Reentry Career Development
Recidivism re·cid·i·vism /rəˈsidəˌviz(ə)m/noun
Definition: The tendency of a convicted criminal to re-offend.
At the heart of the SVdP Reentry Career Development Program is a commitment to empowering people who’ve faced justice system involvement. We walk with individuals as they prepare for release and stand by them in their journey after release, providing the vital tools, resources, and support needed to obtain gainful employment opportunities and establish self-sufficiency.
Formerly incarcerated people need stable jobs for the same reasons as everyone else: to support themselves and their loved ones, pursue life goals, and strengthen their communities. Creating career opportunities for those reentering society reduces the risk of homelessness while reducing recidivism.
Reentry Career Development & BSU Alternative Spring Break volunteers
"The prison tour and experience was life changing for me and our students. In our debriefs, students shared, often tearfully, how their preconceptions were challenged and turned into misconceptions. Moving forward, they have a better understanding of how prison residents feel, are treated, and what they are offered for restoration (as opposed to rehabilitation...a topic discussed in the QA with the mentors). They also realized, perhaps for the first time, systematic demands that make success so challenging. Many thought about their careers and how they might better fit into the equation. More broadly, they thought about their futures and how they might be able to continue to be involved in the community and with SVdP as well."
- Leo Mironovich, BSU Service and Volunteer Programs Coordinator
Reentry career development services
-
Team provide Career Development Courses to residents at SW Idaho Correctional Facilities including South Idaho Correctional Institute, ISCI, South Boise Women’s, and ISCC. During the course, residents are given an overview of skills vital to gaining meaningful employment. Our courses cover resume writing, interviewing with confidence, how to discuss criminal background, how to complete an application, and sharing of additional SVdP resources.
SVdP has entered into an unprecedented Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Idaho Department of Correction. This MOU permits SVdP Reentry Services access to teach residents monthly career development courses within the prison before release.
These courses are available to residents monthly.
-
Prior to release, residents can request to schedule a Pre-Release Consultation. During the individual’s appointment, the Reentry Employment Team will assist with a personal approach, answering specific questions, setting goals and timelines, etc.Our team will assess your previous professional experience, apprenticeships, and help the individual create a realistic timeline for life after incarceration
Our Reentry Services team knows the importance of fulfilling all requirements of Probation & Parole. Come by the one of the SVdP Reentry Offices, we will help you.
-
Our team will go over the qualifications and skills of the individual. We also discuss any previous employment or experience to help focus the area of profession.
Once the individual is prepared to apply and go through the interview process, we discuss any hesitancies and how to address criminal history.
While incarcerated, many individuals participate in apprenticeship programs; however, it is unlikely to achieve certification upon release due to the requirements and on-the-job training, leaving these skilled individuals uncertified and without employment. The Federal Department of Labor has named SVdP a Registered Apprenticeship Group Sponsor to facilitate the completion of registered apprenticeships for those currently and formerly incarcerated, allowing these citizens to obtain certification and recourses to continue education to gain meaningful employment.
-
A good job and supportive services are not only critical to successful reentry for formerly incarcerated persons, but also to promoting public safety and improving economic well-being within our community.
According to a 2018 study, formerly incarcerated persons have a 27 percent unemployment rate, exponentially higher than the overall United States unemployment rate. Not only does high unemployment impede successful reentry, it also increases the chances of recidivism.
We encourage employers interested in this program to email Stacey Tucker, Reentry Career Development Manager, stacey.tucker@svdpid.org
8,900
Individuals are currently incarcerated in IDOC Facilities
1 in 12
Idaho children have a parent currently or previously incarcerated
48%
IDOC releases return to Ada or Canyon County
-$28k
Average earnings of an Idahoan with a felony conviction compared to those without
SVdP held 30 Pre-Release Career Development Courses in IDOC facilities, 530 IDOC residents participated
SVdP offered Individual Consultations in IDOC facilities, 593 IDOC residents participated
SVdP provided Post-Release Career Development Services to 200 returning citizens
In 2024…
Reentry Career Development Program Team
St. Vincent de Paul Southwest Idaho Admin Office By Appointment, Please
Call/Email to Schedule.
Stacey Tucker, Reentry Career Development Manager: Stacey.tucker@svdpid.org
Dawna Loa, Reentry Career Development Specialist: Dawna.loa@svdpid.org
Erin Hourani, Reentry Career Development Navigator: Erin.hourani@svdpid.org
Bonnie Kelley, Reentry Career Development Navigator: Bonnie.kelley@svdpid.org
Savannah Slater, VISTA Reentry Operation Specialist: Savannah.slater@svdpid.org
Reentry Career Development Office:
5218 Fairview Ave Boise, ID 83706
(208) 296-6271
Returning citizens, individuals who have been incarcerated and are re-entering society can bring valuable skills, motivation, and a strong work ethic to the workplace. They may have acquired skills and participated in training programs while incarcerated, making them skilled workers. Employers can build loyalty and dedication among their workforce by giving them a second chance through employment. Hiring returning citizens can also promote social responsibility by supporting the rehabilitation and reintegration of these individuals into society.
For all other inquiries, please email Stacey.tucker@svdpid.org