The Big Bend AFTER Reentry Coalition is a coalition of leaders from social service, government, law enforcement, corrections, education, legal, and faith-based organizations working tirelessly to support and improve efforts to reduce recidivism and increase public safety. Since we were established in 2012, we have been advocating for currently and formerly incarcerated people, networking with providers, sharing resources and information, and educating the community about reentry issues. We saw the urgent need for direct client services and expanded our operations: Since January 2023, our Welcome and Wellness Center has offered programming to returning citizens ages 18 and up to help them fulfill probation requirements, develop skills, and receive encouragement from others in a caring and supportive environment. A 31-day bus pass is provided to all formerly incarcerated people who attend our programs, as funds allow. (Without transportation or the funds to afford bus passes, identification, drivers licenses, and birth certificates, accessing housing and employment can be daunting.)  Offerings include:

•    Peer Support Groups for Men and Women, run by highly trained returning citizens

•    Job Search & Interviewing Skills for the Criminal Justice Involved

•    GED Support & Tutoring Financial Literacy
•    Anger Management

•    Rap, Rhythm, Rhyme & Reflection: Poetry for Self-Expression

•    24/7 Dads Fatherhood Program

~    We also offer drop-in hours during which returning citizens are welcome to come in and receive case management from our MSW case manager. She conducts a needs assessment, provides referrals and resources to individuals returning from incarceration, and assists them with obtaining safe and affordable housing, finding and maintaining employment, accessing reliable transportation, and obtaining bus passes, identification, drivers licenses, birth certificates, and benefits like Medicaid, food stamps, and disability benefits.

~    We sponsor community outreach events and Family Reentry Fairs to let criminal justice involved community members know about the many resources available to them in Leon County.

~    We do outreach to incarcerated individuals in local detention facilities and state prisons who are preparing to transition to the Big Bend region; we offer hope, share resources they’ll need when they return to the community, and provide support and referrals through Securus email.

Special Placement Information:

The Agency is accepting Part-time BSW and Part-time MSW Part-time.  1.    Students will need transportation to work at our office at 3333 W. Pensacola St and to attend community outreach events.
2.    We do not reimburse travel.
3.    We are not able to offer a stipend at this time.
4.    Students do need liability insurance.
5.    Video and audio taping are not permitted.
6.    The agency’s hours are to be determined; there is flexibility depending on the needs of the student.
7.    Weekend and evening hours may be available depending on the scheduling of workshops.
8.    The agency is accessible by bus.