When prisoners in the United States are released, they face an environment that is challenging while actively discouraging them from becoming productive societal members. Within three years of release, 67.8 percent of ex-offenders are rearrested, and within five years, 76.6 percent are rearrested. With more than 2 million people incarcerated in the United States, recidivism harms both the families of inmates and society in general, as taxpayers continue to support a broken system that sets ex-offenders up to fail once they are released. This circumstance has deepening, scarring and lasting impact among those in these situations from many perspectives.  This too adversely effects the youth(s) of incarcerated or formerly incarcerated parents.

Because of systemic legal and societal barriers, once ex-offenders are released, it is more difficult for them compared to the general populace to find gainful employment, secure a consistent source of housing, and generally function in society.

At Next Doors Charities our goal is to assist ex-offenders and help these citizens successfully reintegrate back into society via our Return and Succeed (RAS) program.  The RAS program focuses on jobs skills training, jobs placement assistance, vocational trade training placement, information and referral services, family reunification and life-skills related activities.  In general, RAS is here to support the ex-offenders successfully reintegrate back into society while minimizing recidivism. The RAS Program positively changes lives!