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Reentering society after incarceration is a journey that requires courage, determination, and—most importantly—access to the right resources. Whether you're navigating the challenges of finding employment, rebuilding relationships, or seeking educational opportunities, having the right tools and support can make all the difference.
At the heart of this journey is Emerge Career—the leading resource for vocational training tailored to individuals impacted by the justice system. But beyond vocational education, there are several vital areas where support is crucial. This guide outlines the key resources available for reentry in Massachusetts and how Emerge Career can help you turn the page and start a successful new chapter.
1. Vocational Training and Education
Emerge Career - Statewide
Emerge Career stands out as the gold standard in reentry vocational training. Our programs are built specifically for people who are looking to build marketable skills, earn industry-recognized certifications, and transition smoothly into the workforce. Here's what makes Emerge different:
- Accessible Online Programs: Learn at your own pace, from anywhere, with a curriculum designed around your needs.
- Justice-Informed Curriculum: Our team understands your experience. We’ve built a training system that meets you where you are and prepares you for where you're going.
- Certifications That Matter: Emerge Career offers certifications in high-demand industries such as commercial driving (CDL), construction, fiber technician, and more.
- Job Placement Support: We go beyond training by connecting you with real employment opportunities that value your skills and your future. For example, graduates of our CDL program go on to make $75K/year on average.
If you're looking for the best first step in your reentry journey, Emerge Career is the one resource you can’t afford to overlook.
Massasoit Community College's Correctional Education and Returning Citizens (CERC) Program - Brockton, MA
Provides access to education for individuals returning to society from incarceration, offering college credentials to prepare them for the workforce.
Concord Prison Outreach (CPO) - Concord, MA
A volunteer-driven organization offering programs such as personal and emotional improvement, basic adult education, ESL, job search skills, and re-entry support to incarcerated individuals.
InnerCity Weightlifting (ICW) - Boston, MA
Provides education, job training, and employment in personal training for young people who have been imprisoned and/or connected to street gangs.
YouthBuild USA - Roxbury, MA
Offers education, job training, and leadership development to young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who are out of school or out of work, including those with criminal records.
Bethany Hill School - Framingham, MA
Provides affordable housing paired with educational and life skills programs, including financial planning, job preparation workshops, and GED classes, to individuals and families in need.
The Last Mile (TLM) - Shirley, MA
Offers in-prison education, transitional support, and workforce reentry programs, including web development, software engineering, and audio and video production training.
Delancey Street Foundation - Stockbridge, MA
Provides residential rehabilitation services and vocational training programs for substance abusers and convicted criminals, operating various businesses managed by the residents themselves.
2. Employment Assistance
Rebuilding your career begins with a solid foundation—and a chance. In addition to Emerge Career's direct job placement help, there are organizations and programs that specialize in second-chance employment:
Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) Reentry Programs - Milford, MA
Offers programs to assist inmates in transitioning back to the community, including job search assistance and work release programs.
MassHire Career Centers - Statewide, MA
Provides comprehensive services such as career guidance, workshops, training programs, job referrals, and resume assistance to job seekers, including those with criminal records.
Community Resources for Justice (CRJ) - Boston, MA
Offers services to ex-offenders to re-integrate them into society, including employment assistance and vocational training.
Boston Workers Alliance (BWA) - Boston, MA
A community organization led by unemployed and underemployed workers, including ex-offenders, providing employment rights advocacy and job placement services.
Saint Francis House - Boston, MA
A daytime shelter providing rehabilitative programs, including employment assistance, to help individuals transition out of homelessness and incarceration.
The Last Mile (TLM) - Shirley, MA
Offers in-prison education, transitional support, and workforce reentry programs, including web development and software engineering training.
Concord Prison Outreach (CPO) - Concord, MA
Provides programs such as job search skills and re-entry support to incarcerated individuals to prepare them for employment upon release.
Delancey Street Foundation - Stockbridge, MA
Provides residential rehabilitation services and vocational training programs for substance abusers and convicted criminals, operating various businesses managed by the residents themselves.
3. Housing Support
Stable housing is one of the most critical needs during reentry. While challenges such as background checks and limited income can make it tough, there are programs designed to help:
Justice 4 Housing (J4H) - Boston, MA
Offers reentry housing programs addressing the housing needs of formerly incarcerated individuals by providing safe and stable temporary housing along with wrap-around stabilization services.
Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) Reentry Programs - Milford, MA
Provides reentry planning that includes identifying housing options for individuals at risk of homelessness upon release, utilizing a database of housing options and reentry specialists to access residential programs, shelters, and sober houses.
Saint Francis House - Boston, MA
A daytime shelter offering rehabilitative programs, including housing support, to help individuals transition out of homelessness and incarceration.
Community Resources for Justice (CRJ) - Boston, MA
Provides services to ex-offenders to re-integrate them into society, including housing assistance and support.
Bethany Hill School - Framingham, MA
Offers affordable housing paired with educational and life skills programs, including financial planning, job preparation workshops, and GED classes, to individuals and families in need.
Massachusetts Probation Service (MPS) Transitional Housing - Boston, MA
Provides transitional housing and supports for individuals leaving prison, including sober beds and living quarters to assist in their reentry process.
Bristol County Reentry Project (BCRP) - Dartmouth, MA
Offers a range of services and resources to support individuals transitioning back into their communities after incarceration, including housing assistance.
4. Legal Aid and Record Expungement
Understanding your legal rights is empowering. Whether you’re dealing with court fines, child support, or record sealing, access to legal aid is crucial.
Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) – CORI & Re-Entry Project - Boston, MA
Offers assistance with sealing and expunging criminal records, addressing employment and housing discrimination due to Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI), and providing representation at hearings.
Community Legal Aid (CLA) – CORI/Re-Entry - Worcester, MA
Provides representation in CORI sealing and expungement cases, and assists with overcoming barriers to housing, employment, and other opportunities resulting from criminal records.
Northeast Legal Aid (NLA) - Lowell, MA
Offers free legal services, including assistance with CORI sealing and expungement, to low-income individuals in northeastern Massachusetts.
Harvard Legal Aid Bureau - Cambridge, MA
A student-run legal services organization providing free legal representation to low-income individuals, including assistance with CORI sealing and expungement.
Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School - Jamaica Plain, MA
Offers legal assistance through various clinics, including help with criminal record sealing and expungement, to low-income clients.
South Coastal Counties Legal Services - New Bedford, MA
Provides free legal assistance, including help with criminal record sealing and expungement, to low-income individuals in southeastern Massachusetts.
5. Mental Health and Substance Use Support
Healing from trauma, stress, or addiction is part of the reentry journey for many. No one should have to go through it alone.
MassHealth Behavioral Health Services - Boston, MA
Provides access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment services for eligible individuals, including those recently released from incarceration.
Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs) - Statewide, MA
Offer immediate help 24/7 for a wide range of mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs across Massachusetts.
Franklin County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) Reentry Program - Greenfield, MA
Provides free community support to individuals recovering from incarceration, addiction, mental health symptoms, and other adversities.
All-Inclusive Support Services (AISS) - Springfield, MA
Offers comprehensive reentry support services, including mental health and substance use assistance, to individuals transitioning from incarceration.
AHOPE Boston - Boston, MA
A needle exchange program providing harm reduction services, including overdose prevention and education, primarily serving homeless individuals with physical and mental health conditions.
Whittier Street Health Center – Boston, MA
A Federally Qualified Health Center offering primary care and support services, including mental health and substance use programs, to low-income and diverse populations.
Phoenix House New England - Quincy, MA
Provides residential and outpatient programs for substance use disorders, including services tailored for individuals involved with the criminal justice system.
6. Financial Literacy and Support
Rebuilding your life includes rebuilding your finances. Whether you need to learn how to manage a bank account, save for a car, or understand credit, financial literacy is key.
Justice 4 Housing – Brie’s House - Dorchester, MA
Provides reentry housing with services including financial literacy, case management, employment placement, and substance use support to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Massachusetts Department of Correction – Reentry Programs - Milford, MA
Offers assistance with opening bank accounts, obtaining identification, and accessing financial support services to aid in the transition from incarceration to community life.
Massachusetts Probation Service – Financial Literacy Classes - Boston, MA
Provides financial literacy classes facilitated by volunteers from the banking and financial industry, covering topics such as budgeting, saving, and credit repair.
Community Resources for Justice (CRJ) - Boston, MA
Offers services to ex-offenders to re-integrate them into society, including financial literacy and support programs.
7. Community and Peer Support
Reentry is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Building a support network is one of the most powerful things you can do for your future.
After Incarceration Support Systems (AISS) Program - Hampden County, MA
Assists ex-offenders in various aspects of their lives as they transition from incarceration to the community, offering peer mentorship and support networks.
Boston Project Rebound Re-Entry Services, Inc. - Boston, MA
Facilitates successful reintegration of former prisoners into the community by assisting with education, employment, housing, and building supportive relationships.
Community Reentry Program - Statewide
Provides support through prison visits, assistance with housing and reentry plans, and offers regular sharing circles and support groups for returning citizens.
Franklin County Sheriff's Office Reentry Program - Franklin County, MA
Offers free community support to individuals recovering from incarceration, addiction, mental health symptoms, and other adversities.
InnerCity Weightlifting (ICW) - Boston, MA
Provides education, job training, and employment in personal training for young people who have been imprisoned and/or connected to street gangs.
Concord Prison Outreach (CPO) - Concord, MA
Offers programs such as personal and emotional improvement, basic adult education, ESL, job search skills, and re-entry support to incarcerated individuals.
Final Thoughts: Your Journey Starts with You
Reentry isn’t just about surviving. It’s about building a life you’re proud of—one with purpose, dignity, and opportunity. At Emerge Career, we believe in second chances, and more importantly, we believe in you.
Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking for your next step in Massachusetts, let Emerge Career be your launchpad to a new career.
Ready to rise? Your future starts now—with Emerge. Apply Today
