Re-entry Support Program
Peer Mentoring for Individuals
Preparing for Reentry
Support before and after release — grounded in lived experience and real-world recovery.
The Reentry Support Program at A Design for Living Foundation provides non-faith-based peer mentoring for individuals preparing for release or returning to the community after incarceration.
Our Certified Recovery Specialists work alongside individuals during one of the most vulnerable transitions — helping them navigate recovery, stability, and practical next steps with respect, accountability, and lived experience.
What is Re-entry Support?
Reentry Support is non-faith-based peer mentoring designed to help individuals prepare for and navigate the transition from incarceration back into the community.
Participation is voluntary and centered on personal agency and respect.
It focuses on:
Recovery support and accountability
Preparing for life after release
Navigating employment, housing, and community resources
Reducing isolation during a high-risk transition
Building structure, routine, and connection
What is Re-entry Support?
It focuses on:
Individuals preparing for release or early reentry
Individuals recently returned to the community
People seeking recovery-focused peer support during reentry
This Page May Also Be Helpful For:
Parents, partners, and family members
Loved ones supporting someone through reentry
Community partners seeking referral information
What Comes Next?
Release is not the finish line — it’s the beginning of a critical transition.
While reentry support may begin before release when possible, peer support mentorship is often most impactful after release — when individuals are navigating real-world decisions, stressors, and responsibilities.
Our peer mentors walk alongside individuals during this transition — helping them stay connected, supported, and grounded as they take their next steps in the community.
What Reentry Support
Looks Like?
Reentry Support may begin prior to release and continue after release, depending on timing, availability, and approval pathways.
Support may include:
One-on-one peer mentoring with a Certified Recovery Specialist
Support preparing for release and early reentry
Help navigating recovery supports and community resources
Employment and housing navigation
Accountability and encouragement during early transition
Mobile engagement — meeting in the community when appropriate
Support is practical, grounded, and paced to each individual’s situation.
Support Beyond Recovery
Re-entry is about more than staying sober — it’s about rebuilding stability.
Reentry Support includes connection to practical resources that support long-term success, including:
Employment and job readiness resources
Career development and workforce support
Community-based recovery supports
Housing navigation and reentry services
Through partnerships with local organizations — including PA CareerLink® — individuals may be connected to employment and career resources alongside non-faith-based peer mentoring support.
Support Includes Exploring
Employment Pathways And Resources.
Where Re-entry
Support Takes Place
Pre-release support may be offered when permitted and approved, through coordination with correctional and reentry partners.
Re-entry Support may take place:
In the community after release
Virtually, when appropriate, using secure video platforms
By referral, in coordination with approved reentry and community partners
About the Application
Participation begins with an initial conversation.
Reentry Support The Reentry Support application is a brief, non-clinical form used to help us understand:
Goals and needs
Reentry timing
Appropriate support pathways
The application:
Is not a test or evaluation
Does not determine legal or housing status
Helps us match support appropriately
Applications are made available through approved reentry partners or may be completed after release, depending on referral pathway and timing.
What Re-entry
Support Is Not
Reentry Support does not make legal decisions or requirements.
It complements other services by helping individuals stay supported and connected during transition.
To avoid confusion, it’s important to be clear about what Reentry Support is not:
Not treatment or therapy
Not clinical services
Not supervision, monitoring, or compliance
Not a substitute for probation or parole
Cost & Participation
Reentry Support services are currently offered at no cost to participants through community funding and partnerships.
Peer Support and Family Recovery Support services may also be provided at no cost through grants. As services continue to be established, support may also be available through insurance coverage, including Medicaid and other plans.
Participation is voluntary, confidential, and centered on respect.
A member of our team will follow up to discuss timing, goals, and appropriate next steps.