Corrections Connection is a POCAAN led partnership funded by the US Dept. of Labor to reduce recidivism through the implementation of a community based program that provides resources for participants to conquer the barriers that ex-offenders face in housing and employment. Our overarching goal is for former offenders to remain arrest free and become productive, self sufficient members of the community.

Each year the State of Washington releases approximately 8000 former offenders from incarceration. They return to their communities all prepared to deal with life after prison. Consequently one third of prisoners return to prison within 5 years, with 65% of that group returning within the first two years.

Incarcerated persons face an unfriendly, uncertain and unfamiliar world when they leave prison. Often times family relationships have been damaged and networks of support have long since collapsed. Former offenders have few connections to the employment and housing markets, making it difficult to find places to live and work. Despite these obstacles there continue to be few programs in the community able to meet the needs of this special population.

Who we serve
Corrections Connection provides comprehensive reentry services to nonviolent adult offenders. Offenders may have served sentences in any Department of Corrections facility or a significant sentence in a county jail. Potential program participants must have been released from confinement within the previous six months to be eligible for services.

Program Services
Corrections Connection provides comprehensive wraparound services for the formerly incarcerated nonviolent offender. Through community collaborations and referrals we connect the transitioning offender to employment, housing, and mentorship services.

Program services include:
  Integrated Case Management. Case managers are available to connect participants to resources in the community.
  Job Readiness Training. For those not immediately prepared to enter the workforce. Participants will be offered training on resume writing, interview preparation and job search techniques.
  Mentorship. Each participant has the opportunity to connect with a stable community member who can provide guidance during the challenging reentry process.
  Social Support. The opportunity to connect with other persons facing the same issues in a supportive and solution focused environment.

The Need for Re-entry Programs
Too often prisoners are released and return to reside in King County, without adequate preparation to return to their communities. The realities of prison life, social stigma associated with ex-offenders, & traditional issues of reentry can cause stress, negative thinking, and hopelessness which can lead to re-offending.

Our Purpose Our purpose is to create a comprehensive re-entry initiative that will remove barriers for recently released ex-offenders that are in neighborhoods with high recidivism rates and crime. Our Mission Creating re-entry avenues for non-violent offenders by mobilizing communities, faith based institutions and the criminal justice system to provide transitional services.