The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and Mayor Brandon Johnson announced on Monday the launch of the Danny K. Davis Second Chance Center, marking a critical milestone in Chicago’s latest attempt to welcome citizens returning from jail.
Situated at 808 S. Kedzie Avenue in the Westside community of North Lawndale, the city’s 5th Community Reentry Support Center (CRSC) collaborates with the city’s purpose to provide essential support targeted at lowering recidivism.
Mayor Johnson emphasized the importance of reducing recidivism rates as a significant element of the city’s comprehensive community safety plan. The Safer Foundation, an organization with over five decades of experience in reentry assistance, will operate the new CRSC, focusing on addressing the needs of residents on Chicago’s West Side.
Operating beyond the scope of traditional halfway houses, these centers offer a comprehensive suite of services, including counseling, job training, housing assistance, and support for substance use and mental health.
Victor B. Dickson, President and CEO of Safer Foundation, expressed his delight in providing reintegration services through the Danny K. Davis Second Chance Center, recognizing a shared commitment to a holistic range of support.
Brandie Knazze, Commissioner of DFSS, highlighted the goal of ensuring individuals have the necessary tools and resources to thrive. In conjunction with these efforts, Mayor Johnson’s FY2024 budget allocates $5 million for an Office of Re-Entry within the Mayor’s Office to coordinate crucial reentry initiatives.
Additionally, the DFSS is launching the SPRING Forward program, aiming to provide comprehensive support for up to 400 individuals with employment needs and 200 individuals requiring housing over the next two years. This $9 million investment stresses a deeper understanding that strong reentry programs are fundamental to creating a safer and more prosperous city for all residents.
A hotline at (312) 798-3310 is available to connect returning residents with an employment navigator if they’re trying to start again and need assistance. Visit the city website or call 2-1-1 for service connection to learn more about the five Community Reentry Support Centers and reentry support services offered by the city.
Source: https://hoodline.com/2023/12/chicago-boosts-recidivism-reduction-efforts-with-fifth-reentry-support-center-in-north-lawndale/