The Compiler

              Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority Summer 2002
WEBSITE 3 RESEARCH 4 GRANTS 6 TECHNOLOGY 7
Continued on page 2
One day at
a time
Ex-offenders
help each other
overcome obstacles
to reentry
By Cristin Monti Evans
The hardship doesn’t often end at
the prison door for newly re-leased
men and women trying to
reintegrate into society. Ex-offenders
who have done their time find them-selves
joining a society that seems
unwilling to embrace them and help
ease their way toward a lifestyle that is
free of crime.
Recently released individuals often
find themselves without the many re-sources
they need to successfully
rebuild their lives. Many have a sub-stance
abuse history that fueled much
of their criminal behavior. Many also
lack the social and family foundations
they need to get back on their feet.
Help and hope
In her effort to remain law-abiding and
drug free, Janice Coleman finds
strength in helping others who are
Continued on page 7
The challenge of reentry:
keeping ex-offenders free
By Daniel Dighton
On a recent evening in a spacious basement room at the offices of
Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC), some 30 men and
women sat on folding chairs in a large circle and shared their stories. They
laughed and they cried, and when they spoke they introduced themselves as an
alcoholic or addict.
They talked about their common day-to-day struggles — difficult family situa-tions,
getting and holding jobs, feeling alone or isolated — and how they cope
with the stress while staying clean. They offered each other encouragement and
gave support. Another thing they have in common is that they have all been in
prison or jail. They are part of the Winners’ Circle, a peer-led recovery support
group for ex-offenders.
Jerome Collins, of TASC, at a Winners’ Circle meeting. He started
the first group in 1997 and there will soon be 10 around the state.