CSOSA's Re-Entry Sunday and Re-Entry Program On the first Re-Entry Sunday (January 13, 2002), the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency (CSOSA) and its partners in the District of Columbia’s faith community joined together to launch a ministry of support and assistance to offenders returning to the local community from prison. The first Re-Entry Sunday coincided with National Mentoring Month. To emphasize the value of mentoring to returning offenders, mentor recruitment is the first cooperative initiative of CSOSA and its partners in the faith community. Re-entry efforts in the District of Columbia are ongoing. Why is Re-Entry Important? How Does Mentoring Help With Re-Entry Efforts? What About Other Services? How Can I Help? Mentor Orientation Meeting Learn about the DC Department of Employment Services's Project Empowerment Plus program to aid ex-offenders. Why Is Re-Entry Important? It has been reported that about 2,500 offenders will return to District of Columbia neighborhoods from prison next year. Most will have substance abuse histories. Most lack basic job and literacy skills. In many cases, they have lost touch with family and friends during incarceration, so their natural support systems are weakened. Research has consistently shown that positive relationships are critical if offenders are to avoid recidivism. Without those relationships and support services, offenders are more likely to relapse into patterns of drug use and criminal behavior. Re-Entry is about helping these individuals become productive, law-abiding members of our community. How Does Mentoring Help With Re-Entry Efforts? Returning offenders need the support of positive relationships. Because religious institutions are the cornerstone of the community, these institutions are a crucial source of such relationships. If an offender feels welcomed by the faith community and receives support and guidance from that community, he or she can begin to establish a positive connection to, and find value in, friends who reject drug abuse and criminal behavior. What About Other Services? The CSOSA/Faith Community Partnership is collaborating on a range of services for returning offenders, such as counseling, job training, and transitional housing. Following the kickoff on January 13, 2001, the partnership will begin to establish a network of faith-based services throughout the city. Our vision is to link all returning offenders with a welcoming faith community that will provide help and support. The CSOSA/Faith Community Partnership’s efforts are part of a citywide Re-Entry Strategy. The District of Columbia’s public, private, non-profit, and faith organizations are joining together to provide a comprehensive network of re-entry services. How Can I Help? On Re-Entry Sunday, CSOSA urges our partners in the faith community to devote time during a religious service to a discussion of offender re-entry. Offenders and their families may share their stories. Criminal justice professionals may share information about returning offenders and their needs. Re-Entry Sunday will result in many volunteers coming forth to extend a hand to returning offenders by serving as mentors. Mentor Orientation Meetings Following Re-Entry Sunday, CSOSA will hold orientation meetings for prospective mentors. At this orientation, CSOSA staff will present details about the mentoring program and will announce a schedule of training sessions for those who wish to serve. For more information, visit the CSOSA website or contact Gail Francois in CSOSA's Office of Community Justice Programs at (202) 220-5320.