORT CENTER
Main Location: 1601 Olive Street
St. Louis,  MO 63103

www.fatherssupportcenter.org   314-333-4170
Areas of focus include job readiness and retention skills. Participants are paired with trained mentors who provide support and guidance in finding employment as well as teaching family life skills. Other programs include a legal clinic, youth leadership and 'The Family Formation'. Now working with women and families.
NORTH OAKS SHOPPING PLAZA
26B North Oaks Plaza.  63121
THE MET CENTER
6347 Plymouth Avenue
Wellston, MO 63133
NORTH COUNTY LOCATION
1433 Stein Rd.   Ferguson, MO    63135
TRANSITION CENTER OF ST. LOUIS
1621 N. 1st Street   63102


FEDERAL BONDING PROGRAM (Dept. of Economic Development)
421 East Dunklin St., PO Box 1087 Jefferson City  65102
573-526-8217

Provides fidelity bonding insurance coverage to individuals with criminal histories and other high-risk job applicants.

FELONS GET HIRED

www.felonsgethired.com
Extensive felon friendly job database. Reentry programs listed by state, in addition to housing resources and information for employers and more.

FISCAL TIGER
Job Help for Felons: A Career Guide and Employment Resource for Former Offenders

www.fiscaltiger.com

FORTUNE SOCIETY
Located in the New York City area but website contains an assortment of useful information.

www.fortunesociety.org/coming-home/

GATEWAY FOUNDATION DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT CENTERS
www.gatewaycorrections.org/locations/missouri/      877-505-4673,   816-559-8079
1430 Olive Street #300 63103  314-421-6188 and other locations

Gateway operates programs for the Missouri Department of Corrections in various institutions across the state and in other states.  Outpatient treatment at 1430 Olive .

GOODWILL
Current Job Listings:

www.mersgoodwill.org
Locations:
Career Center of Downtown St. Louis
1727 Locust St
St Louis  63103   314-436-3540
Career Center of Franklin County
1380 High St., Suite 6
Washington  63091    636-239-2225
Career Center of North St. Louis
1760 New Florissant Rd. N
Florissant  63033   314-831-9171
Career Center of Nixa
202 W St., Suite 2
Nixa  65714   417-725-9800
Career Center of South St. Louis
7321 S Lindbergh Suite 50
St. Louis  63125   314-845-1922

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH

THIS IS A LINK to many Missouri re-entry resources provided by Human Rights Watch.
(Some of these listings are out of date)

ISAIAH 58 MINISTRIES
2149 South Grand  63104  

www.i58ministries.org    314-776-1410
Computers and other resources available between 10:00am-1:00pm.

JOBS FOR FELONS HUB

www.jobsforfelonshub.com
Extensive online resources. Free guide, connections to legal representation, reentry programs, list of employers that hire felons, and more.

JUSTINE PETERSEN
1023 North Grand Blvd.  63106
929 North 15th St., East St. Louis, IL  62205
www.justinepetersen.org/  314-533-2411

Homeowner and small business loans, credit counseling, first time homebuyer options and more. ​NEW PROGRAM: education and micro business loans for formerly incarcerated individuals, with a specific focus on those who are parents.

KAIROS OUTSIDE
PO Box 191214  63119
www.koeastmo.org   636-577-4733

Support for the families of persons who are or have been incarcerated in the country’s correctional facilities, and county jails and youth offender programs.


LAUGHING BEAR BAKERY
1610 Olive (in Centenary United Methodist Church)  63103  
www.laughingbearbakery.tumblr.com
A work-skills re-integration program for ex-offenders. 

LEGAL SERVICES OF EASTERN MISSOURI
4232 Forest Park Blvd.  63108
314-534-4200 Legal Aid: 800-444-0514

www.lsem.org/
Free legal services for those who cannot afford an attorney for civil matters, services for those who qualify under income guidelines, preventive legal education programs. Clients seen by appointment Mon-Fri 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF ILLINOIS

1405 State St. East St. Louis, IL  62205
www.lssi.org   618-601-3459
Services include employment, school and resources for clothing, housing, identification, medical, mental health and employment. Ex-offender re-entry program.

MEDS FOR EX-OFFENDERS
 www.rxoutreach.org. 
90 days of free medication now available for ex-offenders from the time they leave prison until they get other funding through Rx Outreach grant.  Check website for details.

MISSOURI CURE
PO Box 28931  63132
www.missouricure.org 
​www.curenational.org   877-525-CURE (2873)

Organizes and unites offenders, their families, and others for education and advocacy in criminal justice issues. CURE is an international movement that seeks to reduce crime through reform of the criminal justice system. They do not provide legal services directly.

MISSION GATE PRISON MINISTRY
PO Box 6644 Chesterfield  63006
www.missiongateministry.org   636-391-8560

Christian-based Aftercare Program that is available to ex-inmates. There are men’s, family and women’s residences available throughout the area.


​MISSION ST. LOUIS
3108 N Grand Blvd  63107 
www.missionstl.org   314-534-1188
Job & Leadership Training (JLT)  to empower at-risk men, recruiting adult males seeking access to comprehensive professional and personal skill-building. Four sessions of JLT each year. Carpentry and construction skills.
Job & Leadership Training (JLT) program four times per year, recruiting adult males seeking access to comprehensive professional and personal skill-building. Includes stipend and bonus upon completion, if eligible. Sessions focus on hard and soft skills, such as resume creation, networking, mentoring, self care, conflict management and participants’ roles within their families and communities.

MISSOURI DEPT. OF CORRECTIONS
www.doc.mo.gov
Information about re-entry programs and information that is useful for friends and family of incarcerated persons.

MISSOURIANS FOR ALTERNATIVES TO THE DEATH PENALTY
www.madpmo.org
​
MORE THAN CARPENTRY
1259 Stephen Jones Ave.  63133
www.morethancarpentry.org   314-862-0515
Cabinetmaking Apprenticeship Program for qualified men and women. 18-weeks of classroom and hands-on training. Paid apprenticeship program. Call for more information.

NATIONAL REENTRY RESOURCE CENTER

To view a PDF of the National Reentry Resource Center CLICK HERE.

THIS IS A LINK to many Missouri re-entry resources provided by Human Rights Watch.

NATIONAL FATHERHOOD INITIATIVE
www.fatherhood.org/insideoutdad
A national program that works to develop strong relationships between fathers who have been incarcerated and their children. Check this website for ideas and resources. Includes re-entry resources.

NEAR SOUTHSIDE EMPLOYMENT COALITION
2649 Pestalozzi St.  63118
www.nsecworks.org   314-865-4453
They have a good history of working with and referring ex-offenders. Services include job referrals and placement, job readiness skills training offered in conjunction with local employers, life skills classes, summer job opportunities for youth, and career planning and assessment for all clients. We also make social services referrals through a near south side social services network as needed.

NORTH COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP.
2483 Alexandria Place Pkwy  63136
www.northcountycdc.org   314-867-9160

Shelter and transitional housing programs to prevent homelessness, including a prison re-entry program.

PARENT LINK

www.parentlink.missouri.edu 800-552-8522  Espanol 888-460-0008
Answers and resources about parenting issues. Support for incarcerated parents.
ParentLink reaches out to incarcerated parents through Parenting Corners.  Parenting Corners are displays of parenting materials and target specific audiences. Prison Parenting Corners are located at 21 Missouri correctional facilities.

PRISON ACTIVIST RESOURCES
www.prisonactivist.org/resources
Links to many organizations and resources nationwide, including " A Jailhouse Lawyer's Manual."

SLACO
5888 Plymouth Ave.  63112  

www.slaco-mo.org     314-361-9406
SLACO is hosting free Beginner and Advanced Computer Evening classes for Adults. Call for schedule. Basic Computer Skills, Microsoft Office, more.

ST. LOUIS ALLIANCE FOR RE-ENTRY (STAR)
www.stlreentry.org

A coalition of groups and agencies working to make the re-entry process more successful.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE(S)

www.stlcc.edu

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY REENTRY PROGRAM FOR EX-OFFENDERS
1809 S 8th St.  63104   314-951-4048 
Drug and alcohol recovery meetings and more. Transitional housing program for men.
Support programs for men and women. Call for information.

ST. LOUIS REGION CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESOURCE ECOSYSTEM MAP
www.clarkfoxstl.com/mapping/criminal-justice
An extensive system of information about agencies and organizations that are
nvolved in some way with Criminal Justice.

ST. LOUIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
1520 Market, Room 4050  63103
www.stlouis-mo.gov   314-612-5100.
Aids Testing and Info: 888-291-AIDS(2437)

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE INITIATIVE 
www.slu.edu

A collaborative community-based research program. Currently working on site with the City of St. Louis jail populations to create services and provide support to incarcerated women and men before and after they are released.

SOUL FISHER MINISTRIES
7267 Natural Bridge Rd.   63121
www.thesoulfisherministries.com    314-381-0401
AGAPE: Adult General Academic Program of Education (AGAPE)
Pre and Post Release Program.Begins during incarceration and is based on the Adult Continuing Education program currently being implemented by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).  Faith-based transitional housing program committed to assisting and empowering women for successful reintegration into their family and the community. Offers free mandatory educational programs.

TEEN (AND ADULT) CHALLENGE OF ST. LOUIS
PO Box 213 High Ridge  63049

www.teenchallengestl.com/   636-677-1776
A faith-based 14-month residential recovery program for men of all ages that works with the Hillsboro probation office when needed. Minimal entry fee; the program is free to participants and includes GED instruction, job training, housing, counseling, etc. 


U.S.DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RE-ENTRY PROGRAMS 
www.ojp.gov

US DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE RE-ENTRY PROGRAMS
www.ojp.usdoj.gov


WHAT WORKS IN RE-ENTRY CLEARINGHOUSE
www.whatworks.csgjusticecenter.org



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Photographs by Robert Boettcher
© 2018 Carol Corey
St. Louis, MO