RISE Reentry Services
RISE Reentry Services are available to all Graduates of the RISE In-Prison Program. The RISE Reentry Team uses a Strengths-Based Case Management model encouraging program graduates to work towards their personalized goals of self-sufficiency.
Each program graduate is assigned a RISE Community Navigator one year prior to their parole eligibility date in order to prepare for their release. Graduates are encouraged to identify their needs associated with housing, transportation, documents (State Identification, birth certificate), clothing, mental and physical healthcare, substance abuse support, and other considerations critical to the success of their reentry. Their assigned Community Navigator then provides resources and advocacy to address their self-identified needs.
Upon release, graduates will continue to work with their same assigned Community Navigator on their journey toward self-sufficiency. Progress will be tracked toward goals such as income, employment status, housing stability, food security, legal system interaction, life skills, mental and physical health, substance use, relationships, and community involvement.
RISE Reentry staff are trained to provide a supportive, encouraging, honest, and accountable environment to assist the Graduate in meeting their desired level of self-sufficiency. RISE Graduates are welcome to utilize reentry services for as long as necessary and at any point throughout their time in the community.
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At this time, only graduates from RISE’s In-Prison Program qualify for reentry services.
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Personal Resources:
• Welcome Home pack of essentials
• Cell phone with 30 paid days of usage
• Identification assistance
• Housing assistance
• Healthcare assistance
• Substance abuse assistance
• RISE Alumni Association membership
• Continuing education opportunities
• Communication, direction, encouragementTransportation:
• Bus pass
• Heartland Bike Share membership (1 year)Professional:
• Employment assistance
• RISE Business Academy
Questions about Reentry Services?
Email Erica Raetz, Director of Reentry Services.
Reentry VOLUNTEERING
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Time Commitment: As needed. Typically weekends
Locations: Omaha and LincolnProvide and serve meals to the RISE Alumni Association (roughly serving 50 people) during their monthly gatherings.
Frequency: Twice per month.
Requirements:
• Capabilities of bringing and keeping food at a safe temperature
• Capabilities of making and serving food to accommodate dietary needsProvide a meal here.
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Time Commitment: As needed.
Locations: Your locationPurchase and provide essentials to our friends coming out of incarceration. Each builder bag is filled with everyday items most take for granted, like laundry detergent, deodorant, shampoo, and more.
Each bag is valued at roughly $100- a huge burden to many working to afford rent, parole, ankle monitor fees, child support, gas, and so much more as they reenter into communities.
Frequency: Twice per month
Requirements:
• Visit our Amazon Wishlist to purchase needed items and it will be shipped directly to the RISE office.
• If you choose to support smaller, local businesses, you can purchase similar essential items to our wishlist and ship them to: RISE at 3555 Farnam St. Ste. #501 | Omaha, NE 68131Skip the shopping and sponsor a “Welcome Home” Bag here.
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Time Commitment: As needed
Locations: Community Corrections - Omaha and LincolnProvide rides to and from work for RISE Graduates, to receive essentials (groceries, hygiene), and rides to and from RISE community events.
Frequency: As needed
Requirements:
• Valid driver’s license
• Personal vehicle insurance
• NDCS training and approvalContact Erica Raetz here for information.
RISE Programs
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In-Prison Program
The RISE In-Prison Program is an intensive six-month character development and job readiness program facilitated inside the Nebraska Department of Corrections.
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Employment Program
The RISE Employment Program provides employment assistance to RISE In-Prison Program Graduates within a community corrections facility or living in the community.
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Youth + Family Program
The RISE Family Program offers support, workshops, and coaching to In-Prison Program Graduates, families, and community members impacted by incarceration.
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RISE Business Academy
The RISE Business Academy is a 12-week program for developing a prosperous business in the community for those with lived experience within the criminal justice system.
See how a RISE reentry simulation at Nebraska Wesleyan University helps students and faculty understand reentry challenges and build empathy for returning citizens.