Rebuilding Lives. Strengthening Communities.

INSPIRATION FROM THE FIELD:
WINNER’S CIRCLE IN ILLINOIS
In 1997, Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities, Inc. (TASC), a community-based
organization that provides specialized clinical case management services for individuals with
substance abuse and mental health issues, launched a reentry program called the Winners’ Circle.
The members of this peer-led support group are actively involved in family, recreational, and
community projects, serving as volunteers, mentors, recovery advocates, role models, and presenters
to other peer support groups and community organizations.
The meetings are patterned after traditional 12-step groups, which many members also attend.
Members lead and TASC staff facilitate the meetings. Currently, there are more than 100 active
members in the 12 groups that meet in five cities across the state of Illinois.
Source: “Restoring Citizenship: Inner Circle and Winner’s Circle,” http://www.tasc-il.org/preview/corrections.html#rcsp
(accessed November 16, 2005).
MAYORAL POLICY CAUCUS ON PRISONER REENTRY
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Solution
Many community- and faith-based organizations can
provide a framework for structured peer support groups
and mentoring programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.
Peer support groups hold a unique place in the
reentry process, providing invaluable assistance and
encouragement from other individuals “who have been
there” and succeeded. Quality mentoring relationships
offer a extra level of support to people coming out of
prison or jail and can help them discover how to unlock
and achieve their potential.
The City should promote the development of peer support
groups and mentoring programs by agencies already
working with this population and providing other services.
Agencies could incorporate participation as part of an
employment strategy or treatment plan. These groups and
programs would provide positive social relationships and
an atmosphere conducive for formerly incarcerated
individuals to discuss—and work together to resolve—
challenges arising from their transition back to society.
For instance, Ready4Work (R4W) is a three-year, national
demonstration project funded by the U.S. Department of
Labor, which has promoted the use of mentoring to help
reduce recidivism in 17 sites across the country. As the
lead organization in Chicago, the Safer Foundation is collaborating
with St. Sabina, People’s Church of the Harvest,
Trinity United Church of Christ, and Ambassadors for
Christ to blend mentoring with job readiness and placement
services for young people, ages 18 through 34, who
are returning to the community from prison or jail. Since
December 2003, more than 250 men and women have
been served through this effort, gaining invaluable basic
life skills, high school diplomas, job training and longterm
stable employment. The mentoring offered by the
faith partners has been critical. “Persevering through the
tough times is easier when caring people are there to guide
and encourage you,” says Rodney Horton, a R4W
participant. “You have to hold onto something that is true
and real in your life—something and someone that will
support you in good times and in bad.” 91
“Being part of a peer support or
mentoring group shows you that others
have succeeded. You look at the other
people and say, ‘If you can do it, I can
do it. I just need an opportunity. It’s
not about what you can do for me, but
what I can do for myself.’ Being a
mentor is just as rewarding. It gives
you the extra push to go on. To do
for someone else what someone
did for you.”
Erick Williams
Chair of Narcotics Anonymous group