Re-Entry Guide 2017 - Web PDF

Mapping Your Future:
A GUIDE T O SUC CESSFUL REENTRY
2 0 17- 2 0 1 8 E d i t i o n
A PUBLICATION OF THE
EDUCATION JUSTICE PROJECT
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
Welcome Home!
We’re glad you picked up Mapping Your Future: A Guide for Successful Reentry. This book contains
information about employment, housing, education, healthcare, and more. Whether you spent many
years in prison or just a few, it can help you transition successfully to life on the outside.
If you are the family member of someone who is coming home from prison, this book can help you,
too, especially if you will be providing housing. It can be difficult to make room in your household
to accommodate someone who has been away. If the person is on parole, you may have to make
changes in your lifestyle to meet their parole restrictions. We hope that you will find resources in
this book that will assist you.
There are five main sections in Mapping Your Future:
• “Before You Leave” features advice about preparing for release;

• “Once You’re Out” provides information about how to set up your life once you’re out;
• “Healing and Moving Forward” is about adjusting to life after prison.
• The “Reentry Directory” contains contact information for useful resources;
• Our “Forms” sections includes helpful forms, many of which you can tear out and use.
Let’s be honest: adjusting to life on the outside isn’t easy, especially if you have been gone for
a while. Reentry is so difficult in large part because incarceration is so hard. Loved ones are
separated from one another and it is expensive to stay connected. Prison life breeds new habits and
ways of interacting that may not be useful, and may even be harmful, on the outside. In addition,
society places many obstacles in the paths of people with criminal records. These include legal
barriers and social stigmas. The conditions of parole may feel unfair. At times it can feel like there
are too many challenges placed in your path! How can anyone expect you to succeed?
We believe it’s important to acknowledge all of this. There is much that needs to change in our state
and in our country to make our communities more welcoming to formerly incarcerated individuals
and to better ensure their success.
Mapping Your Future will help you meet the challenges. Perhaps it will even inspire you to want to
work for change. We wouldn’t have written it if we didn’t believe in YOU and your ability to make a
positive difference in the world. Don’t stop believing in yourself.
Throughout this book, you’ll find words of encouragement and inspiration from people who traveled
the same journey that you’re about to embark on. Many of them are alumni of the Education
Justice Project, a college-in-prison program that has operated at Danville Correctional Center since
2008. It was their idea to write Mapping Your Future. They, and so many others, have successfully
navigated reentry and you can, too.
2 WELCOME HOME! M a p p i n g Yo u r F u t u r e
Read the entire guide. You never know what you might learn, and knowledge is power! Make plans.
Seek help from others. And don’t give up.
Please keep in touch. We’d love to know how you’re doing and how we can update Mapping Your
Future. Your feedback can help those coming after you.
Again, welcome home. We’re glad you’re back.
Please help us to distribute Mapping Your Future to every person who requests a copy. Most
people leaving prison have very limited funds. If you are in a position to make a donation,
please send a check to the Education Justice Project, 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820.
Your support will help us to provide the book to others for free.
We receive no funds from the Department of Corrections or the State of Illinois. Each copy of
Mapping Your Future costs around $11 to produce. Thank you!
Copyright by the Board of Trustees, University of Illinois, 2017
We have listed a number of different programs, services, and businesses throughout this guide
as resources for people returning to society, people who have returned, and their families. We
don’t endorse any of these organizations. We also don’t guarantee that these resources will be
helpful (although we certainly hope they are).
Contact:
Education Justice Project
College of Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820
217.300.5150
www.educationjustice.net
info@educationjustice.net
2017-18 WELCOME HOME 3

Table of Contents
1. BEFORE YOU LEAVE
Prepare Yourself Mentally 14
– Ways of Practicing Mindfulness 15
Gather Your Documents 20

– Birth Certificate 20
– Social Security Card 21
– Driver’s License 22
Prepare for Your Job Search 24

– Build Experience 24
– Write Your Resume 25
– Search for Employment Opportunities 26
Prepare for Parole 28

– Preparing for Parole 28
– Transitional Houses 29
– Electronic Monitoring 30
– Registries 30
– Transferring from the Sex Offender Registry to the Murderer & 31
Violent Offender Against Youth Registry
Collect Health Records 32

Relationships 34
2. AFTER YOU’RE OUT

Getting Your ID 36
– State ID or Driver’s License 40
– Getting Your License Back 42
– Marriage License and Divorce Decree 43
Employment 44
– Thinking About Your Job Search 44
– Identifying Possible Jobs 45
– The Application Process 46
– In Her Words: Advice from an Employer 51
–Certificate of Rehabilitation 52
– Your Legal Rights 53
– Unemployment Insurance in Illinois 54
4 INTRODUCTION M a p p i n g Yo u r F u t u r e
Building A Career 56
– Choosing a Job 56
– Self-employment 60
Education 62
– Adult Basic Education Programs 63
– General Education Development 63
– Vocational Programs and Apprenticeships 63
– Higher Education Programs 64
– Paying For Your Education 65
– Resources For College Students 67
– Getting The Most Out of College 68
– EJP Scholarships 69
Resources To Meet Basic Needs 70

– Getting Started 70
Housing 74
Transportation 80
– Buses and Metro 80
– Train 81
– Carpool and Rideshare Programs 81
– Ride-hailing Apps and Taxis 81
– Biking 82
– Cars 82
Communications 86
– Becoming Acquainted with the Technology 86
– Accessing the Internet 87
– Getting an Email Account 87
– Passwords and Online Security 88
– Searching Online 88
– Purchasing Your Own Devices 88
Parole After Release 90

Legal Matters 92
– Pro Bono 92
– Pro Se 93
– Child Custody 93
– Foster Care and Reinstating Parental Rights 94
– Child Support 95
– Sealing Records 96
– Certitificates of Rehabilitation 97
2017-18 INTRODUCTION 5
Finances, Credit, and Taxes 100
– Banking 100
– Budgeting 103
– Financial Resources 104
– Credit 105
– Tax Basics 106
Veterans 110
– VA Benefits While in Prison 110
– Reinstating Benefits After Release and 111
Reentry Services
– Filing Disability Claims 111
– Female Veterans 112
– Health 112
– Housing 113
– Employment 113
Health 114
– Insurance Coverage 114
– Medicaid 116
– Marketplace Insurance 117
– Choosing A Plan 118
– Once You Have Insurance 120
– Dental and Vision Insurance 121
– Primary Care Provider 122
– Specialist Physicians 122
– Pharmacy 123
– Mental Health and Substance Abuse 124
– Medical Records 124
– Community Clinics 124
– HIV/AIDS 125
Mental Health & Subtance Abuse 126

– Support Groups 127
3. HEALING AND MOVING FORWARD

Beginning to Heal 130
Relationships 132
Connecting With Your Community 140
4. DIRECTORIES
Housing 146
Reentry Services 156
Food 160
Employment & Training 168
Family & Relationship Support 172
Health Resources 176
Advocacy Resources 186
Legal Services 188
Veterans 192
Illinois County Clerks Offices 194
5. FORMS
Birth Certificate Request Form 200
Application for Birth Records 201
Social Security Card Application 203
Sample Resumes 204
Pro Se Petition to Modify Child Support 213
Pro Se Petition to Modify Child Custody 215
Veteran’s Disability Claim Form 21-0078 217
Veteran’s Disability Claim Form 21-526EZ 219
Housing/Real Estate Transaction Complainant 229
Prisoner Review Board Order 233
List of Licenses Affected by Felony 235
Making This Guide Work For You
Adjusting to life after incarceration can be challenging. This guide provides information and
resources to help you succeed. It is organized into the following sections:
1. B
efore you Leave. If you are considering how to prepare for your release, read this section.
It covers topics such as gathering the documents you will need, preparing mentally for
your release, and finding housing.
2. After You’re Out. If you need guidance after you leave prison, turn to this section. It is
organized by topic and has advice about many of the challenges you will face, from finding
employment to getting health care and receiving veteran benefits.
3. H
ealing and Moving Forward. This section talks about life after prison. We feature the
stories of returned citizens in their own words.
4. Directory. Maybe you are simply looking for a phone number for legal services or the
address of a foodbank. Turn to the directory. This section is also organized by topic
(employment, housing, healthcare, etc.), with tabs so that you can easily find what you
need. Lists of organizations and resources are provided, with addresses, phone numbers,
websites, and brief descriptions.
In this guide, you will find worksheets to help you think about release and copies of forms for applying
for benefits and different programs for your convenience. Forms in the guide are subject to change.
We are aware that everyone’s situation is unique. Some of you are leaving after a short time
in prison, while others have spent decades in prison. Some of you may have a large support
network of family and friends to return to, while others may be alone. Some of you may know
a lot about the reentry process, while others may know very little. We’ve tried to provide
information that will be useful to everyone, but feel free to skip around to the sections that are
most relevant to your situation and needs.
Myths
What sort of information will you find in this guide? For one thing, it challenges some
common myths about reentry and provides you with the information you need to move
forward. Here are a few examples:
MYTH: You can’t be employed after being incarcerated.
False. You can definitely be employed after being in jail or prison. Employers in Illinois can
choose to not hire you, but cannot ask to see your criminal record until you have been deemed
qualified for the job. They also need your permission to do so.
For more information about searching for jobs and what to do when you have a criminal
record, turn to the Employment sections located on p. 24 and p. 44. The Directory also has
employment resources, with lists of places you can go for help.
MYTH: You will be responsible for purchasing all medication you take upon release.
False. While it is true that you will be responsible for your medication, prisons offer a limited
supply of medication upon release, ranging from 30-90 days. You can prepare for your release by
getting medications ready and requesting physical, dental, or eye exams.
See Collect Health Records under Before You Leave on p. 32 to find out more.
MYTH: You can’t get financial aid for college if you have been incarcerated.
False. Most financial aid is available to students on parole or probation. For more
information about the different kinds of training and higher education programs available and
how to apply for financial aid. See Education on p. 62.
MYTH: You can’t get a bank account if you have been incarcerated.
False: You can open a bank account regardless of your legal history. You still have to meet
the guidelines for opening certain bank accounts, such as minimum deposit requirements.
For more information about what to do with your money and the different kinds of banking
options available, see Finances, Credit, and Taxes on p. 100.
MYTH: If you have been incarcerated you are entitled to Social Security compensation for
your time in prison.
False. You do not qualify for Social Security benefits during the time you are incarcerated.
However, if you were previously collecting Social Security you can resume benefits after
providing proof of your release.
More information about Social Security benefits can be found in Resources To Meet
Basic Needs on p. 70.
MYTH: You can’t receive VA benefits after being incarcerated.
False. If you are a veteran, you can have your benefits resumed 30 days before your
rescheduled release date. You just need to provide evidence of this date from a parole board.
For more information about accessing veteran benefits, see Veterans on p. 110.
MYTH: People with criminal records can’t vote.
False. In Illinois you can vote upon release, and should.
See Connecting With Your Community on p. 140.
MYTH: Health insurance is too expensive. It is easier to pay healthcare costs out
of pocket.
False. While it is true that health insurance can be expensive, there are some more affordable
options, such as Medicaid or subsidized insurance through the Healthcare Marketplace. Not
having insurance can lead to expensive emergency room visits, and you will have to pay a
$695 per year penalty if you are not insured.
For more information about health insurance and how to stay healthy, see Health on p. 114.
SECT ION ONE:
Before You Leave

—
1
Prepare Yourself Mentally 14
– Ways of Practicing Mindfulness 16
Gather Your Documents 20

– Birth Certificate 20
– Social Security Card 21
– Driver’s License 22
Prepare for Your Job Search 24

– Build Experience 24
– Write Your Resume 25
– Search For Employment Opportunities 26
Prepare For Parole 28

– Preparing For Parole 28
– Transitional Houses 29
– Electronic Monitoring 30
– Registries 30
– Transferring from the Sex Offender Registry 31
to the Murderer & Violent Offender Against
Youth Registry
Collect Health Records 32

Relationships 34
Prepare Yourself Mentally
It’s never too early to prepare for leaving prison.

PREPARE YOURSELF MENTALLY
Even if you have a very long sentence, keep Make sure you have a
your eye on life after release. If your out date good relationship with the
is many years away, you can prepare by getting people you’re going to stay with
an education (Adult Basic Education, GED, and
when you leave prison.
college), working in prison so that you build
– Shaun W.
your skills and your resume, taking advantage of
programs like anger management and parenting
1 classes, and developing hobbies. You can world. This includes preparing yourself mentally.
occupy your time with different activities such Reentry is difficult, so set realistic expectations.
as meditating, playing an instrument, drawing, It may be challenging to find a job or reunite
joining a choir, reading. Consider attending with loved ones. Give yourself permission to
religious services. If you had an addiction problem, accept that things may not be ideal or easy.
think about attending substance abuse programs
that are available. All of this will give you We suggest that you forgive yourself if you make
opportunities to meet other people and it will help mistakes. It is likely that you will have some
prevent you from becoming “institutionalized,” awkward social encounters, especially if you
or thinking of yourself solely as a prisoner who have been in prison for a long time. Get yourself
has nothing to contribute to the world. in the frame of mind so that you can laugh them
off. People in the outside world have awkward
Even while in prison, you can still make a social encounters all the time! You may think
difference. Education Justice Project (EJP) that it will be obvious to everyone that you’ve
students developed an English as a Second just gotten out of prison, but that is usually not
Language program to teach English to others the case.
behind bars. They run anti-violence discussion
groups in the prison. Many incarcerated people Think now about how you can find “breathing
donate to local charities like food pantries and room” once you’re out in the world. Life on
Habitat for Humanity. What can you do? the outside can feel very rushed. EJP alumni
report that visiting Lake Michigan and looking
If your time is short, you should be taking out over the water, taking long walks, biking,
additional steps to prepare for the outside and gardening have helped them to find space to
14 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E M a p p i n g Yo u r F u t u r e
breathe in the busy world outside. How can you you went away. Go slow. Breathe. It is natural
build such activities into your life? to feel stressed sometimes, but you can keep it
from getting out of hand. You might join a group
It will be useful to practice patience. Everything that is learning to practice Mindfulness Based
may not go as you would wish. There will Stress Reduction (MBSR), offered through some
be disappointments. Sometimes you will be hospitals, social services, and a few churches.
confused by how much things have changed since
Ways of Practicing Mindfulness

Below are some mindfulness suggestions. You Listening. Listen to what is around you, marking
can start applying the suggestions below even the time between sounds in your head. Don’t worry
while you’re still in prison. about the sounds that are being make. Note gaps
of quiet among these sounds. Think about how
Breathing. Tune into your breathing throughout these sounds feel to you. Let them come to you and
your day, experiencing the slow rise and fall of depart from you, only to be replaced by new sound.
your stomach. Focus on your thoughts and feelings You may want to do this exercise for short, regular
while you do this. Don’t pass judgment on your periods as well.
thoughts and feelings, just reflect on them.
Walking. Stand up while being very still. Focus
Sitting. Attempt to be very still, without waiting intently on your your feet and legs, but don’t
or seeking out anything. Just embrace whatever move just yet. Take some slow, deliberate steps
comes to your mind while you do this. Simply and reflect on this movement. Don’t worry about
observe your thoughts as they come to you, while what is around you. Simply look ahead of you
sitting quietly and peacefully. You may want to do and imagine the many miles you have walked in
this exercise for short, regular periods. your life. You may want to do this exercise in a
predetermined number of steps or in a circle.
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 15
PREPARE FOR CHALLENGES
Before leaving prison, work on practicing patience, both with others and with yourself.
1. What skills do you use to manage stress?
2. When things go wrong, or when you’re disappointed, what can you do to keep yourself on track
and focused?
KNOW YOUR STRENGTHS
1. What have you done in the past to successfully adjust to major
life changes?
2. What skills, habits, or traits helped you stay motivated, build positive
relationships, and maintain self-respect?
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 17
BUILD YOUR SUPPORT NETWORK
People often isolate themselves during tough times, but it can help to keep in touch with positive
friends and family members. You may want to use this checklist to think about a social support
system before you leave. Who are the people you’re counting on to be there for you?
Contact family members and friends, and be honest about what you need from them, whether it’s
housing, financial support, advice, and/or emotional support. Find out exactly what they expect
from you.
You can use this “Getting Ready to Get Out” checklist to identify what areas would be useful for you
to start addressing now, to ensure a smooth release.
Page(s) in this guide

Issues you may face
Got this covered Need to address where you can find
upon release
help in this area
Substance Abuse p. 72, 124

1
Making Ends meet p. 103
Family Issues p. 34, 132
Housing p. 29, 73, 74
Medical p. 32, 72, 112, 114, 176
Transportation p. 80
Child Care p. 93
Telephone p. 86
Pending Legal Issues p. 92, 188
Child Support Status p. 93
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 19
Gather Your Documents
As your release approaches, your top priority is to obtain copies of your birth certificate and social
GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS
security card. Both are crucial to setting up your life after prison. For one thing, you will need the
birth certificate and social security card to get your ID upon release.
This section will help you get a head start on securing both documents. We recommend you begin
this process at least one year before you are released.
Remember, you have the legal right to have these documents. Nobody can refuse to issue them to
1 you just because you have been incarcerated.
Birth Certificate
Secure a certified copy of your birth certificate. A If you were born in a large city like Chicago,
certified copy is one that is imprinted with a state seal there may be more than one County Clerk’s
and includes a notarization (signature and date) by Office. Contact the one closest to where you
the county registrar. There are three possible ways of will live upon release. If you don’t yet know
getting your birth certificate while you are in prison. where you will legally reside upon release,
please consult the Housing section on p. 70.
our prison library or counselor should
1. Y
have a form that you can complete to 3. If you can, have a guardian or family
request a birth certificate. Ask them member help you. Ask them to contact the
to help you with this process, or seek County Clerk’s Office directly.
assistance from someone who is in a
position to give you the form.
Items you will need if you request your
birth certificate from the County Clerk
2. Contact the County Clerk’s Office in the district
where you were born to request a copy of your Birth Certificate Request Form
birth certificate in the mail. A certified copy of Dated copy of prison intake or an
your birth certificate typically costs $15. If you offender summary sheet
were born in Illinois, locate the nearest county Payment
clerk’s office by consulting the list of Illinois Self-addressed, stamped envelope
County Clerks in the directory on p. 194. (for mailed requests)
If you are able to get your birth certificate before OUTSIDE ILLINOIS
your release, we recommend that you not keep The instructions above apply only to those born
it with you in prison. Instead, have it sent to a in Illinois. If you were born in another state,
trusted loved one or friend to hold on to. contact a friend or family member, or seek the
help of a counselor at your prison, so you can
If you are not able to get your birth certificate learn the process for getting a birth certificate
before you get out, you can request it at the from that state.
County Clerk’s Office after you are released.
It’s often possible to obtain a certified copy See p. 200 for Cook County and Illinois Birth
the same day you make the request. However, Certificate Request forms, or use one of the services
every County Clerk’s Office is different. Each in the chart below.
one has different rules for how to get your birth
certificate. It is best if you speak directly with
them after your release to get their instructions.
How long it takes to

Name of service Location Fee
get your records
Call 847-759-8905 or visit

Currency Up to 7
mycurrencyexchange.com $20
Exchange business days
for locations
10-14 days (+$12.45)

Call 866-252-8974 or
VitalChek $2-$50 5-7 days (+$16.50)
visit vitalchek.com
3-5 days (+$19)
The above services will obtain records for you, for a fee.
Social Security Card

All U.S citizens and permanent residents have a replacement card. It is not necessary to be a
a Social Security Number (SSN), used by the U.S. citizen to receive a social security card.
government to track federal and state taxes and
social security benefits. Essential services like
electricity and water require a social security First piece of advice, make
number to activate accounts. You will need sure that you get all your
your social security card, the official record of documentation together.
your social security number, when you accept
– Shaun W.
employment, open a bank account, or buy a house.
If you do not already have a social security card,
you will need to apply for one. If you have a
card but have lost it, you will have to apply for
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 21
The following companies will obtain Cook As with your birth certificate, if you are able to get
County records or documents for you, for a fee: your card while still incarcerated, avoid carrying it
with you. Memorize the number and keep the card
Currency Exchange: Call 847-759-8905 or visit in a safe place, such as your official file, or with a
mycurrencyexchange.com for locations. There is trusted friend or loved one, until you are released.
a $20 fee, and it can take up to 7 business days Your SSN is sensitive information. Be aware that
to obtain the records. sharing it with another person could put you at
risk for fraud. The Department of Corrections
VitalChek: Call 866-252-8974 or visit makes a Temporary Identification Card available
vitalchek.com. There is a $15 fee for obtaining to individuals getting released. It is valid for 30
GATHER YOUR DOCUMENTS
the records, plus a processing and shipping fee days after your release. While there have been
which ranges from $12 to over $19, depending problems with having those cards recognized by
on how soon you need the records. the Secretary of State, you may still find it useful
to get one, especially if you are unable to secure
There are two possible ways of securing a social either your birth certificate or social security card
security card while you are in prison. before you leave prison. You need to begin the
process of getting a Temporary Identification Card
1
1. Use the form on p. 203 to apply for a Social at least 45 days prior to your release.
Security card or request the form from your
prison library, counselor or other trusted
source.
Go slow, breathe. Make
oordinate with a trusted family member
2. C a 3-5 year plan on paper.
or friend to call the Social Security
– Darrell W.
Administration toll free at 1-800-772-121 or
look up the address at the following website:
ssa.gov/agency/contact. Contact the office
and ask what the procedure is for obtaining
a new or replacement card while in prison.
Each office has a different procedure.
Driver’s License
If your driver’s license has been suspended, or instructions for getting it back. You can also review
revoked, you can begin the process of getting it the Illinois Rules of the Road book to prepare for
back (see p. 40). Ask a family member or another a driver’s license exam. Copies may be available in
trusted person to contact the Illinois DMV to your prison library.
check the status of your driver’s license and receive
PULLING TOGETHER YOUR DOCUMENTS
Use this worksheet to keep track of some of the documents and forms of ID you may need after you
are released. Start gathering them now.
Item Taken Care Of Need to Tackle
Social Security
Card
Birth Certificate
Driver’s License
Temporary
Identification Card
State ID
Marriage License
Divorce Decree
Passport or Green
Card
Bank Account
Information
Military Discharge
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 23
Prepare For Your Job Search
If you are getting ready to leave prison, employment is probably very much on your mind. Unfortunately,
PREPARE FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH
this is an area where you are likely to hit many roadblocks and challenges. Perhaps it doesn’t seem fair that,
even after you have served your time and “paid your debt to society,” you will encounter employers who
are unwilling to give you a fair chance. Sadly, many people in our society are prejudiced against people with
records. This may not be what you want to hear. However, it it is important to be realistic and prepare yourself.
The good news is that there are employers who are willing to give you a chance. And there are ways
you can prepare yourself while still in prison to have a head start on finding a decent job.
1
Build Experience
If you sat at a table
Take advantage of opportunities to earn
playing cards for ten
certificates, gain job experience, and acquire skills
while in prison. Work while you are incarcerated.
years and now you want to
It provides a track record of what you’re capable come out and you want to go
of, boosts your confidence, and can help you out and get yourself a job that’s
identify skills you didn’t know you had. paying $18-20 an hour – well,
be realistic. You’re not gonna
Enroll in education programs, from Adult Basic do it. You’re not going to have
Education to college programs. This can prepare you
that job because you didn’t
for work on the outside and also demonstrate your
do anything to prepare. What
intelligence and dedication to prospective employers.
are you going to put on your
Be on the lookout for programs and other resume, that you played cards
opportunities to build your knowledge and skills. for ten years?
Getting involved in arts, parenting classes, and – Anonymous
other programs will give you additional experiences
that, while perhaps not be directly related to your
prospective job, can help you to build confidence
and show employers that you are committed to
personal growth.
Write Your Resume
Another important thing you can do while you’re 4. W
ork experience. List your jobs. Some
still in prison is to write your resume. This is resumes include volunteer work. However, it
a written summary of your skills, strengths, might be worthwhile to have a separate section
and work experience. You will need a resume for volunteer work if you have done so much
to search and apply for jobs. Even if you do not that it will favorably attract a prospective
have access to a computer or typewriter, write employer’s attention. Include where, when and
your resume out while you are still incarcerated. for how long you had each position.
You can type it after your release.
5. O
ther professional skills. This includes
Your resume should have several parts: certifications, technical skills, language
abilities, and awards and recognitions. If
1. Y
our name, address, and contact you have published any writing while in
information. (If you are not sure of your prison, e.g., in a prison newsletter or outside
address yet, ask a friend or family member publication, you can list that on your resume.
if you can use their mailing address.)
Please note that it is not necessary to indicate
2. A
n objective (optional). This tells potential on your resume that you gained education
employers what you are looking for and or work experience while incarcerated if you
provides a brief summary of what you are worried that employers might view this
have to offer. At this point, your objective unfavorably. The sample resumes on p. 204
might be very broad, like, “energetic and can show you various ways that other formerly
dependable individual seeks opportunity to incarcerated people have handled this situation.
bring growth to your company,” or “hard-
working, college-educated individual with Your resume should be a one- to two-page
excellent writing skills seeks position.” document. Review it many times, and try to
have another person review it as well. Things to
3. Education. Your resume should have a look out for:
list of schools you’ve attended. Consider
including your educational experiences in • Are all details correct?
prison, especially if you have earned any • Are there any typos or misspellings? You
degrees or certificates (high school level want your resume to reflect your attention
and beyond). Your resume is also a place to to details and professionalism.
list any scholarships, awards, or distinctions • Is there anything on your resume that is untrue?
you earned during your education. Do not claim experiences that you have not had.
This could get you not hired, or fired later.
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 25
• Is the formatting consistent? For example, and easy to read. Resist the temptation to use
if the first section title is in bold, all of them “fancy” type or a lot of underlining. These
should be in bold. features make reading difficult.
• Is your resume attractive to look at?
Employers have to review many resumes. Please see our forms section on p. 204 for
Make yours stand out by being nicely designed sample resumes.
Search for Employment Opportunities

Getting a job requires networking–talk with other prospective employers. For example, they might
PREPARE FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH
people to get information, develop contacts, and have family friends who own their own businesses,
find job opportunities. Talk with career counselors a neighbor who has a restaurant, or know someone
at the prison, if available. They can help you plan. whose company is looking to hire. At this point,
you are not looking for an ideal job. You simply
Talk to your family and friends about job want a position from which you can continue to
opportunities they may be aware of. Ask for their build a good employment history and, eventually,
help. Let them know you are serious about finding land that dream job.
1 work and supporting yourself. Most people on the
outside network heavily to find work. For information about how to find and apply for jobs
once you are released, see the Employment section
If you have computer access, make a few copies of on p. 44. Be hopeful. Many people have found jobs
your resume and mail them to friends and family after incarceration and, with the right preparation
members. Ask them to share your resume with and attitude, you can too.
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 27
Prepare For Parole
IDOC Parole Office: 1-800-666-6744
When you are released from prison, you will probably be on parole. This means that you will remain under the
PREPARE FOR PAROLE
supervision of the Illinois Department of Corrections until your parole period is over.
While on parole, it is necessary to comply with parole restrictions. We realize that it can be frustrating
to know that even though you are getting out of prison, you will not be completely free because you will
have restrictions and obligations related to parole. Hang in there. Parole is difficult, but many people
successfully manage it. You can, too.
1
Preparing for Parole

The schedule for submitting a parole plan varies by simply call your family member and confirm that
institution. Generally, the process begins around they have given permission for you to stay with them.
six months before your release date. You might
be visited by the Prisoner Review Board (PRB),
which will make recommendations surrounding the
Just like being in prison
conditions of your parole, but your parole officer
will have the final say. For example, you may be
– when you live with
required to attend anger management classes, or somebody on the outside you
you may be placed on electronic monitoring for a have to learn how to put up with
period of time. A copy of the Prisoner Review Board them. On the outside, you have
Order can be seen in our forms section on p. 233. a little more space and a little
more freedom, but you’re going
In your parole plans, you will submit the address
somewhere new and they might
of the residence where you intend to live while on
have rules and guidelines for
parole. If you plan to parole to the home of a family
member or friend, this is your “host site” and it will
you to follow just like you had
need to be approved. If electronic monitoring is a inside. You have to be mindful
feature of your parole, a parole officer (PO) will visit of those things.
the home and determine whether it is suitable. If – Shaun W.
electronic monitoring is not involved, they will usually
The person you plan to live with will be asked to Department of Corrections well before your parole
complete a Host Site Agreement. The form may date with any questions they might have.
come in the mail, or the PO may bring it when
the home is inspected for approval. Many of the If someone is going to pick you up from prison, it
conditions of parole--the rules you will have to is a good idea for them to call the facility first to
follow--will affect the people you live with. It is confirm the date and time, as this varies by prison.
important to communicate early and clearly with Once you get home, it is important that you not
anyone you plan to live with so that they understand leave until your PO visits. Usually this will happen
how your parole conditions will impact them. We within 72 hours.
encourage host site residents to contact the Illinois
Transitional Houses
If you can’t parole to your own home or the working. Almost all halfway houses do not allow
home of a family member or friend, there are residents who have been convicted of sexual
some transitional houses, or halfway houses, offenses, and some prohibit violent offenses.
in Illinois that you may be able to parole to.
Typically, counselors make the call to place For a list of housing resources, including transitional
you in a halfway house just days before you are houses, see the Housing directory on p. 146.
released. Spots are in great demand, and it’s
hard for them to know what will be available
in advance. This can create a fair amount
of stress. It may be useful to bring a list of
transitional housing/halfway houses (such as the
one in the directory) to your counselor.
Transitional houses serve people recently

released from prison as well as those who
are homeless, those who are recovering from
substance abuse, or those who have mental
illness. Transitional houses usually have strict
rules that residents must abide by, such as
curfew, employment and religious requirements.
Some also provide supportive services, like
substance abuse counseling and employment
assistance. Typically, people are allowed to stay
in transitional houses for 6 months to 2 years.
Some are free, while others require you to pay
a certain amount of your income, if you are
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 29
Electronic Monitoring
Many people, though not all, are given electronic call in/call out capabilities and no features (call
monitoring (EM) for some period of time as waiting, three-way calling, etc.). Just like the
a condition of their parole. If you have EM as restrictions of parole, the restrictions of EM
a condition of your parole, there will be some can be stressful for the entire household. Until
additional restrictions while you are on it. On the you find a job, you will be inside the home most
day that you are released, you will be required of the time, which can cause tension. If you will
to go home and not leave once you get there. need rides during your movement times, you will
A technician will come by your home sometime need to work that out as well. We recommend
within 72 hours to set up the electronic monitor. communicating clearly with the people you
PREPARE FOR PAROLE
Your PO will determine what times you will be will live with and depend on while you are on
permitted to be away from your home. electronic monitoring about what you will need
If you will be on electronic monitoring, the home from them, what they will need from you, and
you parole to usually must have a landline with how you will address problems as they arise.
1
Registries
The Illinois State Police maintain two registries: the Information about the Sex Offender Registry and
Sex Offender Registry and the Murderer & Violent Murderer & Violent Offender Against Youth Registry
Offender Against Youth Registry. Your conviction can be found at the Illinois State Police website
will determine whether you will be required to (www.isp.state.il.us) or by calling 217-785-0653.
register on one of these registries. If possible, check
with your counselor before you are released about While it is possible to transfer from one registry to
whether you will be required to register. another once you are released, it is much easier for
this process to be completed while you are still in
prison, if your counselor will assist you. That is why
Many people are not aware that they are required to we highly recommend checking with your counselor
register on the Sex Offender Registry if the act for prior to your release about any registration
which they were convicted was not sexual in nature. requirements. If you find that you are required to
! For example, if you were convicted of murder, you will

be required to register on the Sex Offender Registry
register as a sex offender but believe you are eligible
to transfer to the Murderer & Violent Offender
if you were 17 or older at the time of the incident and Against Youth Registry, your counselor should be
the victim was younger than 18. able to assist you in getting that transfer completed
before you come home.
Transferring from the Sex Offender Registry to the Murderer
& Violent Offender Against Youth Registry
Individuals convicted of First Degree Murder of • The completed form has been received by the
a Child, Kidnapping, Aggravated Kidnapping, registering law enforcement agency and the Illinois
Unlawful Restraint, Aggravated Unlawful Restraint, State Police Sex Offender Registration Unit.
Child Abduction, and Forcible Detention may be
able to transfer from the Sex Offender Registry to • If the individual was convicted in the military,
the Murderer and Violent Offender Against Youth out-of-state, or in federal court, it remains
Registry. According to Illinois law, individuals are the responsibility of the offender to have this
eligible to transfer if the following conditions are met: form completed and verified by the county of
your conviction.
• The sole offense requiring registration was a
conviction or adjudication for an offense or If you believe you are being required to register in
offenses listed in the FAQ of the Murderer and error, or if you wish to transfer from one registry
Violent Offender Against Youth Registry. If to the other after you are released, the process can
the individual has a conviction for an offense be confusing and frustrating. Your PO may be able
which requires sex offender registration, this to assist you, but more than likely, you will have
individual will continue to register under the to initiate this transfer yourself by contacting the
Sex Offender Registration Act and is not State’s Attorney’s Office in the county in which you
eligible for transferring to this registry. were convicted. Some State’s Attorney’s Offices are
more responsive than others, and some returned
• The State’s Attorney’s Office in the county in citizens have had trouble getting them to send the
which the individual was convicted has verified, form required by the State Police.
on the form prescribed by the Illinois State
Police, that the crime that required or requires If your PO and the State Police have verified that
registration was not sexually motivated. you should be able to transfer to another registry
(Sexually motivated is defined as one or but you’re having trouble getting the State’s
more of the facts of the underlying offense Attorney’s Office to send the required form, we
indicates conduct that is of a sexual nature recommend getting someone to advocate on your
or that shows an intent to engage in behavior behalf. This may mean contacting legal aid for a
of a sexual nature.) It is the responsibility of pro bono lawyer, or you might contact one of the
the offender to contact the state’s attorney’s advocacy groups listed in our directory.
office and request this form be completed.
These forms have been provided to all state’s
attorneys in Illinois.
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 31
Collect Health Records
Planning for health care before you leave prison with a PAP smear and ask for a mammography
COLLECT HEALTH RECORDS
saves money and helps you avoid problems like if they’re over the age of 40. Start early (within
running out of medication or getting sick and the year of your release) in case your dentist or
having to go to the emergency room (which is doctor finds something you will need to address.
very expensive). There are a few steps you should
take before you are released. See p. 123 for a list of tests and exams you should
request before release.
1 1. Ask the healthcare unit at your facility what the
procedure is for the release of health records. In 3. Get your medications ready. Prisons offer people
most instances, you will be able to complete forms a limited amount of medication supply upon release,
to acquire those records. Request them about ranging from a 30 to 90-day supply. Make sure you
90 days before your release. You will likely have discuss your medication needs with the prison doctor.
to pay for any copies. There are separate forms
for medical records and HIV and mental health 4. Begin the process of getting health insurance.
records. Be specific when requesting records. For People who just get out of prison are often
example, eye and dental exams less than 2-5 years eligible for Medicaid, a government-sponsored
ago, special procedures,and immunizations. healthcare program for people with limited
resources. You can begin the application process
You especially want copies of your prison medical before you leave prison. Ask your counselor
records if you had any particular medical issues. to help you get started. Once you submit the
You can receive the records after your release, but paperwork, it takes 30 days to obtain insurance,
if you wait more than a few months post-release so it is a good idea to fill it out a few months in
to request them, you must send the request to the advance so that you can have access to health
Department of Corrections in Springfield rather care when you are released. This is especially
than to the facility where you were held. important if you have certain health conditions
that will require immediate treatment. You will be
2. Request a dental exam, an eye exam, and a expected to pay for whatever treatment you need
physical exam so you can address any health out of pocket until your Medicaid kicks in.
concerns you may have before you leave prison.
Prisons can even offer glasses, if needed. Women For more information about health insurance and how
are encouraged to request a gynecological exam to apply, see the health section of the guide on p. 114.
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 33
Relationships
Maintaining Relationships During Incarceration

RELATIONSHIPS
It will be easier to reunite with family and friends after incarceration if relationships have been
maintained during incarceration. For many, the most difficult part of incarceration is the strain it places
on relationships. The inability to be physically present in the lives of those you love gives rise to many
1 conflicting emotions, both for the incarcerated person and their loved ones. While there remains a sense of
love, concern, and care, there may also be feelings of resentment, guilt, loss, frustration, anger, and grief
that often remain unresolved.
If you have any emotions at all, you’re going to have guilt about making your family suffer

the pains that you’re going through. Because you’re not suffering alone. They suffer with
you while you’re in there.
– Tony C.
Some relationships may end completely, and all relationships involve a lot of uncomfortable struggle
during incarceration. However, it’s possible to maintain healthy, loving relationships over the course of
incarceration even though many ways of connecting with loved ones are severed, or at the least impaired.
Even if you cannot be present, be a presence.

– Anonymous
Two objects don’t need to touch each other to feel the gravity of one another.
– Anonymous
Some find the strain of maintaining relationships while incarcerated so difficult that they opt to distance
themselves as a form of self-preservation. Be aware that this distance can be extremely hard to overcome
upon release.
You spend so many years in there and so much time keeping people at an arm’s distance. You

never let anybody get close... But when you come home, you’ve gotten so used to keeping
people at a distance that you just continue to do it. It’s hard to make new friends.
– Tony C.
Explore other ways to maintain relationships. While it’s painful to not be able to be a physical
presence in your loved ones’ lives, there are other ways to be present. Talk, listen, and provide
emotional and mental support.
Try to find ways to make it easier for them to accept you being gone. Because if you just sit

and tell them how horrible it is and you bark at them every time they come to visit you or
you yell at them in letters or on the phone, then they’re gonna get frustrated with dad and
say, well hey, you’re not even here, so what can you do?
– Tony C.
Healthy relationships are open, honest, and possess depth and dimension. Strive to maintain regular,
open lines of communication through letters and phone calls, when possible. Those who have managed to
stay a presence in the lives of those they love will find that reuniting with them after release is smoother.
I t’s hard, but you have to make your kids understand that you don’t want to be away from them...
You love them and you’re going to do everything you can to make sure you’re in their life.
– Tony C.
The family members of incarcerated individuals can also do a lot to maintain the relationship. They can
help their incarcerated loved ones feel a part of their lives. Sometimes sharing the ordinary everyday
things can help them feel connected.

I send him a little bit of money, enough to keep phone calls going, you know, and pictures
and stuff and try to set up options for him so he knows he doesn’t have to go back to the same
stuff. Just let him know that there’s help, there’s better things in life. I try to talk to him about
the good stuff, about working and going to church, when we’re playing games with his little
sister and stuff like that.
– Heather B.
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 35
Preparing for Reunification
You might be scared, worried or excited about reuniting physically with family and friends. You can
prepare yourself for this transition by reflecting on your relationships and being honest with yourself
about who is likely to be a positive, supportive influence in your life.
Both you and your loved ones should set realistic expectations. You are both in transition, and a
period of adjustment will be necessary. It is hard to be left at home and hard to come home. Even if
the person has only been away for a few months, the effect of incarceration can be profound. For the
loved one, having the person come home can take some getting used to as well. This difficulty does not
mean a failure in the relationship.
COLLECT HEALTH RECORDS
You might begin by letting your loved ones know what you are hoping for and what you will need from
them during your reentry. This could include both emotional and financial support. Never be afraid to
ask for patience. You should also listen to the needs and concerns of your loved ones. While issues will
inevitably arise after release that will need to be faced, reuniting with loved ones will be easier if you
can communicate your desires and expectations ahead of time and learn to negotiate and compromise.
1

The key thing is honesty. [If] you come out being honest with yourself and with [your loved ones],
you can’t go wrong, because you’re not feeding them a fairy tale. You’re giving them you.
– Keke.
People who return after a long incarceration often face a unique challenge: they must relearn
themselves, their loved ones, and the world around them. Those who had young children may come
home to find them teenagers or even grown with children of their own. There may be conflicting ideas
of what the relationship should be.
on’t come in like they’re supposed to know you or even respect you a little bit, because you’ve
D
been gone. You gotta gain that respect and that trust back when you’ve been gone so long.
– Keke
Take time to acknowledge the ways in which you have changed. Recognize that just as you have grown
over the years, your loved ones have as well. Allow for this growth. Be open to the person before you
and who they are now.
First you gotta get yourself together, mentally. Because you might think you know them because

they’re part of you, but you really don’t know them and what they’ve been through. You know
what they tell you. Same thing with you.
– Keke
2017-18 B E F O R E Y O U L E AV E 37
SECT ION T WO:
After You’re Out

—
2
Getting Your ID 40 Parole After Release 90
– State ID or Driver’s License 40
– Getting Your License Back 42 Legal Matters 92
– Marriage License and Divorce Decree 43 – Pro Bono 92
– Pro Se 93
Employment 44 – Child Custody 93
– Thinking About Your Job Search 44 – Foster Care and Reinstating Parental Rights 94
– Identifying Possible Jobs 45 – Child Support 95
– The Application Process 46 – Sealing Records 96
– In Her Words: Advice from an Employer 51 – Certitificates of Rehabilitation 97
– Certificate of Rehabilitation 52
– Your Legal Rights 53 Finances, Credit, and Taxes 100
– Unemployment Insurance in Illinois 54 – Banking 100
– Budgeting 103
Building A Career 56 – Financial Resources 104
– Choosing a Job 56 – Credit 105
– Self-employment 60 – Tax Basics 106
Education 62 Veterans 110

– Adult Basic Education Programs 63 – VA Benefits While in Prison 110
– General Education Development 63 –R einstating Benefits After Release and 111
– Vocational Programs and Apprenticeships 63 Reentry Services
– Higher Education Programs 64 – Filing Disability Claims 111
– Paying For Your Education 65 – Female Veterans 112
– Resources For College Students 67 – Health 112
– Getting The Most Out of College 68 – Housing 113
– EJP Scholarships 69 – Employment 113
Resources To Meet Basic Needs 70 Health 114

– Getting Started 70 – Insurance Coverage 114
– Medicaid 116
Housing 74 – Marketplace Insurance 117
– Choosing A Plan 118
Transportation 80 – Once You Have Insurance 120
– Buses and Metro 80 – Dental and Vision Insurance 121
– Train 81 – Primary Care Provider 122
– Carpool and Rideshare Programs 81 – Specialist Physicians 122
– Ride-hailing Apps and Taxis 81 – Pharmacy 123
– Biking 82 – Mental Health and Substance Abuse 124
– Cars 82 – Medical Records 124
– Community Clinics 124
Communications 86 – HIV/AIDS 125
– Becoming Acquainted with the Technology 86
– Accessing the Internet 87 Mental Health & Subtance Abuse 126
– Getting an Email Account 87 – Support Groups 127
– Passwords and Online Security 88
– Searching Online 88
– Purchasing Your Own Devices 88
Getting Your ID
Congratulations, you’re out! An important step, once you’re free, is to secure your ID.
GETTING YOUR ID
Hopefully, you already have your birth certificate and social security card. If not, the fastest way to get
them is to visit your local County Clerk’s office to obtain your birth certificate (if you are living in the
county you were born in) and Social Security Administration Office to obtain your social security card in
person. We recommend this approach, because you need these documents as soon as possible.
2
If you need to replace both documents, you may have trouble supplying the forms of identification
required. In this case, you might consider ordering your birth certificate from VitalChek at vitalchek.com.
This service does not require identification. Instead, it verifies your identity through a series of security
questions. This method costs significantly more than ordering from your County Clerk (approximately $50,
with shipping), but once you have your birth certificate, you can use it to obtain your social security card.
State ID or Driver’s License

Once you have your birth certificate and social website: cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_
security card, you are ready to get a state ID or publications/dsd_a112.pdf
driver’s license. These are the most commonly
accepted forms of ID. If you don’t yet have your If you’ve been incarcerated a long time, we
birth certificate or social security card, please recommend getting a learner’s permit so that
see the directions on p. 20. you can legally practice driving until you feel
comfortable taking the driver’s test. To obtain a
To obtain either a state ID or a driver’s license, permit, you will need to pass a written test and a
visit your nearest Driver Services facility. To find vision test. Once you obtain the permit, you may
out which Driver Services facility is closest to you, drive while accompanied by a licensed driver.
either call toll free at 1-800-252-8980 or, if you
have internet access, visit the following website:
dmv.org/il-illinois/dmv-office-finder.php
Do you plan to apply for a driver’s licence?

Review the Illinois Rules of the Road first.
You can pick up a copy of this booklet at any
public library, or download it at the following
40 AFTER YOU’RE OUT M a p p i n g Yo u r F u t u r e

SUSPENSIONS
Visiting Driver Services can take
If your driver’s license is suspended, it is taken
a long time, so be sure to bring
away for an amount of time (6 months, 1 year, everything you need:
3 years). People get their licenses suspended for
many reasons including not paying traffic tickets, An original document with your
parking tickets or tolls; driving while drunk or written signature (credit card, court
order, or social security card)
using drugs (Driving Under the Influence, or
DUI); or not meeting child support payments. An original document with your date
of birth (birth certificate, passport,
Driver’s licenses can be taken away if you do not
or high school transcript)
make child support payments, even when you are
n original document with your
A
incarcerated. See p. 95 under legal services for
Social Security number (Social
instructions on how to modify your child support Security card, IL driver’s license
payments so that this doesn’t happen. record, or military service record)
riginal documents proving your
O
If your license was suspended, you can take steps Illinois residency (bank statement,
to get your license back after the suspension credit report, or utility bills)
period is over. Payment
REVOCATIONS
If your driver’s license is revoked, it is taken away
for good. Drivers licenses are often revoked for
more serious DUIs (for instance, someone was
injured or killed because the driver was drunk or
using drugs while driving). It is still often possible
to apply for a new driver’s license after some
time has passed. If your license has been revoked
because of a driving fatality (someone was
killed), you may not be able to get a new license,
but it is worth checking to be sure.
The waiting periods for applying for a new license
are usually:
• 1st DUI offense: 1 year

• 2nd DUI offense in 20 years: 5 years
• 3rd DUI offense: 10 years
• 4th DUI offense: life-time ban
Note: If you choose to drive without a license,

you may face more serious penalties (more time
without a license, jail time, car seizure).
2017-18 AFTER YOU’RE OUT 41

Getting Your License Back
First, check with driver’s services to see how long • If your license was suspended or revoked
your license is suspended or how long the waiting because of a DUI, you will need:
period is before you can apply for a new license. – A Drug/Alcohol Evaluation by a
Instructions for accessing your driving record can licensed agency.
be found on the Illinois DMV website: dmv.org/il- – Papers showing that you have
illinois/driving-records.php. You can also schedule completed a DUI Risk Education
a meeting with a hearing officer at a DMV office. Course
Locations and phone numbers can be found – Papers showing that you have
here: dmv.org/il-illinois/dmv-office-finder.php The completed substance abuse treatment,
GETTING YOUR ID
hearing officer will let you know if you are eligible if necessary.
for getting your license back and help you prepare • If your license was suspended because you
for your informal or formal hearing. did not pay child support, you will need:
– Papers showing that you have changed
2 INFORMAL HEARING PROCESS your child support payment plan to
If you do not have multiple DUIs or a criminal one you can afford, and that the court
DUI, you can schedule an informal hearing by agrees to these changes. See Child
contacting the driver’s services office nearest Support in the Legal Section.
you. If you go in person to request a hearing,
you will need a photo ID (see Gather Your FORMAL HEARING PROCESS
Documents on p. 20) to enter the building. If you have multiple DUIs or a criminal DUI,
you will need to schedule a formal hearing. It
During the hearing, you will speak with a hearing is stricter than the informal hearing, and may
officer who will tell you what you need to do to include witnesses and evidence.
get your license back. This will likely include:
To request a formal hearing:
• Paying any traffic or parking tickets you
have not paid 1. Complete the request form (Form DAH H 12)
• Paying a suspension or revocation fee http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/
– $70 for failure to appear in court, pdf_publications/dah_h12.pdf
failure to pay child support, parking 2. Mail the form to the nearest driver’s
and other minor driving suspensions. services office. http://www.cyberdriveillinois.
– $500 for any revocations, such as com/publications/pdf_publications/dah_ih70.pdf
DUI, reckless driving 3. Pay a $50 fee

At the hearing a driver’s service hearing officer need to drive to get to work or school. Bring
will decide if a you should get a new license, papers to the hearing showing that you are
receive a temporary driving permit, or be denied. employed or taking classes, and be prepared to
It is a good idea to gather documents to show explain why you need a driver’s license to get to
that you are unlikely to commit further DUI’s. school or work.
You can also bring witnesses to speak about how
you are safe, trustworthy, and responsible. Some AFTER THE HEARING
people hire lawyers. You’re almost there! Don’t forget that you will
need to provide proof that you have purchased
If you are unable to get a new license, you may car insurance before you can get a new license or
be able to get a temporary driving permit if you get your old license back.
Marriage License and Divorce Decrees

Marriage licenses and divorce decrees can be
obtained at the County Clerk’s Office in which you
were married or divorced.

Employment
There is a lot involved with finding employment, so this is one of the longest chapters in Mapping Your
EMPLOYMENT
Future. It contains information that can help you plan your job search and be successful in it. You
will hear a lot of discouraging talk about getting a job with a record. While it is challenging, there are
employers who are willing to hire people with records and many community resources that can help you
find jobs. Be persistent and find creative ways to help you pay the bills while you are on the job market.
2
(See Resources to Meet Basic Needs on p. 70). Keep at it, and don’t give up.
This chapter includes the following sections to help you get meaningful employment: thinking about
your job search, identifying possible jobs, and the application process. It also contains a section on
what to do if you feel you have been discriminated against
on the basis of your criminal record and how to access No matter what, don’t
unemployment insurance. The last section addresses ever stop persevering.
building a long-term career. This is something that you – Anonymous
can start planning for even now.
Seek Help and Know Your Options

Your criminal record will make some parts of the Take advantage of programs and services to help
job search challenging. You may have work you navigate employment challenges and build a
restrictions, and your criminal record will come meaningful career.
up at different points during the search. It will
likely take you longer to find a job. The jobs you Make your job search smoother by knowing your
may find will likely be less than ideal, especially at options. Understand which jobs you can’t be hired
first. We suggest that you find a career-building for before you make a career plan, search for
program or counselor to help you. With a career a job, or start training. The length of time that
counselor, take time to assess what your skills are you are barred from a job or workplace might
and create realistic expectations for short and depend on your conviction or the occupation.
long-term career goals. Our directory on p. 168 has Visit the Council of State Governments Collateral
a list of places where you can go for employment Consequences website (niccc.csgjusticecenter.org/
guidance. Many social services, transitional housing search/?jurisdiction=18) to see how different types
programs, and churches provide employment help. of criminal convictions affect employment. For a

list of barred occupations, see p. 235. See also p.
58 for recent changes to employment for people If they didn’t want
with convictions in Healthcare, Schools, and Park to give me the job,
Districts. maybe it’s not the job for
me. I just have to look at it
There are still many jobs open to people with like that.
criminal convictions. Jobs that Hire Felons has
– Shaun W.
a long list of companies whose hiring policies
include people with criminal convictions:
jobsthathirefelons.org/
Identifying Possible Jobs

NETWORKING to work for a large employer. However, they are
There are many ways to find jobs. Networking much less important than they used to be, so do
is probably the most important. Successful job not invest a lot of time in them. Instead, focus on
seekers often talk to many, many different people. visiting your target employers’ websites and finding
The contacts in your network may not have a job the jobs posted there. Often, you will find a link
for you right now. However, they could have career to “Current Jobs” on the home page. Sometimes,
advice. Or they might know someone who knows the link to job postings is labeled “Careers” or
someone else with a job lead. Or they might learn “Employment.” Job aggregators (websites that
of a job in the future. We suggest that you mention gather information and provide links to many
your interest in employment to friends, family, different jobs) are also powerful and very useful,
and casual acquaintances. Talk to people in the including sites like indeed.com, which is the largest
grocery line about your job search and let people source of job postings in the world, collected
at your place of worship know about your interest from employer websites, job boards, association
in finding work. websites, publications, and more.
One good strategy is to contact people who LinkedIn is currently the most effective
perform the sort of work that you are interested professional social network. Head to linkedin.com
in. Ask them for ideas, suggestions, and to make a profile and review job postings
information that can help you find job leads. The
power of face-to-face interactions is huge.
ONLINE Many jobs require driver’s licenses, or you may need

If you have been in prison a long time, you might a driver’s license to get to your job. If your license has
not be familiar with online job searches. These days,
many people rely on websites like monster.com,
been suspended or revoked, you can take steps to get
it back. See p. 40 in the Getting Your ID section for
!
careerbuilder.com, and snagajob.com. You should more information.
not ignore these sites, particularly if you want

(see the “jobs” link below the search bar at the
top of every page). LinkedIn is one of the best I think making
online sites for connecting with people who work connections is
where you would like to work (and who worked important because I’m
there in the past). still looking for a job, and
you never know when one
When searching for a job online, be careful to
of these connections might
avoid becoming the target of a scam. Scammers
work out in that respect.
may request money, or identity information like
date of birth, Social Security number, or debit/
You just have to keep your
credit card number. Be very, very cautious eyes and ears open.
EMPLOYMENT
about giving out your SSN or other personal – Shaun W.

information on the internet.
2 KEEP RECORDS
It is a good idea to keep a record of all the places
you have applied to, including visits made in person,
initial phone calls, and follow-up phone calls. On the
next page is an example of a log you can use.
The Application Process

JOB APPLICATION FORMS minimal education). Most employers do not have
The purpose of a job application is to get you a lot of time to review a stack of applications.
a job interview. Employers use written job In fact, most hiring managers will review your
applications to narrow the applicant pool for a application for approximately 15 to 30 seconds,
particular job, deciding who is worth talking to looking for a form that’s neat and complete.
in person. To maximize your chances of getting
an interview, focus on what you have to offer an The “Employment” or “Previous Employment”
employer. Downplay the negatives (poor work section is usually the most detailed section of a
history, felony convictions, lack of experience, job application. Here are some tips on filling it
out effectively:
If you choose to apply for a job online, your biggest

When filling in the “work performed” or “job
obstacle may not be your criminal record; it may
duties” section, use the entire space to list your
be your anonymity. Countless people submit online
skills, accomplishments, and contributions you
! applications, especially to large companies. The most
important task, when using online resources, is to find
made in your past positions. Think about, and
list, everything of significance that you did in
a way to make a personal connection, distinguishing
past jobs, from the beginning of your shift to the
yourself from the rest of the applicants.
end of your shift. Do not list your wages from

Name(s) and
Name of Company name Application Interview Thank you
Response date contact info of Notes
position and contact info date date letter date
2017-18
interviewers
EXAMPLE JOB APPLICATION LOG
AFTER YOU’RE OUT

47
past employment. Instead, write “will discuss at
Some examples of positive reasons for
interview.” Sometimes people are not selected leaving are:
because their prior salary was too high, or
employers may not offer an applicant what they • You relocated (you left your job
are actually worth, using a lower previous salary because you went to prison)
as justification. Give a positive reason for leaving • You desired a career change
all previous jobs, even if you quit or were let go. • You became a full-time student
Think about what happened after you quit or • The work was seasonal
were let go. Did you get a new job? Did you start • You had the opportunity to advance
a training program or pursue education?
EMPLOYMENT
The job application will also typically ask for: Unfortunately, disclosing your history on the
application can result in you being screened out
References. On average, employers ask for three because of the stigma associated with felonies.
2 references for each candidate. Be thoughtful However you choose to disclose, at the interview
about whom you list as references. These emphasize the positive aspects of who you are
should not be family members. Good sources today. Explain that you have taken responsibility for
of references include: previous and current your actions and have learned from the situation.
employers, supervisors, teachers, social workers,
people you have engaged in volunteer work with, RESUMES AND COVER LETTERS
and people from your religious institution. Many employers require a resume and cover
letter in addition to a completed application
Criminal History. When answering the form. Your resume maps out your employment
question “Have you ever been convicted of a history, giving details about your past jobs, your
felony?”, check “yes” and write, “will discuss skills, and your interests. You will submit the
at interview.” Disclosing your history on the same resume to each employer.
application is a quick way to get screened out.
Wait until the interview so you can share how Your cover letter is an actual letter from you
you have taken responsibility for your actions, to each prospective employer. It tells a short
what you have learned from the situation, and story about who you are—why you are seeking
how you are different today. Another option is employment, your background, and what’s
to briefly explain that you were convicted a long important to you. Keep your letter to a single page.
time ago.
Writing effective resumes and cover letters takes time,
so begin working on these documents long before you
apply to your first job. As discussed on p. 25, you can
Illinois is a Ban-the-Box state, meaning employers even begin working on them while in prison.
cannot legally ask you about felony convictions on
! their application. For more information, see Your Once you are out, you may wish to look at
Legal Rights on p. 53. online resources that can help you with these
documents. Here are two excellent ones:

1. extension.harvard.edu/inside-extension/
How-write-great-resume-cover-letter If you anticipate filling out an application at the place
of employment, take along a copy of any information
2. owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/6/ and dates that you might need to complete the
application. That is preferable to trying to remember
A Google search for “how to write a resume” them and making mistakes on the application. !
or “writing great cover letters” will also yield Remember that false information given on an
helpful websites. Be sure to search websites for application may be grounds for dismissal even after
examples of resumes as well. you have been employed for any length of time.
Examples of a resume and cover letter from

someone who has been incarcerated can be interview, and locating the right person or room
found in the forms section on p. 160. could take longer than you think. Arriving early
shows you are responsible and eager to be there.
INTERVIEWS
Once you’ve submitted an application to a Wear appropriate clothes. It will serve you best
prospective employer, wait to be contacted. to look as formal as possible. Consider your body
Hopefully, they will be interested in scheduling language. Even when you are not speaking, you are
an interview with you. However, please be sending a message. Make good eye contact, stand
advised that most applications do not lead to and sit tall, smile, and shake hands firmly.
interviews. This is an area where it will be helpful
to be patient. You should continue to send out Ask questions. At the end of a job interview, most
applications until you have an actual job offer. hiring managers will ask something like “Do you
have any questions for me?” Strong job candidates
Many job seekers are nervous about interviews. always have a few questions prepared—this
They want to say the right things and make a good makes you seem interested in the job, rather than
impression. Practice what you’ll say, and consider desperate. If you brought a pen and notebook with
the following guidelines: you, you could prepare a list of questions in the back
of the notebook.
Bring the right materials. Carry extra copies
of your resume, contact information for your ADDRESSING YOUR CRIMINAL
references, and any papers you need to complete BACKGROUND
your application, including copies of work licenses, Job seekers with less-than-perfect work histories or
your driving record (if required), and your social criminal records may have a hard time answering
security or immigration cards. Bring a pen and some interview questions. Here are a few tips to
notebook to write down information. It shows that increase your chance of getting hired:
you are truly interested in the job.
Comfort the Employer. Let them know that your
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early for your interview. offense did not happen on the job, if it did not. For
You might need to fill out paperwork before the example, “Yes, I was convicted of a felony, but it

was not job related.” If your felony was job related, and last impression, so if possible, try to address
find a counselor to help you develop a specific job your criminal background history in the middle of
interview strategy. the interview.
Own It. “There was a time in my life when I was Encourage the employer. “I am a good worker
making some bad choices and I was convicted of… and I want to work, I just need an opportunity to
(state your offense).” Address any concerns an prove my skills to an employer.” Tell them that you
employer might have about your past. Then steer want the job!
the interview back to your skills and the positive
traits that you bring to the job. “I can see why that A list of employment resources can be found in
the directory.
EMPLOYMENT
gap in my work history might concern you. But

that was several years ago and, since then, I have
maintained a solid work record. I come to work on
Some examples of questions you
time. I am a very hard worker and quick learner.”
could ask:
2
Keep it positive. “I thought a lot about where my life • What is the organization’s plan for
was going and I decided to make some changes.” the next five years?
Talk about your current activities and future plans. • How will I be evaluated, and in
Emphasize education and job training, community what timeframes? By whom?
work, and other activities you have done since your • What are the day-to-day
release and in prison, if they are relevant. Talk responsibilities of this job?
about your career goals, how you chose them, and • What computer equipment and
how the job you are applying for fits those goals. software do you use?
Employers are more likely to remember their first • When will a decision be made about
this position?

IN HER WORDS:
Advice from an Employer
We wanted to know how employers approach hiring people who have a criminal history, so we reached out to Tanja, an
employer who has hired many people who have been formerly incarcerated. In the interview below, Tanja explains what
employers are looking for and how people should discuss their criminal history with employers.
What are the most important qualities you look What questions should the one being interviewed
for in a job candidate? ask the employer?
Tanja: “For me, the most important quality Tanja: “Do your homework about my company, the
is reliability (e.g., responding promptly and job description, and ask me questions as if you had
professionally). I also appreciate it when the position. Ask details about logistics: How many
people are eager to learn and respond well to hours, what days and times do you need me? What
constructive criticism. The fit between the person qualities are you looking for in a worker? What
and the position is also critical.” would a a typical day be like in the job? What are
the opportunities for growth? Do you offer training
What information needs to be revealed regarding and if so, how does that work? Who will be my
history of incarceration? supervisor? What is their management style?
Tanja: “I think it really depends on the position. It
is a mistake to come in and tell me your whole life. These questions will make me believe you are
That is too much too soon. But being super vague serious about the job. In my case, I provide
will make me wonder if you are trying to hide reentry services. I want to see you know the
something. For me, honesty is critical. I let people reentry process and that you are passionate about
know I am not here to judge and as far as I am this issue.”
concerned, they have done their time. What I care
about is the present and the future. Can they do What questions can they expect in an interview
this job now? How much training and supervision and how would you handle the tricky ones?
will they need? What are their skills and how can Tanja: a.) Why are you applying for this job now?
these skills aid in the job performance?” b.) What is your availability? Convince me that
you will be available and reliable. Make sure you
What impresses you about candidates? can make the work schedule work. c.) What are
Tanja: “I am usually impressed when I see your best skills? d.) What skills would you like to
someone who has done their homework: They develop in the future? e.) What were you doing
know what the position is, they googled the before? This question can be tricky if you have a
company and they know what we are looking for. big gap in your resume. If you were just released,
It is ideal to tailor your history to the position and be honest, but capitalize on the skills you have that
capitalize on your skills. Link these skills to the job make you right for this position, even though you
announcement and tell me how these skills will have been out of the market for a while. Having
be used to help me. Also demonstrate enthusiasm a strong resume tells me you do good work and
for what the company does. If it is the restaurant you are reliable. Emphasize how the situation has
industry, tell me how much you enjoy the food and changed, point me to your references and how
why. If you do not enjoy the food, find something they will assure me that you are worth taking a
you like about the company and share with me.” chance on. f.)How do you see your fit with this
job? How would you go about doing it?

Many employers are nervous about hiring people for employers who hire people who have left prison
with past convictions. This may not seem fair. within the last year.
Many employers have had positive experiences
hiring people with convictions. Others, however, FIDELITY BONDING
may need some extra motivation. Here are a few When interviewing for a job, you may also want
additional tools that can help. to tell the employer about the Illinois Fidelity
Bonding program. Fidelity bonding is an insurance
WORK OPPORTUNITY TAX CREDIT policy that protects employers from employee
If employers seem reluctant to hire you, you may dishonesty or theft. The state offers six months of
want to tell them about the Work Opportunity free fidelity bonding insurance for employees with
EMPLOYMENT
Tax Credit. Employers who hire people with past convictions. The bond covers up to $25,000 in
convictions receive a tax credit of up to 40% of damages if the employee steals from the company.
the employee’s yearly wages. The tax credit is only
2
Certificate of Rehabilitation
A criminal record is an obstacle to getting a represent the applicants in court free of charge. The
license in certain fields, e.g. education, transit, and Circuit Court that entered a sentence of conviction
childcare. Under certain conditions, you can petition has exclusive jurisdiction to grant Certificates of
the court to grant a Certificate of Rehabilitation. Rehabilitation.
This allows you to apply for jobs that require these
licenses, in spite of your record. They do not remove https://www.ccc.edu/departments/Documents/
any offenses from your record. Instead, they may Community%20Relations%20Department/
allow you to pursue employment in a particular CERTIFICATES%20OF%20REHABILITATION%
profession, even though your conviction history would 20ONE%20PAGER%20100412_Revised%20(2).pdf
ordinarily prohibit you from working in that field. Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County:
The clerk’s website contains lots of information
Please see “Legal Services” directory on p. on certificates of rehabilitation and other forms of
218 for more information on Certificates of relief. It is useful even to individuals who live outside
Rehabilitation. of Cook County.
The two organizations below are good sources of
information about Certificates of Rehabilitation. http://www.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org/?section=
SERVRESPage&SERVRESPage=7070
Safer Foundation Pro Bono Panel for Obtaining
Certificates of Rehabilitation:
Safer Foundation has partnered with a statewide
group of attorneys and law school clinics that are
available to assess a potential certificate applicants’
eligibility for relief, and if eligible, the attorneys will

Your Legal Rights
By law in Illinois, employers who have more Employment Denial. In order to legally deny you
than 15 employees on the payroll cannot access employment based on a conviction, employers must
criminal background checks on potential hires consider:
until after an interview is conducted. This law
is called “Ban the Box” because it prohibits •T
he nature and gravity of the criminal offense
employers from asking you to check a box on your or conduct
application if you’ve had a criminal conviction. You •H
ow much time has passed since the offense
may submit a complaint against an employer who or sentence
violates this rule by visiting: •T
he nature of the job (including where it
is performed, how much supervision and
illinois.gov/idol/Laws-Rules/FLS/Pages/ interaction with others the employee will have)
Ban- The-Box- Complaint-Form.aspx

If there isn’t a direct relationship between the job
you are applying for and your offense, employers
THE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
cannot legally use the offense to deny you
OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION (EEOC)
employment. For example, it would be legal for
EEOC is a federal agency that administers and a bank to deny someone convicted of credit card
enforces civil rights laws for the workplace in fraud or theft. But, it would most likely not be
all states. Their guidelines state that employers legal for them to deny someone who was convicted
must consider a few things when conducting a of theft 30 years ago and who has committed no
background check and when choosing not to hire other crimes since then. Employers can still choose
someone because of a criminal record: candidates with more or better experience, but
irrelevant criminal history should not be a deciding
Background Check. Employers who wish to do a factor in hiring.
background check must:
If you believe you have been discriminated against
• Get the applicant’s written consent ahead you can file a complaint by mail, telephone
of time. (1-800-669-4000), or in person at an EEOC office
• Tell the applicant if the employer intends to (https://www.eeoc.gov/employees/howtofile.cfm)
disqualify him or her based on the contents of
the report. The employer must also give the
applicant a copy of the report.
• Notify the applicant after the employer makes
a final decision not to hire him or her based on
the information in the report.

Unemployment Insurance in Illinois
Unemployment benefits in Illinois can be accessed
if you meet certain guidelines. You must have lost
your job through no fault of your own, such as a
layoff, and you need to have made at least $1600 in
the last 12 months before you filed your claim.
If you meet these requirements you are eligible

for up to 26 weeks of benefits. You cannot receive
unemployment directly after you return home if you
EMPLOYMENT
lost your previous job due to your incarceration or if

you were in prison for more than twelve months.
2 The next step is visiting your local Illinois

Department of Employment Security office or an
Illinois Work Net Center. To find a location near
you, use the Illinois Department of Employment
Security website:
ides.illinois.gov/Pages/Office_Locator.aspx

Building A Career
Choosing A Job
BUILDING A CAREER
Some people aspire to have a career, a particular What do I want to do?

line of work that they can grow within and Once you have written down what you are good
enjoy, which provides plenty of opportunities for at and the work you have done in the past, and
advancement. Building a career takes time and assessed the current and medium-term employment
2 planning, but the result is that you get to do work landscape, you are ready to weigh actual careers.
you are interested in. Consider the following questions:
What am I good at? Where do you see yourself in five years?

Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is an What is your dream job? What kind of work would
important first step toward a career. Start by you be satisfied doing for the next 10 years? Do you
listing these on paper. This exercise will take some want to work with people, food, or animals? Do you
time and concentration. Feel free to ask people who seek factory work, a desk job, or work done entirely
know you well for help with identifying your abilities on a computer? Are you drawn to building things,
and shortfalls. the service sector, or creative pursuits?
What do I know how to do? Build Experience

Take some time to think about your work Aligning your skills and interests with the actual job
experience. This includes volunteering, mentoring, market will help you realize your career goals. You
and especially participation in prison programs. may not currently have a lot of experience in the
Anything that had an impact on you and/or that you field you want to work in or the career you wish to
learned something from is fair game here. pursue. That does not have to be an obstacle to your
plans. You have some options.
What is out there?
Which sectors of the economy are growing, and 1. Volunteer or intern with an organization part
which are shrinking? Where are the greatest time. Volunteer positions and internships are
opportunities and the greatest needs? How do your a good way to build experience and contacts.
skills align with the priorities of your community Search online, talk to people you know, and
and the larger society? look on bulletin boards in libraries and other
community venues to identify organizations

that use volunteers or interns. Be proactive Be Realistic
and contact them to learn how you can Not everyone gets their dream job, but many people
apply to intern or volunteer. This can be both end up doing things they enjoy eventually. You can
professionally and personally rewarding. See increase your chances by planning and by being
our Connecting With Your Community section realistic. Some careers take more time and money
on p. 140. than others to achieve, and some take many tries to
break into. Don’t be afraid to fail a few times.
2. S
eek higher education. Some fields and
jobs require college degrees. Job listings POPULAR EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS FOR
almost always say if a certain degree is RETURNING CITIZENS
required or preferred. Being a student can Commercial Driver (CDL)
be rewarding. It can be a change of pace Many formerly incarcerated people have had
from full-time employment. You can receive success finding jobs as commercial bus or truck
money through financial aid, scholarships, and drivers. To get a commercial driver’s license (CDL),
grants to support yourself while in college. you will need a temporary commercial learner’s
See our Education section on p. 62 for more permit first. You can apply for a learner’s permit
information. at a Vehicle Services Department (see www.dmv.
com/il/illinois/vsd-location-hours for locations).
3. Start your own organization or business. If you have had a Commercial Driver’s License in
If you have the time and resources, starting the past or if you had one in a different state, go to
your own organization or business can the Vehicle Services Department to find out what
help you build a meaningful career. This you need to do to get a license (or visit dmv.org/
is a challenging career choice, but it can il-illinois/apply-cdl.php).
be satisfying. It takes perseverance and
imagination, but you will be proud one To get a learner’s permit, you will need:
day to be able to say you started your own
after-school program, fitness coaching •A
valid driver’s license. If your license has been
business, graphic design service, or house suspended or revoked, see Driver’s License on
cleaning business! p. 22 for more information
•P
roof of legal presence (such as a birth
If you are committed to this route, spend some certificate or permanent residence card)
time identifying what your community needs and • A $50 fee for the learner’s permit
wants. Talk to others who have started their own •A
completed commercial learner’s permit
non-profit, or who have experience running a small application
business, for guidance. EJP alumni started all of
these kinds of businesses. Maybe this is the route
If you truly feel it,
for you, too!
go for it with gusto.
– Darrell Wright, Returned Citizen

athletic trainers, audiologists, and many others.
After you receive your learner’s permit, you can Note: Employment laws may change again, and
begin training to become a commercial driver. we will note any changes in future guides.
The learner’s permit is good for 180 days. If you
do not have training, you may need to take a class HEALTHCARE JOBS
at a commercial driver’s training facility. A list Healthcare employment is almost always in
of training facilities can be found at http://www. high demand and can be fulfilling. This includes
cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/drivers/ jobs like doctor, nurse, acupuncturist, athletic
driver_education/commercial_driver_training/ trainer, audiologist, and many others. Working in
cdlcertschools.pdf healthcare with a felony conviction often requires
BUILDING A CAREER
a waiver. Not all healthcare jobs require licenses,

Next, you will need to return to the Vehicle Services but the ones that do require you get a waiver if you
Department to take a road test and some written have a felony. If you have a felony or multiple felony
tests. A study guide for the tests can be found convictions, you will need to wait a few years before
here: www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/ applying for a waiver.
2 pdf_publications/dsd_cdl10.pdf.
• 3 years for one felony
After you have passed your tests, return to • 5 years for 2-3 felony convictions
the Vehicle Services Department to receive a • 10 years for more than 3 years
commercial driver’s license. You will need to pay
$60 to receive the license. The license will need to Before applying for a waiver, you will also need to:
be renewed every 4 years.
• Complete parole
Healthcare, Park Districts, and Schools •P
ay any court-related fines or have a payment
In Illinois, working in some fields with a conviction plan to pay these fines
requires a waiver. Illinois state employment laws •D
o everything required by the court(s) that
changed in 2016, under pressure from community sentenced you. For instance, you may need to
reform advocates and legislators, making it easier complete a drug or alcohol recovery program.
for people with convictions to be employed in •Y
ou can find the healthcare waiver application
certain jobs. online at (http://www.idph.state.il.us/nar/
WAIVER_APPLICATION.pdf)
• School jobs: If it has been 7 years since you
were convicted, you are not barred from You should send it to this address: Health Care
working at a public school in Illinois. Worker Registry, 525 W. Jefferson St., Fourth
• Park District jobs: If it has been 7 years since Floor, Springfield, IL 62761
you were convicted, you are not barred from
working at a county or state park district. If you have one of the following convictions, it
• Healthcare jobs: If you have a felony, you will be harder to get a healthcare waiver: assault,
can now be employed in healthcare fields battery, sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated
that require licenses if you have a waiver. robbery, and all types of homicide.
This includes doctors, nurses, acupuncturists,

But, you should still apply! To do so, please submit 3. A copy of police reports for all disqualifying
a waiver application following the same steps listed convictions. (Contact the police department
above. If you are denied, the next step is to appeal. where you were arrested)
You will need to collect and mail a few things for 4. A
transcript of the trial or court proceedings
your appeal: for all disqualifying convictions. (Contact the
Circuit Clerk where you were sentenced)
1. A letter appealing your denial of the waiver.
The appeal requires you to state the reasons Send your appeal to this address: Health Care
why you appealed. This means the reasons Worker Registry, 525 W. Jefferson St., Fourth
why you want to work in this field, especially if Floor, Springfield, IL 62761
you have a personal connection to healthcare.
2. The original waiver application and any
information they send you when the waiver
was denied.
The following items will need to be included with your application:
written explanation of your

A would be a good fit for a healthcare
conviction(s); what happened, how profession from a co-worker or
many years it has been, and any friend. Please also include their
other circumstances that led to contact info.
it. This is your chance to tell your yped employment reference letters.
T
personal story. Include letters about why you
Your work history. would be a good fit for a healthcare
Your criminal history. profession from a co-worker or

Documentation showing you boss. Please also include their
completed a rehab program (if contact info.
required by a judge or parole). Anything that demonstrates your
ocumentation showing that all
D reliability or achievement. This
court fines have been paid, or that could include awards, volunteering
you have a payment plan. work or church work, proof of a
college degree, anger management
ocumentation showing your parole
D
course completion, etc.
has ended.

You may also want to include a

Typed character reference letters.
typed resume.
Include letters about why you

Self-employment
1. Why Start a Small Business? 4. Potential Challenges
Being your own boss has its merits. You can set Plainly put, starting a business from scratch is hard.
your own schedule, pace, and whatever money you Weighing difficulties against benefits is an important
make is yours (after you pay the business’ bills). It part of helping your business succeed. If there are
does have some drawbacks too. Small businesses too many challenges you may want to consider
require money to start and take a lot of work changing your timeline or modifying your plans.
to maintain. Owning a small business can be a
fulfilling long-term career if it is done thoughtfully. Returning citizens we talked to highlighted that
starting a business can cause strain on your
BUILDING A CAREER
2. What Kind of Business? relationship with friends, family, and partners.

If you can make money at it, people have created a They suggest communicating your plans with the
business for it. That means there are many, many people you care about before you set anything
opportunities for your small business. When we in stone, keeping them in the loop about how
were putting this year’s guide together we spoke to things are going, and taking care to maintain your
2
people with convictions operating businesses doing relationships after you open your business.
personal fitness, food delivery, freelance painting,
and home cleaning. Their advice for anyone starting Starting a small business requires a lot of money.
a small business was to jot a few things on paper The returning citizens we talked to said they worked
first. for a few years to save money first. Getting loans
may be easy, but it can be tricky to pay them back
3. First Steps while also paying rent and salaries to employees.
A good place to start is writing a plan on paper. Not all businesses succeed, but the loans will still
You might also ask yourself these questions: What have to be repaid even if you have to close.
exactly do I see this business doing? Is there a clear
need/want for this kind of thing in the community? Note: Returning citizens have notified us about
How am I going to pay for this? What is the lending companies that target people leaving
timeline for starting my business? What happens prison. These companies will loan you money
if my timeline needs to change? It is also a good at a high rate. This money can be very difficult
idea to seek feedback on your plan from others. to pay back, especially for people who haven’t
They might see a challenge or a good idea that you yet found a job. Please be wary of these loan
initially overlooked. advertisements.
For a more detailed plan, go online to print off and 5. What’s Next?
complete the Illinois Small Business Development If you have decided that you want to move from
Center’s workbook: www.illinois.gov/dceo/ planning to creating your business, it is a good idea
SmallBizAssistance/BeginHere/Documents/ to seek out professional business help. In Illinois,
ILSBDC_NewGround_BusinessPlan_Sept2013.pdf you need to file with the state to make your business

official. Depending on where you are, there may organization you can work with. Doing internet
be additional hurdles. Talking with someone who searches for these resources and seeking out your
understands the ins and outs of loans and taxes local business association/chamber of commerce
is strongly recommended. Lawyers who advertise are ways of finding additional support.
experience with incorporation can file your
paperwork, but they also charge a fee.
Try everyone, because
Free resources do exist. Illinois Small Business you don’t know who will
Development Centers are a statewide resource be helpful.
that provides planning advice, counseling, training, – A.W., Returned Citizen
and access to financing programs. To find one
near you go online to www.illinois.gov/dceo/
SmallBizAssistance. Depending where you are,
there might be a local business “accelerator” or

Education
Many people consider furthering their education after release. This guide is produced by the University
EDUCATION
of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, so of course we are supporters of higher education, in particular!

Education stimulates the mind, may open doors both socially and financially, and helps a person better
understand the world they live in. It is a way of meeting new and interesting people, and even of
2 supporting yourself upon release.
This chapter contains information about different kinds of education, such as Adult Basic Education,
GED, and vocational education. The first part of this chapter deals with those kinds of education.
Higher education is education beyond the high-school level. The second, longer part of this chapter
deals with higher education and includes sections on applying for college, financial aid, and resources
for college students. It concludes with some tips from formerly incarcerated people about going to
college on the outside.
We encourage you to think of yourself as a lifelong learner. Enroll in courses and educational programs
throughout your working life and after you retire. Sometimes you may take a class to advance at your
job; at other times, you may take a class or enroll in a program in order to explore a potential new area
of employment; you may even choose to take a class for fun or to explore an area of interest. You can
be in school part-time or full-time. Explore the options in your community.
Life is richer when you feed your mind. If you have been involved in educational opportunities while
incarcerated, you probably already have a sense of this. If you have not taken advantage of education
programs in prison, we encourage you to seek out whatever educational opportunities may be available
to you before you leave. Employers, apartment managers, and others may look upon this favorably.

Adult Basic Education Programs
Adult Basic Education (ABE) programs serve In addition to offering courses in basic skills,
students age 16 and over who want to improve ABE programs also include English as a Second
basic skills in reading, writing, math, listening, Language (ESL) courses and GED preparation.
and speaking. Typically, ABE programs are
offered at adult schools, career centers, A database of ABE programs in Illinois can be
libraries, and community colleges. They’re free found at: ilcco.net/AdultEd/index1.cfm
or charge only a small fee. For-profit agencies
like Kaplan and ESL Language Centers also
offer ABE, but they charge higher fees.
General Education Development Test

The GED test allows adults who have not at ged.com. Although registration is done
completed high school to show they have online, the tests will actually be administered on
mastered the knowledge and skills associated computer at an official GED testing site that you
with a high school diploma. A GED or high select during registration. We encourage you to
school diploma is a requirement for many jobs. prioritize getting your GED if you don’t already
You can register online to take the GED test have it.
Vocational Programs and Apprenticeships

Vocational programs provide you with the They can allow you to earn a salary while
unique skill sets required for a particular job. gaining valuable knowledge and experience in
They are also referred to as occupational, a specific profession. They are usually offered
votech, or career and technical education through trade unions.
programs. These programs allow you to learn
the ideas and practical skills for a trade at For more information on apprenticeship
the same time. Vocational programs are programs in Illinois, go to: ides.illinois.gov/
available through community and technical Pages/Apprenticeship.aspx
colleges, as well as trade schools. Visit the
website for Illinois workNet to find a program:
illinoisworknet.com/. The Illinois
Consider seeking
American Job Center is another good place simple certifications,
to look: jobcenter.usa.gov/. like CDL, sanitation, limo
driver, or forklift.
Apprenticeships are another way to gain – Earl W., EJP Alumnus
hands-on training in a trade or profession.

Higher Education Programs
If you already have a high school diploma or WHERE SHOULD YOU APPLY?
GED, a next step on your educational path could Not all colleges are the same. Your experience will be
be to enroll in a college program. For students different depending on where the college is, how big
who haven’t been in school for a while, the most it is, and whether it is public. The type of college will
common path towards an academic degree begins affect the tuition price. Put some time into thinking
at a community college. The low cost of tuition about what kind of college you want to attend,
and the variety of programs offered makes these then research colleges online or at the local library.
colleges an ideal starting place. Many community Shopping for a college is similar to shopping at a
colleges offer dual enrollment programs, which grocery store. You make the best choice by reading
EDUCATION
allow you to earn an adult high school diploma or up about the different options. Almost all colleges
GED and college credits at the same time. Also, by have websites where you can learn about their cost,
enrolling in a community college, you can earn an academic programs, non-academic activities, the
2
Associate’s degree and then transfer to a four-year town where they are located, and many other things.
college or university to earn a Bachelor’s degree.
APPLYING FOR COLLEGE
For help in figuring out your educational Step 1: Get the Application
options, including financial aid information, the Most colleges have online applications on their
Illinois workNet Centers are good resources. websites. You can also call the school’s admissions
They’re located in Decatur, Effingham, DeKalb, office and ask them to send a college application to
and Arlington Heights. You’ll find the addresses you, or go to the admissions office and pick one up.
listed under the Employment section of the If you are submitting a paper application, get two
Directory. You can also check out the website copies. Use one as a practice copy and the other
of the Illinois Community College Board. It has for the one you submit to the admissions office.
information about planning for college, paying
for college, and selecting a college. Visit it at Step 2: Gather Your Information
iccb.org/students/ Not all schools will ask for the same information
but you will probably need your Social Security
number, a state driver’s license or identification
We recommend that you avoid “for-profit” online card, dates of high school and previous college
universities, such as University of Phoenix, or Ashford attendance, unopened high school, GED, and/or
University (you may find a comprehensive list of for- college transcripts, and ACT or SAT test scores.
profit universities at wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_for- Some applications may ask about your criminal
profit_universities_and_colleges). Statistics show that history. If you indicate that you have been convicted
! an overwhelming majority of students who attend these of a felony, some schools will ask for additional
schools never finish their degree programs. Those who information, which may be discouraging. But just
do may face difficulties when applying for jobs with because they are asking for the information doesn’t
credentials from these schools, as they are widely seen mean your application will be rejected. If you have
as having questionable reputations. decided that you want to attend college, don’t be
discouraged at this step.

Step 3: Submit the Application
At most community colleges you will receive a letter
of acceptance or a phone call within a few weeks
after you’ve submitted your application. Four-year Stay focused on
colleges can take longer, and may have specific your goals.
schedules for responding to applicants. If you have – Greg A.
questions, contact the school’s admissions office.
Paying for Your Education

Finding the funds to pay for your education is The other restriction applies to an individual
a challenge. Where do students get the money? subject to an involuntary civil commitment
Generally, funding comes from one or more of after completing a period of incarceration for
the following sources: family resources, wages a forcible or non-forcible sexual offense. Such
from full- or part-time work, support from an individuals are ineligible to receive Pell Grants.
employer, and financial aid (including grants,
student, work-study, and scholarships). Applying for financial aid can seem complicated if
you’ve never done it before. You can ask for guidance
Applying for federal student aid is free. from the financial aid office at your school.
Financial aid, including Pell Grants, state
grants, work-study and loans, is available to
students on probation and parole. The amount If a grant, loan, or scholarship offer sounds too good
of financial aid you receive depends primarily to be true, it probably is. Like “diploma mills”, there
on your financial need. Your past history with are many for-profit companies that take advantage
creditors does not automatically disqualify you. of people who are looking to finance their education.
Applying for financial aid should be free, and you should
There is a federal law that limits some people with research the agency or company before applying.
criminal records from being eligible for federal
student aid. One restriction only applies if you Be aware that if you take out student loans, you will
were convicted of a drug offense (a misdemeanor emerge from your educational experience with an !
or felony) while you were receiving federal obligation to repay that debt. Please consider carefully
financial aid in the past. And, even if you have how you will handle the repayment of student loans
a drug conviction that occurred when you were after you have finished college, as this will impact
receiving financial aid, the law may not apply to future decisions about finances and future employment.
you if a certain period of time has passed since the
conviction or if you have completed drug treatment. Remember to keep copies of all applications and
related paperwork in your portfolio.

FINANCIAL AID WORK STUDY
Applying for federal student aid Work study positions are jobs offered to full-time
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid and part-time students with financial need through
(FAFSA) is the starting point for accessing all the college they are attending. You can sign up for
federal student aid. You can file a FAFSA anytime work study when you submit a FAFSA. The idea
between January 1 of the school year when you’ll of work study is to help students pay for school
be enrolled and June 30 at the end of that school and learn something from working there. Work
year. State and individual college deadlines vary study is a way to make money in school, but also
and usually require that you file your FAFSA much a way to establish work history. If you do sign
earlier than the federal deadline. State deadlines up your college will contact you with work study
EDUCATION
are on the FAFSA. To find out the deadline at opportunities, which may include off-campus work
a school, check the school’s website or call the with organizations partnered with the school. These
financial aid office. You should complete and jobs are first come first served. You do not have to
2 submit your FAFSA as soon as possible because accept work study if offered.
some financial aid funds are first come, first served.
SCHOLARSHIPS
You can find FAFSA online at fafsa.gov, or you Private organizations and other agencies sometimes
can request a paper copy from 1-800-4-FED-AID offer scholarships that reflect their mission. For
(1-800-433-3243). instance, the United Negro College Fund grants
scholarships to qualified African-American students.
If possible, complete and submit the FAFSA while The financial aid office at your chosen school can
still in prison. help you organize a search for outside scholarships
and can usually provide you with information on
The financial aid office at the college or university many available scholarships. Catalogs such as
you are applying to is a good resource for any Scholarships, Fellowships and Loans and Peterson’s
questions or concerns you have about federal Scholarships and Loans for Adult Learners are
student aid. These offices generally offer email and available at your local public library. You can find
phone support for applicants, as well as financial aid several free databases of scholarships online.
counselors you can meet with. Check the school’s
financial aid office website to find out what services Please note that the Education Justice
they provide. It is always better to ask questions and Project offers modest $500 scholarships for
be informed when making financial aid decisions. returning citizens. Deadlines are typically
in November. To access forms, visit
educationjustice.net.
Be aware that if you take out student loans, you will
emerge from your educational experience with an
obligation to repay that debt. Please consider carefully
! how you will handle the repayment of student loans
after you have finished college, as this will impact
future decisions about finances and future employment.

Resources for College Students
TUTORING CENTERS STUDENT SUPPORT CENTER
Many college campuses offer free tutoring to their The staff at these centers are there to help students
students. Some colleges have tutoring centers that with any issues. For example, if you are having
cover all subjects. Other colleges have tutoring trouble finding or paying for childcare, make an
centers that focus on specific things like writing or appointment with a counselor. The counselor may
math. You should take advantage of the tutoring be able to refer you to a childcare center or provide
center. If you are on a campus that does not have you with vouchers to pay for childcare. If you want
a tutoring center, ask your professors if they can to find out more about other resources available to
recommend a private or volunteer tutor. you, the center is also a good place to start.
MENTORING PROGRAMS OTHER SERVICES

Some colleges offer mentoring programs to new You may also have access to some healthcare
students. College mentors are more experienced services at your college, a gym membership, and
students or other people who provide support to an anytime bus pass. Take full advantage of these
students who are new to college. At some colleges, services. (Note: They are usually good only during
mentors will show you around the college campus, the semesters that you are enrolled.)
introduce you to other students, tell you about
the different professors on campus, and check in
with you once or twice a month to see how you FINANCIAL AID REFUND
are doing. Colleges increasingly have programs If you are receiving loans, you will get a refund. This is
the money that is left over after your school subtracts
tailored especially for people with records, where
money for tuition. Students use this money to pay for
they can get help navigating the system from rent, food, and supplies. Be aware that this is a loan and
others who have been in their situation. There is will need to be repaid after you graduate or withdraw.
also an online support group, Returning Students

COURSE CREDITS
Support Group. You can request to join this closed You have to get a certain number of credits to get your
group via Facebook. degree. Some credits have to be general subjects like
science, math, and history. If you finish these general credits
at a community college and transfer to a bigger school,
CAREER CENTER your credits can transfer over too. Make sure to check in
Most colleges have career centers that can help advance that the school you are transferring to will count
your transfer credits.
you find a job while you are in school and when you
graduate. Career centers also offer workshops and
tips on resumé writing, the job search, interview
preparation, and related topics. You can receive
excellent advice at these centers.

Getting the Most Out of College
TIPS FROM RETURNED CITIZENS Get Involved
Combine Resources Available at Colleges Honor societies are gateways to scholarships,
Take advantages of all of the resources you can. internships, and career networking. Clubs often
have scholarships that are available to their
Apply for Scholarships Early and Often members. Some colleges give scholarships for being
Don’t just apply for scholarships when you begin part of student government. Most things you do at
college. Some scholarships only provide a year college can be put on a resumé or can be used in a
of funding, or some may be available to students scholarship application.
who have a little experience in their field of study.
EDUCATION
Sometimes you may be eligible for more scholarships Get to Know People Working at the College
as your GPA (Grade Point Average) improves. You’d be surprised at how much they can help.
Get to know your professors and the support staff.
2
Talk to Someone in the Financial Aid Office Sometimes professors can help you find paid
It is their job to direct you to scholarships. grading, teaching, or research opportunities that
will give you excellent experience in your field.
Go the Extra Mile
People often skip the scholarship applications that
require essays, but the ones with essays can give you
the chance to show who you really are and what your
A full time, work study
goals and aspirations are. You may wish to talk about student with Link
the impact you want to have on your community. benefits can bring in $800 a
month plus free transportation.
Your Grades Matter That is a game changer.
Many scholarships and jobs after college take into – Earl W., EJP Alumnus
account your GPA.
FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY
Offense Possession of Illegal Drugs Sale of Illegal Drugs
1 year of ineligibility from date 2 years of ineligibility from

First
of conviction date of conviction
2 years of ineligibility from Indefinite period of

Second
date of conviction ineligibility*
Indefinite period of Indefinite period of

Third or more
ineligibility* ineligibility*
*Under the law, an indefinite period of ineligibility continues unless your conviction is overturned or
otherwise rendered invalid or you meet one of the two early reinstatement requirements specified above.

EJP SCHOLARSHIPS
About: The Education Justice Project (EJP) of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has offered
courses to incarcerated students at Danville Correctional Center since 2008. In keeping with our efforts
to promote higher education, we have a scholarship program. In Fall 2018 we will host the following four
scholarship competitions:
• One $1,000 scholarship to a family member of an EJP student;

• One $1,000 scholarship to a family member of someone incarcerated in the general population of
Danville CC (not an EJP student);
• Two $1,000 scholarships to returning citizens who have paroled from an Illinois prison within the
last 5 years (No earlier than November 1, 2012).
Scholarship funds must be applied towards attendance at an accredited program of higher education, or
other costs directly associated with participating in a higher education program in 2017-2018
(e.g., registration costs, books, supplies, and fees.)

Your final application will consist of the following materials:

1. The 2-page cover sheet (completed and signed)
2. A 500-word essay
3. Verification of enrollment in a higher education program at an accredited academic institution
Please submit all materials by November 1, 2018 to:

Attn: Scholarships Education Justice Project, 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820
For questions about EJP scholarships, please contact scholarship@educationjustice.net

For general inquiries, please contact EJP at info@educationjustice.net or 217-300-5150.

Resources to Meet Basic Needs
We expect that you have plans and dreams for your future. This guide will help you map out the steps
RESOURCES TO MEET BASIC NEEDS
you can take to reach them and provide information to ensure that you’re informed about the choices
you have to make along the way. Even as you look ahead to a bright future, you may struggle with
day-to-day life. Many people struggle with housing, food, healthcare, utilities, and other basic living
expenses in the weeks and months after they get out of prison. Others find themselves challenged by
drug and alcohol addictions and mental health issues. This is normal. Be patient as you figure things
out and know that there are programs and people who can help.
In addition to governmental programs like Medicaid and SNAP (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance
2 Program, commonly referred to as food stamps), many communities in Illinois offer short-term
assistance with things like paying rent, utilities, fuel, prescriptions, health care, and medical bills. You
can also get help with credit counseling, disability benefits, and mental health counseling.
Getting Started
If you are having trouble meeting your basic needs, 3. Get information on Medicaid, Medicare,
here are a few places to go to help you get started. Property Tax Assistance, LIHEAP (Energy
Assistance), Telephone Assistance, SNAP,
1. Learn about Illinois food, healthcare, and Social Security and Supplemental Security
cash assistance programs by going to this Income (SSI) by going to this website: aarp.
website: needhelppayingbills.com/html/ org/content/dam/aarp/aarp_foundation/
illinois_assistance_programs.html#county. publicbenefits-guides/Last-Updated-
September-2013/PublicBenefitsGuide_IL.pdf
2. Apply online for help with buying food
(SNAP), healthcare (Medicaid and 4. Visit a hospital, non-profit organization,
Medicare), and the cash assistance church, or state agency and ask for help.
program TANF (Temporary Assistance Organizations like Planned Parenthood and
for Needy Families) at Illinois’ Application the Salvation Army have people that can
for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) page: abe. help you find the resources you need. For
illinois.gov/abe/access/#program-options contact information, see our Health Resource
directory on p. 176.


5. The Department of Human Services (DHS)
Family Community Resource Center. DHS HEALTHCARE
can help you access the programs and Medicaid
services you need, including mental health If you haven’t done so already, apply for Medicaid
and addiction recovery services. For a list using this website: healthinsurance.org/illinois-
of offices, go to the DHS office locator: dhs. medicaid/. For people who have limited or no
state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12 income, Medicaid helps make medical coverage more
affordable and pays for services such as hospital
6. F
inally, Illinois Welcome Centers can help care (inpatient and outpatient), health center and
you navigate Illinois benefits as well. The clinical services, visits to your health care providers
nearest Welcome Center to you can be (including physicians and nurse practitioners), lab
found at this website: dhs.state.il.us/page. tests and x-ray services, nursing home care, and
aspx?item=53209 prescription drug coverage (in certain cases).
Below is a brief list of some specific assistance See the Health section on p. 114 and the Health
programs to meet your basic needs: Resources directory on p. 176 for more information.
FOOD Medicare
If you are having trouble paying for groceries, there Medicare is a government health insurance program
are many food banks and meal centers throughout for seniors and disabled individuals that helps pay
the state. To find a food bank or distribution center for preventive care, doctor visits, hospital stays,
near you, see the online locator at illinoisfoodbanks. and prescription drugs. To qualify, you must be
org/sitesall.asp and call the food bank nearest you. either 65 or older or meet the disability guidelines.
To apply, call the Social Security Administration
You also might want to consider applying for the at 1-800-772-1213 and tell the operator where
SNAP, which helps low-income individuals and you live. You can also go to socialsecurity.gov and
families buy food needed for good health. Each click on the “Medicare” section. The Senior Health
month, money is put onto a special debit card Insurance Program (SHIP) can also help you apply
(called an EBT Card) so that you can buy food from for Medicare. Call 1-800-548-9034 (in-state). To
most grocery stores. The amount of money you get find a SHIP partner, go to: state.il.us/aging/SHIP/
depends on where you live, your household income, Shipresources.htm.
and how many people live in your household. To
apply, go to fns.usda.gov/snap/apply.
Take your time. Get
a plan together to
See the directory on p. 160 for a list of achieve short term goals
Food Resources. and long term goals. Ask
questions. Everything
changes so ask and learn.
– Brian N.

If you are without health insurance for a time, there The advice I would
are community health and dental clinics that offer give is to be patient.
free or reduced services. See this website: Things in the outside world
freeclinicdirectory.org/illinois_care.html move very quickly and I
think that you have to be
MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
aware and accepting that
(See Health on p. 114 or Mental Health and Substance Abuse
you don’t have to catch up.
on p. 124 for more information)
– Edmund B.
If you have mental health or substance abuse
RESOURCES TO MEET BASIC NEEDS
challenges, make it a priority to get support

in these areas. If you signed up for Medicaid, on your work history and the amount you paid
then you have access to some mental health and into Social Security. This money can help you
substance abuse services. Even if you do not yet and your dependents meet your needs. While you
have health insurance, there are affordable clinics are unable to receive Social Security benefits
and programs that you can go to for help. The while incarcerated, you can apply to receive these
Illinois Department of Health and Human Services benefits again once you are released.
(DHS) Mental Health Department provides a list of
2 mental health providers near you as well as lists of To get Social Security retirement benefits, you
resources and treatments available. must meet certain work requirements and have
paid into the Social Security system prior to your
See their website: dhs.state.il.us/page incarceration. You can get Social Security early
aspx?item=29763 or visit a DHS Family retirement benefits starting at age 62. Social
Community Resource Center. For a list of offices, Security disability benefits can be received at any
go to the DHS office locator: dhs.state.il.us/page. age as long as you have met the work requirements.
aspx?module=12
You can also apply for the the Supplemental
See the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Security Income (SSI) program, which provides a
section on p. 124 for more mental health resources. cash benefit to you every month to make sure you
have a minimum level of income so that you can pay
Consider joining a support group such as for basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter.
Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org) or Narcotics
Anonymous (na.org) right away to get connected Apply for Social Security and SSI online at
to a supportive community. It will be hard to socialsecurity.gov and click on “Retirement” or
take care of the other areas of your life if you’re “Disability.” You can also apply in person at your
consumed by addiction challenges. local Social Security office. To find your local
Social Security office, go to ssa.gov/pgm/reach.
SOCIAL SECURITY htm and click on “Find an Office” or call
You may be able to receive Social Security benefits 1-800-772-1213.
if you are of retirement age or are disabled.
Social Security offers you a cash benefit based

Note: Almost all disability applications are rejected PHONE
at first. Don’t give up, keep appealing until you get it. If you sign up for services at the Department
of Human Services, you are eligible for a free
HOUSING ASSISTANCE phone. It is a basic phone, but sufficient to make
(See Housing on p. 74 for more information) phone calls.
A list of homeless shelters and transitional housing
can be found in our Housing Directory on p. 146.
I came home after
The Illinois Housing Assistance program offers ten years, I went to a
low-income individuals and families assistance to homeless shelter and three
pay for rent and utilities. To find out more, go to: days later I had a job. A
needhelppayingbills.com/html/illinois_housing_ week and a half later, I had
assistance.html. The Illinois Rental Housing
an apartment. My first
Support assistance program also helps people pay
paycheck, I got a cheap
their rent each month. Call 312-386-1009 for more
studio apartment. So you can
information.
do it. Don’t let your feelings
Energy companies often have programs to help low- from being incarcerated
income individuals pay their utilities. Contact your judge who you are and what
utility company for more information. you can do. Because you can
Lifeline Telephone Assistance offers monthly make it.
discounts on your basic wireless or home telephone
– Tony C.
service. The discounts can include a lower phone bill
or free wireless minutes. To get more information,
call the Universal Services Administration Company
at 1-888-641-8722
or go to lifelinesupport.org/ls.

Housing
Finding a place to live is one of the most important parts of the reentry process. It can also be one of
HOUSING
the most challenging parts. When searching for housing, key things to keep in mind are accessibility,
affordability, and stability. You will want to look for a place where there are few or no barriers or
2 restrictions to you living there. You want to find a place financially reasonable and within your means.
And you will want to find a secure, stable environment where you can begin the process of putting your
life together.
This chapter takes a look at different kinds of housing and different stages of the housing process, talks
about some of the restrictions and obstacles some people face, and discusses housing discrimination and
what to do if you’ve been discriminated against. Our Housing directory on p. 146 offers an extensive list
of housing resources available to you.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING Our directory’s Housing section on p. 146 provides

Many people who leave prison go to a relative’s a list of many different transitional housing
home. Others may go to a halfway house, or programs throughout the state and a few in St.
transitional housing upon their release. There can Louis. If you are looking for transitional housing
be benefits to going to a halfway house from prison. in Chicago, you should complete an assessment
Some transitional housing programs, often called through the Chicago Coordinated Entry System.
“recovery homes,” help people recover from drug Their website (csh.org/chicagoces) provides a list
and alcohol addictions as well. Many transitional of social service agencies and churches where you
housing programs provide support services, such can get an assessment. After your assessment
as employment help, case management, life skills is complete, a case manager will help you find
training, and medical referrals. Transitional housing the emergency housing, transitional housing, or
programs allow people to stay from three months permanent supportive housing that will best meet
up to two years. your needs. Many housing programs in Chicago use
the Coordinated Entry System.
EMERGENCY SHELTERS
If you find yourself without a place to stay, there
There is a wide range of quality in transitional housing
! programs, so make sure you ask a lot of questions.
are many emergency shelters in Chicago and
throughout the state. Some shelters are specifically

for women and children who are victims of domestic If you are in Chicago, use the Central Referral
abuse. Some have restrictions for sex offenders System to find permanent supportive housing. Fill
or violent offenders. Many shelters offer food, out an application online at chicagocrs.org, and
laundry, and support services to help you find more a case manager will help match you to permanent
permanent housing. supportive housing. You can also use the Chicago
Coordinated Entry System to find permanent
We have listed some emergency shelters in our supportive housing (csh.org/chicagoces).
directory, and you can find even more on national
websites such as shelterlistings.org. If you are in SUBSIDIZED AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Chicago, you can call 311 for city services and ask State or federally supported housing is cheaper
which shelters are accepting people. By completing than a private apartment, and some government
an assessment through the Chicago Coordinated housing authorities (HUD) have housing available
Entry System, you can also be directed towards for people who have been incarcerated. How much
emergency housing (csh.org/chicagoces). you pay for subsidized housing depends on how
much money you earn. Many places will require
BETTER HOUSING you to pay 30% of your income to rent.
Once you’ve been out of prison for some time, you
might want to change your living situation. There’s Other subsidized housing programs will provide a
no rush! Especially if you were incarcerated for a voucher or rent and utilities assistance. You can live
long time, there are many advantages to living in a in a private apartment or house of your choice, and
stable, somewhat controlled environment. And you they will help you pay for it.
don’t want to find yourself in a position where you
can’t pay the rent and end up hurting your credit. Government-subsidized and affordable housing
There are a number of better housing options programs often have a long waiting list. Thus you
available, such as permanent supportive housing, should apply as early as you can. Some resources
subsidized or affordable housing programs, and for finding state and federal housing are listed in
private housing. the Directory of this guide on p. 146.
PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING Here are a few places to start:

If you are a senior, veteran, or if you have a
disability, mental illness or HIV/AIDS diagnosis, you •C
ity of Chicago, Affordable Rental Housing
may be eligible for a permanent supportive housing Resource List: A list of affordable rental
program. Permanent supportive housing typically units supported and developed through
includes support services, such as medical care and the City of Chicago. cityof chicago.org/
counseling. Some permanent supportive housing city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/affordable_
programs are free, while others are subsidized, Rentalhousingresourcelist.html
meaning that you will pay a portion of the cost. • Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV)
Most programs do not have a limit for how long you Chicago: This program lets low-income families
can stay there. We have listed a few organizations rent non-government housing at a discounted
that offer permanent supportive housing in our rate, with vouchers from HUD. thecha.org/
Housing Resources Directory. residents/housingchoice-voucher-hcv-program/

• Rural Housing Support Program (RHSP): You are likely to run into some barriers because of
A state-supported housing program for low your criminal background, and it may take a while
income households in rural areas. Households to find a landlord who is willing to rent to you.
pay approximately 30% of their income in Large property management firms almost always
rent. dupagehousing.org/programs/rental- conduct background checks, so you may have better
housing-support-program/ luck with units in smaller complexes or in private
homes. (Unfortunately, we are not aware of any
SUBSIDIZED HOUSING RESTRICTIONS lists of “felon friendly” landlords.)
Federally supported housing has some restrictions
for those with a criminal history. The Department Others who have come home from prison and have
HOUSING
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is faced the challenges of finding housing will be your
allowed to deny subsidized housing from anyone best source of useful information. If you are part
with a lifetime registered sex-offender status of a reentry program, use it as a resource. We also
2 and anyone with a conviction for producing encourage you to use your network of friends and
methamphetamine. They are required to perform family. They are most likely to know of places that
background checks and evaluate applicants on a will rent to someone with a criminal background.
case-by-case basis.
If you have a sexual offense conviction, pay
You should be aware that the Department of attention to the locations of the properties you
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is allowed are considering. People who have sex offense
to deny housing to people with felony convictions, convictions cannot live within 500 feet of a school,
but it is not required to do so. HUD will also be playground, or other facility that serves children.
interested in the criminal history of family members
who will live with you. Violent crimes, drug use, and LEASING OR RENTING AN APARTMENT
evictions for making or selling drugs in the past 5 Once you’ve found an apartment that interests
years will likely lead to denial. you, call the landlord and set up an appointment so
that you can view the apartment. Make sure you
PRIVATE HOUSING arrive on time to that appointment and dress for the
Private housing is often easier to find than public occasion. You want to give a good first impression.
subsidized housing because there is more of it.
However, it is also often more expensive. Private If anyone asks you for money before you have
housing listings can be found online and in the even seen the apartment, you are probably being
classified section of newspapers. scammed. Do not pay anything before you have
seen the apartment. At your visit, you may be asked
to fill out a rental application. This is a document
Some apartment finding websites include: that landlords use to screen applicants. There may
be an application fee, too.
• apartments.com
• zillow.com Be sure to fill out the application fully and correctly.
• forrent.com
• craigslist.org

offered a lease or a rental agreement to sign. A
Some questions that you can ask the
lease is usually a year-long commitment, and you
landlord during your visit:
agree to pay a certain amount each month for
•W
hat is the monthly rent? the whole year. A rental agreement is typically a
•A
re utilities included? month-by-month agreement – after 30 days, both
•W
hen is the rent due? you or the landlord are free to back out or change
•W
hat is the parking situation? the agreement.
• How much is the security deposit?

Read the lease or rental agreement carefully and
•A
re tenants able to make minor
understand the amount you are agreeing to pay per
modifications (e.g., paint the walls)
month before signing or paying any fees. They are
legally binding agreements, and you won’t be able
to back out once you have signed. Keep a copy of
You will be asked to provide some personal
the lease or rental agreement in a safe place.
information, such as your Social Security number,
employer, rent history, and current address. You
Many landlords require you to pay one to two
may also be asked for a list of references. You
month’s rent as well as a security deposit before
can use the same references that appear on your
you move in. The security deposit shows that
resume. (Make sure you let your references know
you are serious about renting the apartment. If
that you are listing them as housing references.)
you choose not to move into the apartment, the
landlord keeps this money. Ask for a receipt for the
Applying for housing can be intimidating. Many
security deposit and any other fees you pay.
landlords require personal information in the
application process and conduct background
When you move out, your security deposit will be
checks. The application may ask about your
used to cover any damages to the apartment that
criminal history or indicate that they will be
were caused by you. Your landlord should not use
conducting a background check. Many people worry
your security deposit to pay for regular wear and
that if they disclose information upfront, this may
tear of living in your apartment, but for exceptional
hurt their chances of getting an apartment. Even
items--for example, a light fixture that is broken
though this may be true, we suggest that you be up
or carpet damage. You should receive a receipt for
front if they ask. It will not necessarily disqualify
specific damages when you are moving out. Any
you. Disclosing information can save time and an
leftover money from the security deposit should be
explanation after a background check is completed.
mailed to you within 30-45 days.
Be kind and courteous when you speak to potential

BREAKING A LEASE
landlords. Even if they choose not to rent to you,
If you find that you need to move out before your
they may call you later if they can’t find anyone else
lease has expired, you can do so. However, you will
to rent to.
be expected to pay a fee for breaking the lease. The
amount that you will pay will normally be listed in
Once a landlord agrees to rent to you, you will be
the lease, so read it carefully before you sign. You

may be required to continue to pay your monthly Some cities also have housing discrimination laws
rent until they are able to find someone else to rent and places you can go for help if you experience
the apartment. discrimination. For example, the Urbana Human
Rights Ordinance forbids discrimination on the basis
WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENCE of criminal history. Individuals living in Urbana
HOUSING DISCRIMINATION can file a grievance at the city’s Human Relations
In April 2016, HUD issued new guidelines to protect Commission. Information is available here: http://
people who have criminal records from housing www.urbanaillinois.us/government/mayors-office/
discrimination. Arrest records and convictions can human-relations/human-relations-commission.
be used to deny people housing, but landlords can Unfortunately, the Chicago Human Rights
HOUSING
no longer automatically refuse someone with a Ordinance does not protect against this kind of
criminal record. The landlord must prove that they discrimination. You need to find out if the city
are refusing someone to protect their property or you live in permits such grievances before filing a
2 the safety of people living in their housing. discrimination claim.
It is illegal, according to the federal Fair Housing

Act, to discriminate in housing based on age, color,
religion, sex, national origin, disabilities. In Illinois,
it is also illegal to discriminate based on marital
status and sexual orientation.
If you believe you have been discriminated against

because of your record or for other reasons, do Be patient and
something about it. The Illinois Department of remain positive.
Human Rights accepts housing discrimination – Joseph B.
grievances by phone, in person, or in writing.
(See Housing/Real Estate Transaction Complainant
Information Sheet in the Forms section of this
guide on p. 229)

Transportation
How are you going to get around? Transportation is important for employment, connecting with friends
TRANSPORTATION
and family, and generally building a meaningful life. Unfortunately, it can get expensive.
If you return to a city like Chicago you’ll have many transportation options. On the other hand, in small
towns and rural areas, public transportation is usually limited and your only realistic choice might be a car.
2 Below we discuss the various transportation options that might exist in a community, so that you
can think about what will work best for you. Please keep in mind that you may choose to handle your
transportation needs one way when you first get out, and another way once you are more settled and
have a higher-paying job.
At the end of this chapter, we discuss how to get your driver’s license back if it has been suspended or revoked.
Buses and Metro

Save money by using public transportation. It’s Chicago Bus and Metro Resources (CTA)
also environmently-friendly. If you use the bus
or metro train often, buying a monthly or yearly • Reduced Fare for Seniors and People with
pass will reduce the cost of your fare per ride. Disabilities: rtachicago.com/files/documents/
Students, senior citizens, veterans, or persons Web%20Senior%20Reduced%20Fare%20
with disabilities may qualify for reduced fare. Registration%20List_June%202016.pdf
The best way to learn about public transportation • Reduced Fare Permit Information:
in your area is to do a google search for “public rtachicago.com/files/documents/RTA%20
transportation” with the name of your city, or Reduced%20Fare%20Brochure_3_24_16.pdf
you can use googlemaps.com and enter your
origin and destination addresses to get step by
step instructions of what public transportation
you can use. In the next column is a link to the
Chicago public transportation websites.

Train
One of the least expensive options for long
distance trips is Amtrak. It has service
throughout Illinois and throughout the country.
amtrak.com/illinois-services-train.
Carpool and Rideshare Programs

Another option for saving money on and neighbors about scheduling carpool days
transportation is carpool and rideshare and sharing the cost of gas. https://www.
programs. You can look up carpool programs pacerideshare.com/Pages/carpool
online or talk to family, friends, coworkers,
Ride-hailing Apps and Taxis

Ride-hailing apps are a fairly new form of Ride hailing apps services like Uber and Lyft
transportation. If you have a smartphone and are very convenient as you can find a quick ride
a credit or debit card, you can download ride- at your fingertips through the app. There is no
hailing apps like Uber or Lyft to take short trips cash exchange since your credit card or debit
in your city, where services are available. Ride card is charged directly, you can choose the size
hailing services are just like taxis, but the drivers and type of car you want, the app will notify you
are self-employed and use their own cars. Before when your ride arrives, and you can track the
you ride, read these tips on how to use the app driver through a map on your phone. On the other
safely. college.usatoday.com/2015/10/26/uber- hand, rates fluctuate depending on volume of
safety-tips/ requests, or popularity of pick up (sports events,
for example), and can become expensive. Since
TAXIS VERSUS RIDE HAILING APPS this industry is not regulated, vehicles may not
PROS AND CONS be properly maintained, and drivers may not be
Taxis are usually available in all major cities and screened as thoroughly as those driving taxis.
the industry is regulated by the government. The So be aware and do your part to stay safe. Ride
regulation helps protect drivers and consumers in the back, wear a seatbelt, share your location
alike and keep prices consistent. Yet, taxis are with friends, and make sure the car you are
more expensive than ride hailing apps and they do entering is in fact the ride you requested in your
not offer mobile apps to help customers find a ride. app by checking the license plate.

Biking
Biking is a good way to save money, explore your • You can rent bikes to use in Chicago at:
community, and get fit. In some communities www.divvybikes.com.
you can rent bikes. In other places, look for • Chicago bike maps can be found at:
second-hand bike stores. If you bike, make sure chicagocompletestreets.org/wp-content/
you understand the rules of the road. In general, uploads/2014/06/Chicago-Bike-Map-2014.pdf
bicycles should follow the same rules as cars: • Illinois DOT Bike maps by county:
they should stop at stop signs and traffic lights, idot.illinois.gov/travel-information/
use hand signals to switch lanes or make a turn, recreation/trails-paths-streets/index
and yield to pedestrians. Wear a helmet to avoid
TRANSPORTATION
serious injury. In the next column are some

resources on biking:
2 Cars
If you will only need a car occasionally, consider 1. If you are taking out a loan to buy a car, make
joining a car-sharing program like Zipcar. Car- sure you can afford the monthly payment.
sharing programs allow you to reserve a car Make a budget and decide before you begin
when you need it, but you aren’t responsible for your search how much you are able to spend on
the insurance, payments and repairs, things that monthly payments. See the Finances, Credit,
make owning a car so expensive. and Taxes section for more information on
buying with credit and budgeting.
If you find it necessary to buy a car to meet
your basic needs and get to work or school, then 2. Before going to a dealership, do some
proceed carefully. We recommend not buying research on the types of cars that will meet
a fancy, expensive car unless you can afford it. your needs and will be safe and reliable.
Instead, buy a less expensive used car that passes Edmunds.com and Consumerreports.
a mechanical evaluation from a reputable dealer. org are great places to start. Know
If you purchase a car from a private party, be the bluebook value of the cars you are
sure to go together to your local motor vehicle interested in.
department to transfer the title to your name,
before you pay. You can also check a car’s history 3. Avoid car dealerships that advertise directly
including past accidents online using trade sites to people with bad credit. Be wary of
like autotrader.com. Buying from a private seller companies or people who push you into
can be cheaper, but it is also riskier than buying purchasing a vehicle before you are ready.
from a reputable dealer. A few tips:

4. O
nce you’ve found a vehicle you are CAR INSURANCE
interested in, check the vehicle history Driving in Illinois requires car insurance.This
report, ask the seller lots of questions, and means purchasing an insurance plan, and typically
test drive the car to make sure that you making a monthly payment to the insurance
are getting a reliable vehicle. You can even company. In accidents that are not your fault, an
ask a mechanic to look at it before you insurance agent will examine your car and pay out
purchase it. the money they owe you under your plan (as long
as they agree that the accident was not your fault).
5. C
heck prices on similar vehicles and go to In accidents that are your fault, your insurance
more than one place to compare vehicles. company may or may not pay you to repair your
This can help you negotiate a good deal. car (depending on your plan). They will also likely
pay to repair any cars you may have hit (up to the
6. Read the fine print carefully and understand maximum amount of your plan). Any accident may
the rules before you sign anything. raise the amount of your monthly payment.
Remember, what counts is what is in the
contract, not what the salesperson promised. Buying any kind of insurance can be confusing, so
you may want to shop at an insurance company
7. M
ake sure that you fill out all of the where you can talk to an agent in person. Online
appropriate paperwork, especially if you are insurance companies may not have this option. It
buying from an individual owner. You should is important to understand what the maximum
get the title and registration before you give amount of coverage is for the plan you are buying.
them any money. If your coverage amount is too small to cover
damage in an accident you caused, you could be
8. M
ake sure that you have car insurance on the hook for the difference if that person sued.
and a driver’s license before you drive Also, if your coverage is too small to cover the cost
your car away. It is illegal to drive without of damage in an accident not caused by you, you
insurance or without a license. See p. 40 for may not receive enough money from the insurance
information about getting a driver’s license if company to repair your car.
it has been suspended or revoked. See below
for information on car insurance. If you are pulled over while driving without insurance
you may face a fine or prosecution. To have valid
9. Finally, be safe! Don’t drink alcohol, text, insurance under Illinois law, you have to buy an
or talk on your cell phone while driving, and insurance plan that has both “Liability Insurance”
wear your seatbelt. and “Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist
Insurance”. Insurers selling in Illinois should
automatically include both in what they are trying to
sell you, but it doesn’t hurt to check before buying.

LIABILITY INSURANCE CAR REGISTRATION
Liability insurance covers costs associated with In Illinois you must have your car registered
injuries or property damage to others resulting with the Secretary of State’s office. To register
from a car accident you might cause. a vehicle in Illinois, go to dmv.org/il-illinois/dmv-
office-finder.php and find your local DMV office.
Illinois requires that your plan have the following Then go to dmv.org/il-illinois/car-registration.php
minimum liability insurance coverages: to find the documentation you will need to bring
to DMV to register your car. Car dealers will
• $25,000 for bodily injury per person complete this paperwork for you, but if you buy
• $50,000 total for bodily injury per accident from an individual, this is your responsibility. Note
TRANSPORTATION
• $20,000 for property damage that registration expires every year, and hence,
it is your responsibility to renew it. You can find
UNINSURED AND UNDERINSURED information about this process at cyberdriveillinois.
MOTORIST INSURANCE com/departments/vehicles/title_and_registration/
Underinsured motorists bodily injury coverage regid.html.
2 covers injuries to you and/or your passengers in a
car accident with an uninsured driver (or a driver Failing to register or renew your registration
whose auto insurance limits are not adequate to can result in a very expensive ticket. Thus it is
cover your costs). important that you stay informed and up to date.
Illinois requires that your plan have the following CAR INSPECTION
minimum limits for uninsured/underinsured In Illinois your car also may need to be inspected
motorist bodily injury coverage: for emissions and safety every 2 years. Not all
cars need to be inspected (e.g., newer models,
• $25,000 per person. certain types, certain zip codes. In order to find
• $50,000 total per accident. out if your vehicle needs inspection, go to ilsos.
gov/regstatus/ and type in your vehicle VIN
FINDING INSURANCE number. You can obtain more information at
You may want to look online for insurance by dmv.org/il-illinois/smog-check.php.
visiting a price comparison website. You can
compare insurance prices on the Illinois DMV
website: (www.dmv.org/il-illinois/car-insurance.
php). You may also wish to look online for a
nearby car insurance company and schedule a
meeting to talk about your options.

Communications
The world of personal and professional communication has changed rapidly in recent years. If you have
COMMUNICATIONS
been inside a long time, you might feel overwhelmed by all the technology and devices. It’s possible that
you’ve never even used the Internet before. Don’t worry! You’ll be able to figure it out, and this section
will help. It addresses a range of topics, from the basics of using the internet to finding a cheap cell
phone quickly.
2 Even if you had access to computers and cell phones before you went to prison, this section still contains
some useful information. The world of digital communications is changing all the time!
Become Acquainted With the Technology

Computer technology is necessary to do much of people. Even if it takes a while for you to get used
what you need to do after leaving prison. People to using a computer or cell phone, you can make
use the internet for more than sending emails. It is technology work for you and your lifestyle. It may
now used for work, banking, making appointments, feel challenging at first, but you will get the hang
ordering pizza, watching TV shows, paying bills, of it the more you use it.
shopping, doing research, and much more.
Make it a priority to find a reliable way of accessing
If you have been locked up since before the the internet. Until you have your own device,
internet became popular, take time to understand the best way to get on the internet (also called
how vast it has become. Ask your family and “going online”) is to use a computer or cell phone
friends to help you learn how to work a computer belonging to a family member. Or visit the public
and a cell phone. This might be overwhelming library. These days, libraries make computers
at first. It may feel like the world has moved available for the patron use. You will probably need
on so fast while you were in prison. Don’t get to obtain a library card in order to log onto your
discouraged. A lot of the technology we use library’s computers, so be sure to bring along your
now was invented to help make things easier for driver’s license or state ID on your first visit, along
with proof of residence. Please note that most
“INTERNET”, “ONLINE”, and “THE WEB” all refer libraries have time limits for using their computers.
to the same thing: the world-wide computer network
called the Internet.

Use a search engine to find a news website online can also type this address into the web browser for
or to check the score from your favorite team’s last a simple internet tutorial. http://www.gcflearnfree.
game. Read on to find out how. If you need, you can org/internetbasics/what-can-you-do-online/1/
ask a librarian to help you figure out the basics. You
Accessing the Internet

If you have a laptop, tablet, or smart phone, free
wireless internet access is available at the library, WI-FI is wireless internet that you can access on
many restaurants, coffee shops, hotel lobbies, and a laptop or phone that has internet capabilities.
chain technology stores. You may have to ask what
the free wi-fi password is before you can log on
with your device.
Getting an Email Account

You need your own email address, since email is now You will select your own email username. It should
more common for informal and professional written be something easy for you to remember, like your
communication than paper mail. The best way to do own name, or some combination of your name,
this is through Gmail, because Gmail accounts are initials, or number that is easy to remember.
free and have unlimited storage for emails. You also Bear in mind that you will likely use your email
do not need a cell phone number or a current email to communicate with prospective employers, so
address to create a Gmail account. ensure that your email address is not too “cute”
or unprofessional. Your password should also be
Type mail.google.com into the web browser. something easy for you to remember, but hard for
other people to figure out.
Click “Create account.”
If possible, do not submit sensitive personal

information (like your Social Security Number or
credit card) at a public computer or over public !
internet.

Passwords and Online Security
Eventually, you are likely to use the internet to usually change it securely by following instructions
set up other accounts, in addition to your email on the website.
account. Those accounts may do things like pay bills
or access files for school or work. The easiest way If you had email and other online accounts before
to keep your personal information safe is to keep you were incarcerated, you may want to reactivate
your password secret and to change it periodically. them or close them. Change the passwords for
Also, don’t use the same password for every online security purposes. It is a good idea to write down
account you have. If you forget a password, you can your passwords and keep them in a secure place.
COMMUNICATIONS
Searching Online
Most resources on the internet are found using Choose words carefully. When deciding what words
the Google search engine. Go to google.com. You to put in the search box, choose words that are likely
2
will type your search terms into the long “search to appear on the site you’re looking for. For example,
box” on the screen. instead of saying my head hurts, say headache,
because that’s the word a medical site would use.
Start with the basics. No matter what you’re
looking for, start with a simple search like Don’t worry about the little things. Google’s spell
“Where’s the closest Amtrak?” You can always checker automatically uses the most common
add a few descriptive words if necessary. If you’re spelling of a given word, whether or not you spell it
looking for a place or product in a specific location, correctly. A search for New York Times is the same
add the location. For example, “pizza in Chicago.” as a search for new yrk times.
Purchasing Your Own Devices

CELL PHONES all cell phones, come with service rates. These
We recommend that you purchase a cell phone when particular companies have monthly rates, and you
you get out. It does not have to be an expensive, can discontinue at the end of each month.
cutting-edge model, but you will need a phone to
keep in contact with your employer and parole If you had a cell phone before you were
officer. Most people these days have cell phones. incarcerated, ask your family if they still have the
phone. It might still work, but you may want to
EJP alumni have suggested MetroPCS and Family reactivate service or change the number. Contact
Mobile (Walmart) as affordable phone purchase the phone service provider for help with this.
choices. The phones you get will not be top of the
line, but are not overly expensive either. You can If you sign up for services with the Department of
get a phone without a contract, giving you flexibility Human Services, you will be eligible for a free cell
to switch carriers if you wish. These phones, like phone through that office.

SMARTPHONES COMPUTERS
Smartphones are basically phones that are also There are four main types of computer devices.
miniature computers. They can make calls and Desktop computers have a screen and a terminal
text messages, and they can also access the that are plugged in and stay on a desk. Laptops are
internet through wireless services or network computers that fold up and have a battery so you
data. Smartphones have programs (called can take them with you. Tablets are like laptops,
“apps”) that can do things like play music, but they’re smaller and do not have keyboards–
give driving directions, check the weather, take you type on the screen. Smartphones are a cross
pictures, and access social networks (Twitter, between a cell phone and a tablet.
Facebook, etc).
However, smartphones are expensive and have Many jobs require basic computer skills.
steep monthly charges, depending on how you The good news is many community colleges,
use them. Smart phone plans come with network libraries, and adult basic education programs offer
lessons on everything from basic word processing
!
data, which is internet service that goes to your
phone, even when you are not using wireless to programming code.
internet. Apps can use up your data. There is

usually a limited amount of data in a smartphone
plan, and some plans charge you for going over
the monthly amount.
Carriers offer different plans and rates. If you only

need a phone for calls, you won’t need to purchase
a data plan. Some carriers offer deals for sharing a
cell phone plan with family members. Think about
what you will use your phone for and how much you
can budget for cell phone service and data.

Parole After Release
IDOC Parole Office: 1-800-666-6744
Parole Officers have the final say for parole rules.

PAROLE AFTER RELEASE
These rules can vary between parole offices and Do the right thing.
officers. Make sure you spend enough time talking Follow the rules that
with your parole officer, so that you have a solid you’re told to follow. And be
understanding of the rules and instructions of your real diligent about it. Don’t
parole. Ask questions!
let yourself fall into any trap.
2 If you are living with someone else while you are on
– Anonymous
parole, make sure to communicate with them. Parole

Officers may visit your home and disrupt their lives. 1. The Prisoner Review Board (PRB) will
Parole restrictions can affect them, even though they appoint an attorney, at no cost, to alleged
may not have a criminal record. It is important that violators who cannot afford representation,
whoever you are living with understands your parole but request an attorney in cases where: a
restrictions and how they can impact their life. timely and colorable claim exists that the
violation did not occur; a violation is admitted
If you are charged with violating the terms of your to have occurred, but complex and substantial
parole, you may sent back to prison. A court-mandated reasons exist to argue against revocation;
settlement reached between Moises Morales or the alleged violator appears incapable of
(represented by Uptown People’s Law Center) and the speaking effectively for him or herself.
State of Illinois in Morales v. Findley requires that;
2. The attorney will represent the alleged
violator for the duration of the revocation
It is a good idea to keep a journal of your life during process and will have an opportunity to
parole. Write down all meetings, calls, appointments, present evidence, call witnesses and cross-
and visits with parole officers. Make sure to record drug examine witnesses.
!
tests and when you call to set up appointments to be drug
tested. Testing is sometimes done by a private company 3. Alleged parole/MSR violators will be
that is separate from IDOC. It is helpful to have a record informed of their right to remain silent
of the things you have completed, especially if those things without obligation to answer questions about
are mandatory. If you have a written record, you have the alleged violation, if the violation relates to
evidence that you have done what you were supposed to. potential criminal charges.

4. T
he IDOC will provide the alleged violator
with a Notice of Rights and a copy of his or My biggest challenge
her violation report, outlining the underlying has been the
charges for possible revocation, within five overwhelming scrutiny of my
days of a warrant being served. parole agents. But, putting
it in perspective, you start
5. T
he IDOC and PRB must make reasonable
thinking, “well no. I can
efforts to ensure the alleged violator receives
a preliminary hearing within 10 business
take it. Look where I’m at.
days of the warrant being served and a final I’m out, I’m home. I can go
hearing within 90 days of service.” to the fridge and open the
fridge up. I can go out and
illinois.gov/idoc/news/2017/Pages/ run around and do exercise.”
IDOCPRBPartnertoImproveParole.aspx You have freedoms now. But
some freedoms come with
a price, and that’s one of
I don’t have any parole
the prices. You have to put
officer horror stories
everything in perspective.
or anything. The hardest
– Anonymous
thing for me is remembering
to call in every week.
– Shaun W.

Legal Matters
After you are released, there may be circumstances that require you to go to court or request legal
LEGAL MATTERS
assistance. For example, many formerly incarcerated individuals petition the court to get their criminal
records sealed. Or they apply to get a certificate of rehabilitation so that they can have access to better
jobs. Others may need to work with the legal system to regain custody of a child, change child support
arrangements, and work with the foster care system.
2
Navigating the legal system can be challenging. Fortunately, there are resources to help you. This section
includes information on working with lawyers who offer free services (pro bono) and doing your own legal
work (pro se). It deals with various matters, including child custody, foster care, child support, sealing
records, and certificates of rehabilitation.
Please note that we are not providing legal advice. We have done our best to provide information that
will save you time and help you understand the legal options that you have. Hopefully, this will set you out
on the right foot. However, we are not lawyers. Please seek the assistance of a lawyer if you have any
questions or need clarification.
Pro Bono
Navigating the legal system can be frustrating. Lawyers are often expensive, but there are lawyers
Because of this, it is almost always better to get the who work pro bono, for free. These services are
help of a lawyer rather than trying to do your own available through reentry legal aid programs.
legal work. Lawyers have a firm grasp on the rules
and how local judges and courtrooms work. See the Legal Services directory on p. 188
for a list of legal aid programs.
PRO BONO - Legal work that is done by a lawyer for free.

PRO SE - Legal work that is done without a lawyer, ranging
from submitting forms to representing yourself in civil or
criminal matters.

Pro Se
There are a number of legal situations, such as Clerk’s office for information. The service is
sealing criminal records, family law, and small free and desk attendants are available to offer
claims matters, that are often resolved without advice for pro se forms, courthouse directions,
legal representation, or pro se. Pro se is cheaper, and legal consultations.
but it is almost always better to hire a lawyer or
find one who will work for free. Lawyers can help These desks do not have phones and must be
you navigate the complicated and unpredictable contacted in person. Their hours are online
legal system. at this web address: cookcountycourt.org/
ForPeopleWithoutLawyers/
If you decide to file pro se, most counties offer HelpDesksintheCourthouse.aspx
pro se help desks. Call your county Circuit
Child Custody
After being released from prison, you may want
to initiate a legal matter regarding children. When judges decide how to divide
Parental Responsibilities and Parenting
Time, they consider the following:
Illinois custody laws changed in 2015. Instead
of custody, parents are now granted “Parental
• What the child wants and needs,
Responsibilities” and “Parenting Time.” Parents
considering the child’s age and maturity
who are granted “Parental Responsibilities” have
the ability to make long-term decisions about • The wishes of the parents
a child’s future, such as school placement and •T

he home, school, and community
healthcare. Parents can be given “Parenting environment of the child and the child’s
Time” to spend with their child, and the court adjustment to their environment
will decide how much time the child will spend •T
he mental and physical health of the
with each parent. Parents who do not have child and both parents
Parental Responsibilities rights may still be • How well the parents can get along
given a reasonable amount of Parenting Time. •H
ow much parents participate in
decision-making for the child
Custody of children can be a complicated •A
ny past agreement or informal plan
matter. Many people choose to hire a lawyer so on child custody made by the parents
that they have a better chance at getting the •T
he distance between the homes of
parenting time and responsibilities they want. parents and transportation challenges
This option is the most effective, but can also
•W
hether a parent has ever acted in a
be costly if you are unable to find a pro bono
way that has hurt the child physically,
lawyer (a lawyer who works for free) to help
morally, mentally, or emotionally
guide you through the process.

If you choose to work without a lawyer and clerk’s office. There will typically be a filing fee.
represent yourself in court cases you will need to Once your petition is filed and read, a hearing
file a Petition to Modify Custody. Petitions can be should be set to modify custody.
found online, or by visiting your county’s circuit
Foster Care and Reinstating Parental Rights

If your parental rights have been taken away DCFS will provide a list of guidelines to follow
and your children have been placed in foster before you can have your parental rights
care or with a relative, you can work to get restored. These may consist of parenting classes,
LEGAL MATTERS
your rights restored. counseling, continuing education, or drug or

alcohol treatment. Also, try to keep in contact
Parental rights can be terminated (taken away) if with your child if you can. This will show the
a parent is convicted of a felony or if a child has court you are doing your best to parent.
2 been in foster care for 15 of the most recent 22
months. However, in most cases, the Department DCFS may file a petition to restore your rights
of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will not as long as:
file a termination of parental rights if your child
is placed with a relative. Illinois law requires 1. More than 3 years have passed since your
that courts try to place children with family parental rights have been taken away.
members if their parents are unable to care for
them. DCFS may not know of all eligible family 2. The child is in a home that is unlikely to be
members, so it is important to be aware of what permanent.
is going on with your case and to let DCFS know
the details of your case that they might have 3. It is in the child’s best interests that
missed. Additionally, you are never required to sign parental rights be reinstated.
over the rights of your child.
Another option is to file a petition to adopt your
If you no longer have parental rights, it is child if your rights have been terminated. This
possible to have them restored, with some will result in an investigation conducted by DCFS
effort. Illinois law requires that DCFS make to see if:
reasonable efforts to help you get your child
back and resolve your case within a certain 1. The reasons they originally took away
period of time. If your children have been placed parental rights have been corrected.
in foster care, you can be assigned a lawyer if
you cannot afford one. Let the judge in your case 2. It is in the best interest of the child that
know that you cannot afford a private lawyer as parental rights be reinstated.
soon as possible.

Child Support
If you are not living with your child, you may or have significant health care costs. Let the
need to pay child support payments to the parent court know about your change in situation as soon
who is taking care of your child. Child support as possible. You can file your petition by mail.
lasts until children turn 18 (19 for children still
in high school). You will pay a certain percentage GETTING PAYMENTS YOU ARE OWED
of your income in child support. The amount you If your child lives with you and your childcare
pay depends on the number of children you have. expenses have changed dramatically recently, you
A judge may order you to pay additional expenses can get legal help to receive more child support
like healthcare, daycare, or school costs. from your child’s other parent. Childcare expense
changes include things like medical bills for the
REDUCING PAYMENTS child, new education expenses, or a big change
It is very important to make any child support in your household’s cost of living. You may
payments that you are responsible for. Wages also appeal for more child support if the other
can be taken out of your paycheck if you fail to parent’s income has increased a lot recently.
pay child support. Under some conditions, child
support payments can be reduced. You can file a If you are not receiving the child support
petition to change your child support orders (an payments you believe you are owed, contact
example of a Petition to Modify Support is listed in the Illinois’ Department of Healthcare and
our forms section on p. 165). You can do this on Family Services by calling 1-800-447-4278, or
your own (pro se) or with the help of a lawyer. by visiting their website: online.hfs.illinois.gov/
Child support orders can be changed if you have a online/entry-flow.htm?execution=e2s1
sudden change in income, if you are incarcerated,
CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS CHART
Percentage of
Number of children supporting parent’s
net income owed
1 20%
2 28%
3 32%
4 40%
5 45% You can calculate payments

by visiting this Illinois website:
6 50%
illinoischildsupportcalculator.com/

Sealing Records
Once you have been off of parole for at least three Once you have filled out the form, take your
years, you can start the process of sealing your completed form to the Circuit Clerk’s office
criminal record. Sealing your record can make of the county you reside in. There is a fee for
it easier to find employment, because Illinois filing these petitions which varies by county.
employers cannot ask about sealed records.
Note: It is up to the judge whether your record
Sometimes it is also possible to get a record is sealed. It is not automatic.
expunged. An expunged record is erased; it is no
longer accessible by the state or the public. This is
LEGAL MATTERS
You will need to gather the following

typically only possible if your charges were dismissed. information for each arrest listed on
your record:
All crimes except the ones on this list are eligible to
be sealed: • The case number.
2
• The date of your arrest.
• DUIs •T
he law enforcement agency that
• Reckless Driving arrested you (city or state).
• Crimes involving mistreatment of animals •T
he charges that were brought
• Sex Offenses (misdemeanor public indecency against you.
and prostitution can be sealed •T
he final outcome (disposition) of each
• Domestic Battery case, such as supervision or probation.
• Violations of Orders of Protection. •T
he date each case was completed,
such as the date your probation ended.
The offenses listed above cannot be sealed. •T
he chief legal officer of the unit that
arrested you. (If you were arrested
To begin the process of sealing your criminal by state police you need the state’s
record, submit a Petition to Seal. The Petition to attorney of the county in which you
Seal a Conviction form can be obtained at your were arrested. If you were arrested by
county Circuit Clerk’s office. This form can also city police you need the lawyer which
be found online at illinois.gov/osad/Expungement/ the city hires to do legal work. This can
Instructions_Forms/Pages/default.aspx be found by calling city hall of the city
whose police arrested you).
To fill out this petition, you will complete a •T
he state’s attorney that prosecuted
full criminal history. your case.

Certificates of Rehabilitation
These are official documents that can restore OBTAINING THE CERTIFICATE
rights you lost as a result of your conviction (e.g. To receive a CRD or a CGC, you must file a
a right to earn occupational license or serve on a petition with the Circuit Clerk of the county
jury). Certificates of Rehabilitation allow you to you were convicted in. The petition is free. This
apply for jobs that require licenses issued by the process will be easier if you hire a lawyer, but a
state—jobs in child care, education, and transit. clerk should be able to assist you with filing the
petition if you do not.
Illinois recently expanded the list of who is
eligible for a Certificate of Rehabilitation. Petitions of Rehabilitation are granted if three
Everyone is eligible except those with: criteria are met:
• Class X felony or murder convictions 1. Eligibility. Your conviction is not one of the
• Aggravated DUI or aggravated domestic exceptions listed above.
battery convictions
• Sex offenses resulting in post-release 2. Rehabilitation. You can show you
registration have been “rehabilitated.” Judges use
• Arson offenses resulting in post-release general guidelines to decide if you have
registration been rehabilitated, including frequency
• Felony convictions for a crime that caused of conviction, employment, ongoing
someone a permanent disability. education, substance abuse counseling
(if offense was drug related), community
Illinois has two kinds of Certificates of service, and others.
Rehabilitation. The number and type of
convictions you’ve had will determine which one 3. No Risk to Public Safety. You can show
you should apply for. that you are not a risk to public safety.
1. A Certificate of Relief from Disability As part of your petition, you will be asked to
(CRD) can be obtained after release. provide the following:
There is a waiting period of 1 year for
misdemeanors and 3 years for felony Letters of Recommendation to show that you are
convictions. A CRD restores your eligibility “rehabilitated and not a risk to public safety.”
for over a dozen specific occupations that These letters should come from people (family
ordinarily bar people with convictions. members, counselors, clergy, employers) who can
honestly, and with some detail, suggest that you
2. A certificate of Good Conduct does the are rehabilitated.
same thing as a Certificate of Relief from
Disabilities, and also allows you to run for A Full Criminal History. For details on what
public office. needs to be included, revisit the “Sealing
Records” section on the previous page.

If you need help obtaining a certificate of At least once a year, the Cook County Circuit
rehabilitation, consider contacting the Safer Clerk, Dorothy Brown, holds an expungement
Foundation Pro Bono Panel for Obtaining fair in that county. This is a great resource for
Certificates of Rehabilitation. Saferfoundation. learning more about your various legal options
org. Safer Foundation has partnered with a from trained volunteer lawyers. Visit this website
statewide group of attorneys and law school clinics for details about upcoming summits:
that are available to assess a potential certificate cookcountyclerkofcourt.org
applicants’ eligibility for relief, and if eligible, the
attorneys will represent the applicants in court You can check the websites of other county clerks
free of charge. The Circuit Court that entered a to learn if they offer comparable services.
LEGAL MATTERS
sentence of conviction has exclusive jurisdiction to

grant Certificates of Rehabilitation.
ccc.edu/departments/Documents/Community%20 Go slow.
2 Relations%20Department/CERTIFICATES%20 Breathe.
OF%20REHABILITATION%20ONE%20 – Darrell W.
PAGER%20100412_Revised%20(2).pdf

Finances, Credit, and Taxes
Take small steps toward managing your money, especially if you are going to be financially independent for
FINANCES, CREDIT, AND TAXES
the first time. Thinking about money can be stressful. Making smart decisions about your money can help
you gain control over your financial life. Having control over your finances will help you to avoid money
troubles in the long run and feel more secure about the future.
In this section, we cover banking basics and how to open a banking account. Then we address budgeting,
financial planning, and credit. At the end of this section, we go over filing taxes.
2
Banking
It’s a good idea to open a bank account so that you you to earn a small amount of interest on your
have a safe place to put your earnings. There are money. This means that if you leave the money
many good reasons for having a bank account. in your savings account, it grows over time. You
cannot write checks from a savings account, but
BANK ACCOUNTS some savings accounts will allow you to access your
There are two basic types of bank accounts: money through an ATM.
checking and savings accounts.
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN
A checking account keeps your money secure while CHOOSING A BANK:
giving you easy access to your money so that you There are lots of banks and credit unions to choose
can make purchases and pay bills. You can use a from, and they all offer different products, like
debit card or checks to make purchases and pay checking and savings accounts, consumer and
bills from your account. You can also get cash from mortgage loans, rewards programs, and credit
your account at any time using an ATM machine. cards. Before choosing a bank, it’s important
Some checking accounts have monthly maintenance to think about your unique needs. Sit down and
fees while others do not, so make sure you ask talk to a bank representative to make sure that
about fees. you understand their services and how they can
meet your needs. You can also learn about banks’
Once you have a little money saved, it’s a good idea services on their websites.
to open a savings account. A savings account allows

Here are a few things to consider: Advantages of banking:
•W
ill you travel a lot for work, fun, •Y our money is safer and easier to keep
or visiting family? You may want to track of if you deposit it in a bank or
choose a bank that has many branches credit union.
and ATM locations. Online banks are • I f you put money into a savings
also an option. account, you can accumulate interest
• What fees does the bank have? Some on your total deposit. That means that
possible fees might be an overdraft fee the bank will pay you a small amount
(when you take out more money than of money every month (very small, in
you have in the account), fees for closing the current economy) based on the
accounts, fees for foreign transactions, amount of money in your account.
and monthly maintenance fees. •D epositing your paychecks in a bank
• Has a bank ever shut down your checking account is cheaper than paying fees
account? You may be considered a high for check-cashing services. Some
risk customer and banks might reject employers can even put your earnings
your account application. Don’t worry directly into your account.
though, because some banks offer •Y ou can use a debit card tied to your
second chance checking accounts. Call checking account if you don’t want to
and ask smaller local banks and credit carry large amounts of cash.
unions about their account policies. •M any banks offer online services that
Smaller companies tend to be more allow you to do things like pay bills
flexible towards people who have had automatically, keep records of what
financial trouble. you earn and what you spend, and
transfer money between accounts.
• Is your bank or credit union backed by
These services are convenient
the government? If it is, that means that
and make it easier for you to stay
if the bank closes or has other problems,
organized.
your funds are protected. Make sure your
• You can work with banks to get
bank is a member of the FDIC or NCUA.
car or mortgage loans, develop a
• Does your employer, school, or
retirement investment plan, and
community have a credit union? Credit
invest in stocks.
unions have some advantages over
banks. See the chart on the following
page comparing banks and credit unions.
• Are you a veteran? If so, you qualify
for a USAA account. USAA members You don’t have to be a U.S. citizen or have a Social
and their families can often get good Security number to open a bank account. You can
rates on loans. Visit usaa.com for more open an account using the Individual Taxpayer
information. Identification Number (ITIN) assigned to you by !
the IRS, regardless of immigration status. Visit
IRS.gov for more information about ITINs.

OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT If your application is denied, the bank should
You will need the following items to open a provide a reason for the refusal. You can
checking or savings account: then take steps to address the problem, or
find another bank that has a more flexible
A photo ID (state ID or Driver’s License) application process.
Your social security card or proof of ITIN
Proof of address (a billing statement or
post office change of address letter)
A
check or cash to make an initial deposit
(check with the bank about minimum
deposit amounts)
Banks Credit Unions
•C
redit Unions are non-for-profit
2
institutions. They are owned by their
• Easier to open an account members.
• Many branches and ATM locations •B
ecause credit unions are smaller
Pros • More options for types of accounts, companies, they have better customer
loans, and credit cards service
• Online banking and services • Higher interest on savings accounts
• Lower rates for loans
• More flexibility
• May have more restrictions or are less

flexible when you make banking errors •M
embership is more exclusive in credit
• Higher interest rates on loans and unions than banks
credit cards • Fewer locations
Cons
• Banks are owned by investors who may • Fewer product options
not act in the interests of the bank’s • Poorer online services
customers

Budgeting
One of the simplest steps you can take to manage Some of the resources listed in Financial Resources
your finances is to make a budget. Budgeting can on p. 104 can help you budget. They provide
help you understand where your money is going examples and templates you can use to get started.
so that you do not spend more than you earn.
There are thousands of different budget forms
you can download online for free, or you can make
your own. All you need to do is add up how much
money you make every month, then make a list of
everything you spend money on in a month and
compare the two numbers.
EXAMPLE BUDGET
My monthly income: $2,000
My expenses Cost
Rent/Mortgage $700
Child Support $300
Electric Bill $50
Water Bill $20
Car Payment and Insurance $200
Gas $50
Health Insurance $100
Cell Phone Bill $50
Groceries $200
Savings Deposit Goal $50
Total expenses per month $1720
Leftover for other expenses $2000 - $1720 = $280

Financial Resources
You can find a lot of information online about AVOIDING SCAMS
banks, credit unions, account options, and You don’t want to become a victim of fraud. Visit
strategies for saving your money. Some financial this website for a list of common financial scams
planning websites have chat features so you can ask and their warning signs: fbi.gov/scams-
an advisor a question and get an answer right away. safety/fraud.
Here are just a few to get you started.
NerdWallet is a tool to help you understand

Here are a few scams to avoid:
banking, credit, and financial planning. It even
has information about car insurance, investments, • Be wary of emails or calls that offer
mortgages, health insurance, and more. large sums of money or “free gifts”
nerdwallet.com in exchange for a small fee. If the
reward sounds too good to be true,
The Simple Dollar is another website with helpful avoid it.
articles about understanding money and tips on •B
eware of companies that try
frugal living. thesimpledollar.com
2 to push you into signing up for
something immediately. Only sign
Mint.com is the TurboTax online financial planning up for services you understand.
site that has tools for budgeting and financial You can always ask them for more
management. mint.com information if you are confused.
• Only give personal information
LearnVest is an online financial planning service.
(such as account numbers and social
Your account and some simple services are free,
security numbers) to companies you
and you have the option to pay for additional
know to be trustworthy.
services. learnvest.com
• Never pay for a letter of credit.
There are many, many more websites with good

advice. You can find them with a simple Google
search. Business Insider Magazine has a list of
some top-rated money advice websites. Please
remember that we are not advocating any
particular websites or services.
businessinsider.com/bestwebsites-money-
advice-2014-12
Disclaimer: The resources listed here are

suggestions. It is important to weigh any advice
you are given. It may be free, but it may not
always solve a problem.

Credit
You may be considering getting a credit card so that months. Make sure to choose a car that is affordable
you can buy things with credit. Buying on credit so that you can manage the monthly payments, and
means that you buy things now and pay for them try to get an interest rate that is as low as possible.
later. A bank loans you the money to make the Again, it is important to be cautious and to talk to a
purchase, and then you agree to repay the bank at a credit counselor before going into debt for a purchase.
later date. Usually, this means you make a purchase
with your credit card, and then you make monthly If you decide to get a credit card or make a major
payments to the bank until the loan is repaid. purchase using credit, your bank will look at your
credit score before deciding to loan you money. A
Keep in mind that when you buy with credit, you credit score is a number that indicates your likely
have to pay interest–an extra fee to the bank for ability to repay a loan. If you have a good credit
the privilege of using their credit services. Interest score, it will be easier to obtain loans and qualify
rates can be very high. Think hard before you get for lower interest rates. If you were in debt before
any credit card, and make sure you do not sign up you went to prison, you will need to take steps to
for too many. Credit card companies make money improve your credit score. Credit scores range from
through customers who are not able to pay off their 300 (bad credit) to 850 (excellent credit).
purchases and end up getting deeper and deeper into
debt. You do not want to be that customer! Getting a credit card and using it responsibly are
a good way to build your credit. Be careful, not
A credit counselor affiliated with a non-profit making your payments will hurt your credit.
organization that has no interest in selling you a
credit card can give you unbiased advice about Here are some guidelines for managing credit:
getting a credit card. One example is credit.org,
which offers free telephone counseling sessions. Get educated. Being uninformed can lead to
costly mistakes. For a good primer on your
Sometimes, credit cards can lead to a lot of credit score, check out this website:
financial trouble. If you buy too much with credit consumerfinance.gov/askcfpb/315/what-is-
cards, it can quickly become difficult to pay your mycredit-score.html.
monthly payments. A service like credit.org can
help you manage your accounts if you become
If possible I would
overwhelmed by your credit card payments. A good
practice is to only buy things with your credit card
suggest you have a
that you can pay back within a month. loved one that you trust and
who believes in you to add you
For some major purchases, such as buying a car, to some line of credit much like
a house, or paying for college tuition, buying on parents do for their children.
credit makes a lot of sense. You may be unable to Trust me, you will need it.
pay for a car all at once, but the cost becomes more
– Shaun W.
manageable if you can spread it out over many

Be prudent. Avoid businesses (such as car see this website: consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0150-
dealerships and payday loan offices) that advertise coping-debt
directly to people with bad credit. They often have
extremely high interest rates that only benefit the Pay your bills on time. Make it a priority to pay all
business. They are counting on your not being able of your bills on time. Paying on time is a good habit
to pay your debts. Do not support any company and can improve your credit score. The easiest way
whose business model depends on your lack of to do that is by setting up an automatic payment
financial success. with your bank on your bills’ due dates. Marking the
dates on a calendar is fine, too.
Be cautious. Read the fine print carefully and
Use credit cards wisely. If you choose to have a
understand the rules before you sign anything.

Remember, what counts is what is in the contract, credit card, don’t charge what you can’t pay back
not what the salesperson promised. at the end of the month. If you must borrow money
with a credit card to pay your credit card bills, it’s
Pay your debts. If you’ve gotten behind on time to talk with a credit counselor.
any of your debts—or have had debts fall into
collections—pay them, or make a plan for beginning Don’t cosign loans without reading them. Make
to pay them. For information about managing debt, payments on time or it can hurt your credit.
2
Tax Basics
Once you start earning money, you will be required W4 FORM: CLAIMING INCOME
to start paying federal and state taxes. The amount TAX EXEMPTIONS
you pay in taxes will depend on how much you earn, When you start a new job, you are asked to fill out
who is living with you, as well as other things, such an IRS Form W4 within the first few days of your
as childcare, disability, and health care costs. Taxes employment. This form helps your employer know
are withheld from your paycheck. how much of your paycheck should be withheld in
taxes. It is important to fill out this form so that
Every year, you must file your taxes. When you you can arrange to pay taxes month by month
file taxes, you let the government know how much instead of paying your taxes all at once at the end
you have earned and how much you have paid in of the year. To learn how to fill out a W4 form, visit
taxes, and some information about your situation the following website: wikihow.com/Fill-Out-a-W-4
(children, disability, healthcare costs, etc.). The
government decides whether you have paid too YOUR W2 FORM AND FILING TAXES
much or too little in taxes. In many cases, you will Every year, you will need to file your federal and
find that you have paid too much, and you get a tax state taxes by April 15th. Many people choose to
refund. If you have paid too little, you have to pay file their taxes in January so that they can receive
the amount you owe. If you do not file your taxes, a tax refund sooner. To file taxes, you will need a
you have to pay a fee and you will owe back taxes W2 form from your employer(s). Employers usually
for the money you didn’t pay. distribute W2 forms to their employees in January.

MY BUDGET
My Monthly Income: ________
My expenses Cost
Total expenses per month

Left over for other expenses

Next, you will need to decide which type of tax using a series of questions and automatic
return to complete. calculations. Remember to read all instructions and
offers carefully. It should be free to file your federal
tax return; most online services charge to file your
The most common types of income state tax return.
tax returns include the following:
Some of the most used online tax filing

• Form 1040 (U.S. Individual Income
websites are:
Tax Return)

• Form 1040A (U.S. Individual Income
• e-file.com
Tax Return)
• turbotax.intuit.com
• Form 1040EZ (Income Tax Return

• hrblock.com
for Single and Joint Filers With No
• taxact.com
Dependents)
• jacksonhewitt.com
• Form 1040NR (U.S. Nonresident Alien
Income Tax Return)
• Form 1040NR-EZ (U.S. Income Tax
Return for Certain Nonresident Aliens
2
With No Dependents)
Because filing taxes can be confusing, many people

get help from a tax professional (called a certified
public accountant, or CPA).
Simply bring your W2s and any other IRS forms to

their office. For a fee, they will file your state and
federal income tax returns. The advantage to using
a tax professional is peace of mind and less hassle.
It’s often worth the fee to avoid making costly
mistakes and spending lots of time figuring things
out. This is a good idea for people with complicated
tax situations (multiple jobs, several dependents,
etc.). If you are looking for a CPA, ask someone
you trust to recommend one that they use.
There are also online tax filing websites that can

help you file your taxes. These websites are less
expensive than a tax professional. For those with
simple tax situations, this is a great option because
the website will guide you through your return

Veterans
If you’re a veteran, you’ll have access to special support and services. These programs can help you adjust
VETERANS
to life on the outside. This section talks about VA benefits, housing support, healthcare, and more. This
section also explains how to transfer benefits to family members while you’re incarcerated.
2 For assistance with VA benefits and services, contact a VA representative by calling 1-800-393-0865 or
going to the website state.il.us/agebncy/dva
VA Benefits While in Prison

In general, you will not be able to receive your VA TRANSFERRING BENEFITS TO FAMILY
pension while you are incarcerated. After you are While you may not be able to receive full VA
imprisoned, there is a 60 day period when you will benefits while in prison, you can transfer your
continue to receive full benefits. After that period pension to family members if they qualify for
you may still receive full benefit checks, but that financial need (this is called apportionment). This
money has to be returned to the VA. includes a spouse, children, or parents who rely on
your financial support.
If you have an injury or disability that is related
to your military service, you can generally receive You (or an adult you are giving your benefits to)
10% of your pension while incarcerated. You should apply for apportionment within one year
cannot receive any of your pension for injuries or of the day you were incarcerated. To apply, mail a
disabilities that occurred after your service. letter to the Chicago VA Regional Office (VARO) at
2122 W Taylor St. Chicago, IL 60612. Your letter
Veterans who are incarcerated are still eligible for should state who you are and whom you want to
other benefits, including education and training, transfer your benefits to. You must also complete
healthcare, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and and mail VA Form 21-0788. There are three ways
employment, and burial. you can access this form:

1. Ask someone who is in a position to help you If you have questions about the process, ask
to give you the form someone you trust to call the Illinois Department
of Veterans Affairs at 1-800-827-1000.
2. Ask someone on the outside to download the
form from the website below: vba.va.gov/ Once they receive your application, the VA will
pubs/forms/VBA-21-0788-ARE.pdf review it. They may ask your spouse or children’s
guardian to fill out the same form. They will notify
3. Tear out and use the form that is on p. 217. you if the apportionment is approved, and your
family will retroactively receive your benefits. That
means that your benefits will be given to them,
starting 60 days after your incarceration.
Reinstating Benefits After Release and Reentry Services

You can have your benefits resumed 30 days • Post-release assessments
before your scheduled release date. If you are • Referrals to medical, psychiatric, and social
in prison, ask your counselor or someone on the services, including employment services and
outside to help you contact the Illinois Department housing assistance.
of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) to get your benefits • Short-term case management after re-entry.
restored. They can call 1-800-393-0865 or go to
state.il.us/agebncy/dva for help. All VA Medical Centers have reentry staff. Contact
the closest VA Medical Center to begin receiving
The VA has a reentry program called Health Care services. A list of Illinois VA Medical Centers can
for Reentry Veterans (HCRV) Program. They offer: be found in our Veterans directory on p. 192.
Filing Disability Claims

If you have a disability that is a result of your to provide some personal information to open
military service or is related to your service, you an account. Then click “Apply for Disability
can file a disability claim online or in-person. Compensation” to apply. You will need your medical
Disability benefits can be received while you are records and any other proof of disability for a good
incarcerated and once you are released. We have claim. The VA does not accept all claims.
included the disability claim form in our forms
section on p. 217 and p. 219. You can also apply for a disability claim by filling
out a paper application at a VA facility, or mailing
To file an online claim, visit ebenefits.va.gov/ the claim to a VA facility. You can find VA facilities
ebenefits/homepage and create an eBenefits in Illinois by visiting: va.gov/directory/guide/state.
account by clicking “Register.” You will need asp?STATE=IL&dnum=ALL

You can view and print the claim form at: The VA claims process can be complicated and
contentious, so you may wish to get help from a
VA Form 21-526EZ Veterans Service Organization (such help is free).
vba.va.gov/pubs/forms/VBA-21-526EZ-ARE.pdf. Some veterans hire a claims agent or an attorney.
This form can also be found in our forms section on You can search any of these options at this website:
p. 219. ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/vso-search
Female Veterans
VA Medical Centers have Program Managers who specializes in female veterans. A list of
VETERANS
who assist female veterans. They offer help with Illinois VA Medical Centers can be found in our
VA benefits and healthcare. Contact the closest Veterans directory on p. 192.
VA Medical Center to find a program manager
2
Health
After you leave prison, you can begin receiving a certain level. You can check your eligibility
care at VA medical centers. First, you will need by calling 1-877-222-VETS or by visiting:
to enroll in their system. You can do this by hbexplorer.vacloud.us/
visiting a VA medical center, or by phone at:
1-877-222-VETS (See the “Veterans” section The VA also offers mental health and substance
under “Resources” for a list of medical centers) abuse treatment. Treatment is offered at VA
You can only receive care if you were honorably medical centers, or at Vet Centers (depending on
(or generally) discharged. You can receive the treatment).
treatment for injuries unconnected to your
military service. A list of Illinois VA Medical Centers and Vet
Centers can be found in our Veterans directory on
Not all VA healthcare is free. Your insurance will p. 192.
be billed for care, and you will have a co-pay for
in-patient, out-patient, extended care (nursing
home care), and medication costs. Some of these
services may be free if your income is below

Housing
The VA’s Health Care for Homeless Veterans the closest VA Medical Center to begin receiving
(HCHV) program provides help for veterans that services. A list of Illinois VA Medical Centers can
are homeless. This includes benefit help, case be found in our Veterans directory on p. 192.
management services, and housing help. Contact
Employment
The VA has multiple employment resources for Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment
honorably (or generally) discharged veterans. services help veterans with service-connected
disabilities by providing job training and counseling.
Local Veterans Employment Representatives They offer help finding a job, job training, job
(LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach development advice and vocational training. To
Program Representatives (DVOP) help connect with this program, call the Chicago VA
veterans find jobs. They provide job training Regional Office (VARO) at 1-800-827-1000, or go
and link veterans to employers. You can find to: vba.va.gov/ro/ro_inter.htm
a VA employment representitive by calling
Illinois’ Employment office at 217-782-7100, Veterans Industries and Compensated Work
or by visiting: localjobnetwork.com/articles/ Therapy programs offer structured work
LVERDVOP?state_code=il opportunities and supervised therapeutic housing
for homeless and near-homeless veterans with
The Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Project physical, mental health, or addiction problems.
(HVRP) helps veterans with job search preparation, These programs contract with businesses to provide
vocational counseling, occupational skills training, paid work for these veterans. In Illinois, Veterans
on-the-job training, trade skills certification and Industries Programs are located at the Hines,
licensing and job placement assistance and referral Marion, Danville, and North Chicago VA Medical
to supportive services. The HVRP can be reached Centers. For more information go to va.gov/vetind
at 312-814-2460, or by visiting: vba.va.gov/ro/
ro_inter.htm

Health
When you leave prison, you will be responsible for managing your own physical health. This can be a
HEALTH
welcome change. Unfortunately, managing your health can also feel overwhelming when faced with the
complicated healthcare system. There are many different options for health insurance; many different
2 kinds of clinics, hospitals, and healthcare professionals to choose from; and paperwork, applications, and
bills to negotiate. Where do you start and how do you manage?
Choosing a health care plan and a health care provider does require some work, but it is well worth it.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family and friends, or anyone else with with knowledge, as you figure
things out.
In this section, we cover:
• Health insurance options (on p. 118)

• Dental and vision insurance (on p. 121)
• Staying healthy (on p. 122)
• Paying for medications (on p. 123)
• Mental health and substance abuse services (on p. 124)
• HIV prevention, testing and treatment (on p. 125)
Insurance Coverage
It is important to have health insurance NON-INSURED PENALTY
coverage so that you can be prepared to pay for People who do not have qualifying health
doctor’s visits, medications, vaccines, laboratory insurance pay an income tax penalty when they
tests, and emergencies. Health insurance can be file their federal tax return. As of 2017, the
expensive and seem like yet another bill you have
to pay each month, but doctor’s appointments
can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars if you
Most important – eat
are not insured. Insurance can help you keep right, exercise, and
these costs down so that you can get healthcare spend time with your family
without risking bankruptcy from expensive – Marlon C., Returned Citizen
hospital bills.

penalty is $695 per adult and $347.50 per child. Medicare is a health care program for seniors. If
This penalty may go up every year. To avoid this you are 65 or older and have paid into the Social
penalty, get health insurance. Security system, you may qualify for Medicare.
Check medicare.gov/ to see if you are eligible.
Upon release from prison, you have 60 days to
enroll in one of the health insurance options The Healthcare Marketplace (part of the
listed below. There are a number of options for Affordable Care Act) is a program where you
getting health insurance coverage for yourself choose and buy insurance plans that are partly paid
and your family. for by the government, rather than an employer.
Many people who are not eligible for Medicaid or
Health Insurance through your employer. Some employer health insurance have gotten coverage
employers offer health insurance plans where the through the Marketplace. Go online to healthcare.
employer pays for some of the cost of the plan. gov or getcoveredillinois.gov or call 1-800-318-
When you apply for jobs, make sure you know what 2596 for help enrolling in a plan.
health care benefits are available.
If you’re a full time student, you may also be able If you don’t have health insurance but need care,
to get health insurance through your college or there are public and community health programs
university. Check with the office of student affairs all over Illinois that offer free or low-cost services.
at your school. Examples of services include vaccinations and
immunizations, nutrition and food stamp programs,
Medicaid is a federal program that offers
assistance with healthcare costs, and you can apply
STD screening, cancer screening, HIV/AIDS
services, dental health for children, pregnancy and
!
for Medicaid even before you leave for prison. See maternity assistance, quit smoking programs, and
“Applying for Medicaid” below to find out if you hearing tests. Find free or partially subsidized care
qualify for Medicaid based on your income and through public health programs near you by visiting
household size. app.idph.state.il.us/cecweb/

Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal program that offers assistance 2. Apply in person and get help from a
with healthcare costs. Most hospitals and health Department of Human Services (DHS) Family
clinics accept Medicaid payments. Unfortunately, Community Resource Center, or in person at
few dentists will accept Medicaid payments. a hospital or at some non-profit organizations
where individuals will help you sign up online.
To qualify for Medicaid you must make below a You can find the nearest center by going
certain dollar amount, depending on the number of online to dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=
dependents you have in your household. To see if 12&officetype=5&county
you qualify, check the table below or visit the federal
HEALTH
healthcare marketplace website healthcare.gov. 3. Apply by mail or fax. You can call DHS to
mail you an application by calling 1-800-
2 You can apply to Medicaid one of three ways: 843-6154 (TTY 1-800-447-6404). Complete
the application and mail or fax it back to the
1. Apply online at Illinois’ Application for nearest Family Community Resource Center.
Benefits Eligibility (ABE) page abe.illinois. You can find the nearest center by going
gov/abe/access/#program-options online to dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=1
2&officetype=5&county
Dependents in Household Yearly Income (Before Taxes)
1 Below $16,394
2 Below $22,108
3 Below $27,821
4 Below $33,534
5 Below $39,247
6 Below $44,960
7 Below $50,687
8 Below $56,428
9 Below $62,169
10 Below $67,910

GATHERING YOUR INFORMATION Families), and CHIP (Illinois’ Comprehensive
Before applying you need to have a few Health Insurance Plan for children). When you fill
documents ready. out your Medicaid application online through the
Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) system
• Income verification. This could be pay stubs, (abe.illinois.gov/abe/access/#program-options),
financial aid award letter, a written statement you can apply for these other programs as well.
from your employer, or a copy of your check See “Resources to Meet your Basic Needs” on
with your total personal income before p. 70 for more information about these and other
accounting for taxes or deductions (also called assistance programs.
gross income).
• Your Social Security number. If you are receiving Medicaid or benefits from any
• Proof of Residency--any document that shows of these other programs, you should report any
your address and name together will work. changes to your income or dependent status as
soon as possible. If you begin making more money
APPLYING FOR OTHER PROGRAMS than is allowed, you may no longer qualify for these
Medicaid is one of several health care programs programs and you will start to lose substantial
you may be eligible for. If you do not qualify for parts of your tax return on a monthly basis. You
Medicaid, you may still qualify for Premium Tax can report changes through the ABE system
Credits that can be used to cover part of the cost online, by visiting a Department of Human Services
of a different health insurance. Other programs Family Community Resource Center, or by calling
include SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Department of Human Services during normal
Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy business hours (1-800-720-4166).
Marketplace Insurance
The Healthcare Marketplace is an option for plans through the Marketplace during the Open
anyone who needs to get health insurance coverage, Enrollment Period. (November 1, 2018 through
but may not be able to get Medicare, Medicaid, January 31, 2019 for coverage for 2019.)
or insurance through their employer. It is a See the healthcare.gov website for a list of
federal program that works with health insurance qualifying Special Enrollment Periods. (healthcare.
companies in Illinois and around the country to gov/coverage-outside-open-enrollment/special-
offer plans for individuals and families. enrollment-period/)
You have a 60 day Special Enrollment Period HOW TO ENROLL IN A HEALTHCARE

starting from your date of release from prison to MARKETPLACE INSURANCE PLAN
choose a health care plan through the Marketplace. Online: Go to healthcare.gov or getcoveredillinois.
You can also enroll right after major life events, gov and complete the application online. (Both of
like getting married or divorced, having a baby, these websites are run by the same system, and the
losing a job, getting a new job, or moving to a application is the same.) The application will ask
different state. Otherwise, you can only apply for you questions about your income, household size,

and citizenship or immigration status, and give you • Immigration documents
options for insurance plans you can buy. There are • Pay stubs
also Spanish versions of these websites. • Previous coverage information (if you had it).
By Phone: You can call the Marketplace and talk You can only change your plan during Open or
to someone who can help you complete your online Special Enrollment Periods. The Marketplace
application and answer questions about insurance. websites will help you figure out if you qualify for
Call 1-800-318-2596 or 866-311-1119. special tax credits to help you save money
on your plan.
In person: There may also be days during the Open
HEALTH
Enrollment Period when local community health If you are 26 years old or younger and you have
centers can help you sign up for health insurance in parents who have health insurance, you can talk
person. Check localhelp.healthcare.gov/#intro for to them about enrolling under their plan as a
2
information or call your local Department of Public dependent. Sometimes this can save money.
Health.
Try to enroll early during the Open Enrollment Period
HELPFUL TIPS (November-January), because the website and phone
Before you complete an application or call lines get busier closer to the deadline. If you wait
Marketplace representatives, you will need until the last minute, you may not get covered.
to locate:
Remember, if you are not covered by a plan, you
• Your tax returns may have to pay an income tax penalty when you
• Social security information file your federal tax return.
Choosing A Plan
When choosing an insurance plan that is best for Some plans require you to split the cost of a visit
you and your family, you will want to think about with your insurance company, rather than paying
your needs and how you will manage insurance a co-pay. This is called coinsurance. For example,
costs. It’s helpful to understand a little bit about your plan might have you pay 20% of each bill
the costs of different health care plans. while your insurer pays 80%.
HEALTH INSURANCE COSTS You may also have to pay a yearly deductible, a
Most insurance plans require monthly payments, required amount of money that you must pay before
called premiums. In addition to your monthly the insurance begins to pay for any additional
premiums, you may also have to pay a fee at each services. For instance, if your insurance has a
doctor, hospital, or specialty visit and for medicine $1000 deductible per year, then you will need
you need. This is called a co-pay. to pay for the first $1000 of services before the
insurance begins to pay. Make sure you find out

how much your coinsurance will be both before and
after you pay your deductible. In general, plans that have higher yearly
deductibles have lower monthly premiums. Plans
Your insurance may also have an out-of-pocket that have higher monthly premiums usually have !
maximum, the most money you will have to pay for lower yearly deductibles.
covered medical expenses through deductibles and
coinsurance before your insurance plan begins to
pay 100 percent of the additional expenses. clinics you can use. If you or your family already
have a doctor you know and trust, make sure that
In general, plans that have higher yearly doctor is in your plan’s network first and request to
deductibles have lower monthly premiums. Plans keep that doctor.
that have higher monthly premiums usually have
lower yearly deductibles. If you have Medicaid or Medicare coverage,
you should find out if the doctor, hospital, or
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU? clinic you want to go to accepts Medicaid or
If you need frequent or expensive health care Medicare patients. Call them to find out, or go
services, consider getting a plan with a lower to this website: hhs.gov/answers/medicare-and-
deductible and a higher premium. You will pay medicaid/where-can-i-find-a-doctor-that-accepts-
more per month, but the insurance company will medicare-medicaid/index.html
pay for services once your deductible is met. If you
have high medical expenses, the insurer will cover Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO): Services
more of the cost. are covered only if you use doctors, specialists,
or hospitals in the plan’s network (except in an
If you are pretty healthy and do not need to go to emergency). In this type of plan, you can only see
the doctor very often, you might think about getting doctors in the plan’s network. The only exception
a plan that has a lower premium and a higher is emergencies.
deductible. That way, you don’t have to pay a lot
per month for services you might not use. But in an Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Limits
emergency, insurance will cover some of the higher coverage to care from doctors who work for or
costs of health care. contract with the HMO. It generally won’t cover
out-of-network care except in an emergency. An
TYPES OF PLANS HMO may require you to live or work in its service
The type of plan you choose will determine where area to be eligible for coverage. In this type of
you can go to receive services. Different plans have plan, you can only go to doctors in hospitals/
different limitations and include different networks clinics that have a contract with the HMO.
(lists of hospitals and clinics that will take the same
health insurance plans). If you travel a lot, you Point of Service (POS): You pay less if you use
may want to choose a plan that covers health care doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers
costs out of state or in a different network. When that belong to the plan’s network. POS plans
you enroll in a plan, the health insurance provider generally require you to get a referral from your
can give you a list of which doctors, hospitals, and primary care provider in order to see a specialist.

Healthcare providers in and out of your network OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
will be covered by the insurance, but it will be Everybody’s needs are different and some plans
cheaper to use providers in the plan’s network. cover things others don’t. Here are a few things
If you need to see a specialist, you have to get a to consider:
referral from your primary care provider first. A
primary care provider is someone you select who •D
oes your plan cover eye exams and glasses?
will be your primary doctor, the person you go to (see Vision Insurance on the next page)
first for your health concerns and yearly checkups •D
oes your plan cover dental services? (see
and who will be responsible for referring you to Dental Insurance on the next page)
specialists if you need them. •H
ow much will it cost to put your child on
HEALTH
your plan?
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): You pay •D
o you need to see a specialist, and does the
less if you use providers in the plan’s network. You plan cover the specialist’s service?
2
can use doctors, hospitals, and providers outside of • Does the plan cover mental health services?
the network without a referral for an additional cost. •D
oes your plan cover the prescription drugs
you need at prices you can afford?
Visit this website to see if a health care provider is
in an insurance network: illinoisproviderdirectory. The process of choosing your health care providers
com/content.cfm?id=2 can be overwhelming and confusing at times. Don’t
get discouraged. Look up the phone numbers of
your insurance or medical providers and ask them
to help you figure out what you need. It’s their job
to help you, and they want your business.
Once You Have Insurance

Your job isn’t over! Make sure that you know the When you receive bills, look over them carefully
costs of the services you want to receive before and ask questions so that you understand them.
you go to your appointments or schedule surgery. Health insurance companies and organizations
Don’t wait for the insurance company to send make mistakes, so it’s important to make sure you
you a bill. Health insurance companies provide understand your bills before you pay them.
booklets and websites to help you understand how
much a hospital stay or specialist visit will cost, It’s also a good idea to make sure that the doctor
and you can always call your insurance company you want to see is your insurance’s network. If not,
if you have questions. you may have to pay the full cost of the visit.

Dental and Vision Insurance
DENTAL INSURANCE We strongly suggest that you get your teeth
You may be interested in a health care plan with cleaned and examined every six months. Oral
dental and/or vision insurance. Some dentists will health is important for your overall health, as poor
accept Medicaid payments. See this website for a dental hygiene can lead to bigger health problems
list of dentists who accept Medicaid: govservices. in the future. You are important, so take good
dentaquest.com/Router.jsp?component=Main&sourc care of yourself!
e=Logon&action=ProviderDirectory2)
VISION INSURANCE
Dental and vision are not always included in Some health insurance plans offer vision care, which
Marketplace plans, so think about your needs and covers yearly eye exams and some of the cost of
check each plan before you enroll (dental and vision glasses and contacts. Check your health insurance
plans are mandatory for kids under the healthcare plan to see what is covered, because you may have
law). The Healthcare Marketplace offers separate to buy a separate plan for eye care. Medicare does
dental plans you can buy if your health insurance cover eye exams, and Medicaid covers vision care
plan does not cover dental visits. for eligible children. If you do not have vision care
insurance, and all you need are glasses, there are
To find out more about dental plans offered several programs that offer free eye exams for
through the Healthcare Marketplace, visit adults and glasses for uninsured or underinsured,
healthcare.gov/coverage/dental-coverage/ low-income people. It is recommended that you get
your eyes checked once a year.
Or visit this website for low cost dental care
without insurance: nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/ If you have vision problems like glaucoma,
PopularPublications/FindingLowCostDentalCare/ cataracts, or retinal tears, look for a plan that
covers opthamologist services so that you can take
Another option for dental care is to find a dental care of your eyes.
college in your area. Dental students, under
the supervision of professionals, can do dental • VISION USA (eye exams)
work for a lower cost while gaining experience. - 1-800-766-4466
These programs may have long waiting lists, •E
yecare America (eye exams)
so plan ahead. To find a dental school in your - aao.org/eyecare-america
area, visit ada.org/en/coda/find-a-program/ • InfantSEE (free eye exams for babies 6-12 mo.)
search-dental-programs#t=us&sort= - infantsee.org/
%40codastatecitysort%20ascending •S
ight for Students (glasses for children)
- 1-888-290-4964
• New Eyes (free glasses program)
- 1-973-376-4903
• Lions Clubs of America (free glasses program)
- directory.lionsclubs.org/

Some big chain stores like Wal-mart and Target glasses online. The only downside is that you
have eye departments that you can use without can’t try them on before you buy them, so check
insurance, and this can be cheaper than going to the store’s return policy. Zennioptical.com and
a hospital eye department. If you have a current goggles4u.com offer frames starting at around $10.
prescription for glasses, you can buy affordable
Primary Care Provider

The Healthcare Marketplace plans require you Being in prison increases the risk of acquiring many
to pick a primary care provider. This person will infectious diseases, so after release from prison, you
HEALTH
serve as your “medical home” and is usually a should be screened for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C (HCV),
family physician, nurse practitioner, physician’s Hepatitis B (HBV) and tuberculosis. HIV, HBV and
2 assistant, or internal medicine physician. HCV can be detected by a blood test. Tuberculosis can
be tested by blood or by a skin test; if these tests are
Most plans will require you to pick a primary care positive, the disease is confirmed by a chest X-ray.
provider within a certain amount of time. If you
already have one you like, you will want to pick a On the following page are age and sex-based
plan that covers the hospital network your primary recommendations for health screenings.
care provider is in.
Make sure that there’s

Once you have insurance, having regular visits with
a primary care provider is the best way to manage
not something wrong
your health. Go see this person instead of going to with you that they didn’t test
the emergency room or urgent care, as it will save for or detect while you were
you money and time and increase your likelihood inside. When I first got home,
of staying healthy. they ran all these tests. I got
called a few days later asking if
A primary care physician can also give you a full
I could come in again to see the
physical examination, perform lab work, and
doctor. When I came in, she
provide prescription renewals. It is recommended
that you have a full physical at least once a year.
went over the results, and she
said, it doesn’t look bad but you
have chronic kidney disease.
Specialist Physicians She wrote me a referral to
Your primary care provider may refer you to go see a kidney specialist and
specialists for some health concerns. Make it she gave me some literature
a priority to visit these specialists as soon as to read about the disease and
possible. Use your primary care provider to how I could have gotten it.
coordinate these visits. – Shaun W.

Pharmacy
Some insurance plans will help you pay for you can go for the best price. You can download
expensive medical prescriptions, while others do their app on a smartphone or use it on a
not. If you are having trouble paying for your computer or tablet.
medicine prescriptions, there are some other
affordable options available. Make sure to ask Big box and chain stores like Target, Walmart,
your doctor or pharmacist if there is a generic Costco, and Sam’s Club often have special
version of the drugs you need. Generic drugs are programs where you can purchase generic drugs
much less expensive. for very cheap ($4 for 30-day quantity or $10
for a 90-day quantity). See for instance tgtfiles.
Goodrx.com is a website that compares prices target.com/pharmacy/WCMP02-032536_
of prescription medications and tells you where RxGenericsList_NM7.pdf
ROUTINE EXAMS THAT CAN KEEP YOU HEALTHY
Age Men Women
blood pressure, cholesterol, flu shot,

blood pressure, cholesterol, flu shot,
TDAP shot, HPV shot, breast exam, after
18-39 syphilis screen, TDAP shot, HPV shot,
21 PAP smear, skin exam, chlamydia/
chlamydia/gonorrhea, HIV, skin exam
gonorrhea, HIV
blood pressure, blood sugar, colonoscopy

blood pressure, blood sugar, colonoscopy (over 50), stool test, flu shot, shingles
(over 50), stool test, flu shot, shingles shot (over 60), breast screen,
40-64 shot (over 60), prostate screen (over 50), mammogram (over 40), lung cancer
lung cancer screen only if you smoke, screen only if you smoke, postmenopausal
skin exam bone screening, PAP, pelvic, HPV, skin
exam
blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol,
colonoscopy until 75, hearing test, colonoscopy until 75, hearing test,
65+ aneurysm screen if smoker, only prostate mammogram until 75, bone screening,
and lung screening if you have risk factors, PAP until 65, pneumonia shot x2,
pneumonia shot x2, skin exam skin exam

Mental Health and Substance Abuse
If mental health challenges or substance abuse and Human Services (DHS) Mental Health
are preventing you from functioning well or feeling Department provides a list of mental health
good, get help from a mental health professional. providers near you as well as lists of resources
If you are feeling especially bad or feel like you and treatments available. See their website: dhs.
might be a danger to yourself or someone else, state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29763 or visit a DHS
get help right away. Call the suicide hotline at Family Community Resource Center. For a list of
1-800-273-8255. You can also call 911 or visit an offices, go to the DHS office locator: dhs.state.
emergency room if you are in crisis. il.us/page.aspx?module=12
HEALTH
If you signed up for Medicaid, then you have For more information, see our Mental Health
access to some mental health and substance abuse section on p. 126.
2 services. These services often include counseling,
therapy, medication management, support groups,
You take a pill for
and substance abuse treatment. Other health
insurance plans may offer similar services, so be
your heart, you can
sure to find out what services your plan covers. take a pill for your head
Even if you do not yet have insurance, there are too. It’s normal.
affordable clinics and programs that you can go – Grant A., Medicaid specialist
to for help. The Illinois Department of Health
Medical Records
You are allowed by law (HIPAA) to access your provider easily. Some hospital networks have
medical records at any time. Sign up for the online portals that you can use to get your medical
online medical record from your clinic if they offer records and schedule appointments with your
this. This will allow you to send messages to your Primary Care Provider.
Community Clinics
If you don’t have health insurance but need care, HIV/AIDS services, dental health for children,
there are public and community health programs pregnancy and maternity assistance, quit smoking
all over Illinois that offer free or low-cost services. programs, and hearing tests. Find free or partially
Examples of services include vaccinations subsidized care through public health programs
and immunizations, nutrition and food stamp near you by visiting app.idph.state.il.
programs, STD screening, cancer screening, us/cecweb/

HIV/AIDS
WHAT DOES HAVING HIV MEAN? mean that the virus is completely gone, so take
HIV is a virus that spreads by attacking and killing precautions and use condoms even though the risk
healthy cells in the body. This happens all over the of transmission is low. If you do not have HIV but
body, destroying cells or forcing them to create are in a relationship with someone who does, you
new infected cells. HIV targets immune system can take PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), which
cells, known as T-cells. T-cells fight off infection reduces the risk of being infected, if you take it as
by killing cells that have been infected by germs. you are supposed to.
As more T-cells start dying, the immune system is
open to attack. If the number of T-cells drops too There are also certain sexual activities that can
low, the risk of infection increases and can lead increase your chances of transmitting HIV. For
to AIDS. When someone has AIDS, their immune more information about HIV transmission and risk
system becomes too weak to fight off other factors, visit aids.gov/hiv-aids-basics/prevention/
infections. If untreated, people can die of AIDS. reduce-your-risk/sexual-risk-factors/
Fortunately, people who have HIV today can go
on to live long and productive lives as long as HIV TESTING
they take steps to stay on top of their infection. Testing for HIV is done through a blood, urine, or
HIV is a chronic illness that can be managed with oral sample. A blood test is the most common and
daily medication, regular laboratory testing and the most accurate. Locations to get tested can be
physician visits, and healthy lifestyle changes found by using the CDC’s HIV Test Locator:
(exercise, stopping smoking, getting enough gettested.cdc.gov
sleep, etc.).
If you test positive, know that you can still live a
RISK long and meaningful life. A follow-up test will be
The most common way for HIV to be transmitted done to verify the diagnosis. You should make an
is through sexual contact, but infected and appointment to see a healthcare provider to stay
untreated mothers are able to pass it on to healthy and possibly begin treatments.
their children. Avoid contact with blood, semen
or vaginal fluid of sexual partners who are You should still be cautious if the test comes back
HIV–positive. Do not share needles or syringes negative. If you have recently engaged in high risk
and make sure to use protection (condoms) for behaviors with someone who has HIV, it is possible
any sexual contact. Take precautions and use that the tests cannot yet detect HIV in your body.
condoms. You should request another test at a later date.
Check the CDC website for recommendations.
Know the risk of spreading HIV to a sexual
partner who is not HIV positive. Being treated It is also a good idea to get tested for other
with antiretroviral medications can reduce your sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and take
chances of transmitting HIV to a partner. Taking measures to prevent them.
antiretroviral medications regularly lowers
the levels of HIV in your blood. This does not

Mental Health and Substance Abuse
If mental health challenges or substance abuse are preventing you from functioning well or feeling good,
WELLNESS AND RECREATION
get help from a mental health professional. If you are feeling especially bad or feel like you might be a
danger to yourself or someone else, get help right away. Call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255. You
can also call 911 or visit an emergency room if you are in crisis.
Even if you are not in crisis, don’t delay getting help if you are feeling depressed, anxious, angry, or if you
struggle with other mental health challenges. If you aren’t feeling well mentally and emotionally, it makes
it so much harder to move forward in positive and productive ways. When you are feeling mentally healthy,
2 you will find that things will seem more manageable and you’ll feel more hopeful.
A mental health professional can help you:
• Change your behaviors

• Feel stronger as you face your challenges
• Help you come up with goals and plans to solve your problems
• Identify how your ways of thinking are influencing how you feel
Mental health professionals can help you decide if it would be a good idea to take medicine to treat your
mental disorder, and they can offer treatment for drug and alcohol addictions.
If you signed up for Medicaid, then you have access to some mental health and substance abuse services.
These services often include counseling, therapy, medication management, support groups, and substance
abuse treatment. Other health insurance plans may offer similar services, so be sure to find out what
services your plan covers.
Even if you do not yet have insurance, there are affordable clinics and programs that you can go to for help.
The Illinois Department of Health and Human Services (DHS) Mental Health Department provides a list of
mental health providers near you as well as lists of resources and treatments available. See their website:
dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29763 or visit a DHS Family Community Resource Center. For a list of
offices, go to the DHS office locator: dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12

Support Groups
If you are struggling with drug or alcohol addiction,
As you size up the right support group
there are support groups you can go to, such as
for you, look for:
Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org/) or Narcotics
Anonymous (na.org/). Drug rehabilitation • Regularly scheduled meetings with an
programs are also available if you need them. ongoing agenda to reassure members
that the group will be there for them in
There may also be support groups in your area the future with support and information.
for re-entry, grief, mental health, domestic abuse, •W
armth and friendliness between
disabilities, parenting, divorce, sexuality, and other members and a welcoming attitude
issues you may be struggling with. toward newcomers.
•S
ome focus and structure to meetings,
Support groups can be tricky to find, especially while allowing time for members to
if you live in a rural area. The easiest way to find mingle informally.
one is through an internet search. Terms like
“formerly incarcerated women,” “substance abuse
support groups,” and “community support group Approach your first meeting with an open mind
+ name of your community” will help you find local and try to find out all you can. You may need to
communities of support. You can also ask your attend several meetings before you feel things
healthcare provider for information about a support are “clicking.” If you don’t feel you have found
group. Community centers and churches are also “your” group, and you are still interested in finding
good sources of information. Many of them sponsor the right one, keep trying. Even within the same
support groups at their facilities or can direct you organization, chapters can be very different and
to others. members come and go.
Seek counseling.
There is nothing
wrong with therapy.
– Marlon C., Returned Citizen

SECT ION THREE:
Healing and Moving Forward

—
3
Beginning to Heal 130
Relationships 132
Connecting With Your Community 140

Beginning to Heal
Prison hurts in a lot of ways, and those who are incarcerated sometimes insulate themselves to protect
BEGINNING TO HEAL
themselves from that pain. Some people avoid relationships, grieving, and emotional self-care to avoid feeling
helpless, or armor themselves with distance and indifference to keep from being vulnerable or mired in despair.
Healing is a part of moving forward and reconnecting pieces of one’s life. It is a process, and requires
equal parts vulnerability and strength. For those who’ve had to protect themselves with emotional armor,
3 shedding that protective layer can be a daunting prospect. While it may be difficult to acknowledge the
pain of incarceration, it is necessary in order to heal. Opening up to yourself and to trusted others is a vital
step in reclaiming your life.
Prison is often traumatic, and the process of recovery will take time. However, the work itself is a form of
healing. Vulnerability is not weakness. Neither is asking for help. Seeking the assistance of a professional is
a legitimate option. Support groups can help people deal with unresolved traumatic experiences that may
have occurred during incarceration, such as the loss of a loved one. No one has to suffer alone. See the
Mental Health section for information on finding a support group.
Reentry is a difficult period. Because there are so many challenges, it is easy to overlook your personal
well-being. There are many different kinds of pain, and many different ways to heal.
This section addresses a number of aspects of wellness that can help you heal and move forward. It is
based on suggestions given to us by EJP students. Wellness can be a complex concept and it is different for
different people. In the context of reentry, wellness is about making meaning out of your past experiences
and having them inform the development of who you are and want to be in the world. It is about
forgiveness, healing, caring for yourself, and reconnecting with others.
Emotional wellness involves being respectful of yourself and others. It means being aware and accepting of your
feelings, whether they are positive or negative, and expressing your feelings to others in a way that is healthy
and constructive. It also means taking the time to consider others’ feelings and perspectives. Much conflict
comes from misunderstanding, and it’s important to take the time to listen and to talk things out. No two people
always agree on everything, but knowing how to disagree respectfully is key to a healthy relationship. There
may be other unresolved issues you’re dealing with, such as grief, anger, or depression. Be patient with yourself
and realize the path to emotional wellness can be a long one. It is okay to seek help dealing with these issues.
Counseling is an acceptable option and can be an important part of learning how to be emotionally well.
130 H E A L I N G A N D M O V I N G F O R WA R D M a p p i n g Yo u r F u t u r e
Physical wellness is taking care of your body. There are many
ways to stay active and healthy, and it’s important to do so. What I felt was
You can consider shopping around for a gym, or jogging, most difficult
walking, or biking. Many returning citizens find enjoyment when I first got out
in access to fresh fruits and vegetables and it’s good to eat
is figuring out how to
healthy and drink plenty of water. Practicing safe sex by using
relate to other people.
condoms is important as well. For those with addiction issues,
reaching out for assistance through counselling or recovery
You have both the lack
programs can be a really positive step. You can read more of ‘normal’ experiences
about healthcare in our Health section on p. 114. that most people have as
late-teenagers and young
Social wellness involves seeking out healthy relationships
adults. Plus, you have the
with many different kinds of people. As we discussed in
the relationship section on p. 34, this will be a time of
negative effects of long-
strengthening old relationships and building new ones. There term imprisonment.
are many different ways to do this, and many different ways to – Greg A.
meet new people. While it can be difficult to put yourself out
there, it can also lead to meaningful, healthy relationships.
Spiritual wellness is pondering a larger meaning or purpose to life. This can, but does not necessarily
have to, involve religion. You may decide to join a church, synagogue, or mosque to practice your faith in
the company and support of others. You may also decide to join a support group to find community and
purpose. Set aside some time each day to be open, to listen, and to reflect upon what’s going on inside.
Practice mindfulness or meditation, as described on p. 15.
Occupational wellness is about contributing meaningfully and respectfully in your job. Your job may not be
ideal; however, how you go about doing it is entirely up to you. Recognize what it is you bring to the table
and make yourself an asset to your workplace. Invest in yourself by investing in what it is you do. Find
ways to do a little extra and try new things if you are able. Take the time to realize the value of the work
you do, and honor that. Also, beware of toxic work environments. Some jobs can be unhealthy, physically,
emotionally, or otherwise.
Environmental wellness means being aware of Earth’s

Advice for resources and trying to create a clean, healthy, and beautiful
socializing outside? environment. Respecting the Earth and becoming aware both
Learning coping skills of your place in it and your responsibility to take care of it is
and anger management. important. There are many ways to contribute. You can grow
vegetables in a community garden or volunteer to help with
Being less abrasive and
community clean up. If possible, spend time in nature, even if
open-minded.
it’s at a local park. Being in nature can help you be physically
– Earl W., EJP Alumnus
and mentally healthy.
2017-18 H E A L I N G A N D M O V I N G F O R WA R D 131
Relationships
Incarceration creates barriers for maintaining relationships with family, friends, and other loved ones.
RELATIONSHIPS
The high financial and emotional cost of keeping in touch can put strains on these relationships. Reentry
removes many of these barriers. However, the process of reconnecting with loved ones and rebuilding
healthy, positive relationships will likely require thoughtfulness and care. Returning from prison is a
challenging transition not only for the one returning, but for their family and loved ones.
3
People whose loved ones are incarcerated can feel isolated. Often, their feelings of loss and the pain of
separation do not seem socially acceptable. Both incarcerated people and their loved ones may feel guilt in
relation to each other. Open and honest communication about these feelings is made more difficult if you’re
trying to keep things positive. Also, some people may pick up social habits, such as being closed off and
guarded, as a way of surviving prison. These habits may strain relationships.
Even under the best of circumstances, being away from family, friends, and loved ones for an extended
period of time means that you will all need time, patience, and openness as you work to get to know each
other again. This process can begin before you leave prison as we discussed in Relationships in Before You
Leave on p. 34.
We acknowledge that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to the relationship challenges people face
when leaving prison. Rather than offering more advice, we share the wisdom of three formerly incarcerated
individuals who have generously described the challenges they faced and how they have worked to form
healthy relationships.
Reconnecting with Family
Keke describes “starting all over” with his children after being released from prison. He had to prepare
himself mentally for how little he knew his children and how little they knew him.
Don’t come in like they’re supposed to know you or even respect you a little bit, because

you’ve been gone. How are they going to respect somebody that ain’t been there? Even
though you talk to them, send them letters, it’s different than being there physically with
them everyday, talking to them, understanding when they’re sick or, like I said, daddy and
daughter dances. You might think you know them because they’re part of you, but you really
don’t know them and what they’ve been through. You know what they tell you. Same thing
with you.
Tony also mentions the challenges of reconnecting with family. While in prison, “you keep them at an arm’s
length because you know [while you’re in there] you could lose them.” In fact, Tony says:
A lot of us watched family members die. Family members get sick. Family members move

away. You’re watching the world go past you, and to keep that family interested in your life
and to keep yourself interested in their life is really hard because you can’t experience that
life with them.
After leaving prison, many people try to make up for the time lost, but not always in the best ways. Keke
talks about how being the “demanding father” doesn’t work. “You can’t say, ‘oh, you gotta do this, you
gotta do that,’ no, you can’t talk at them.” Instead, “You gotta let them talk to you.” Keke describes the
small ways he rebuilds these relationships.
I take time out of my day, even five minutes, to call them and see what’s going on. I text
them every day, every morning. . . . I talk to them and get their point of view and see what’s
going on, try to spend time. I tell them I love them, how you doing, how your day going, what
you got planned. Little simple stuff. I let them talk. You gotta try to be involved, no matter
how old they are, they still children, they still want that relationship with you.
Tony tries to help his children avoid the mistakes he made.
I let my kids know when they were young that, hey, Dad went through this and I want to
raise you better than what I went through. That way they don’t have to go through these
things. . . . I want my kids to have the idea that dad knows where you’re headed to if you
keep heading on a bad road. I do everything I can and change my path and learn what I
need to learn to be able to give them a better future than what I had in my past.
Tony also mentions the guilt many individuals feel for making their families suffer.
I f you have any emotions at all, you’re going to have guilt about making your family suffer.
. . . They suffer with you while you’re in there. . . . To them, you’re kind of dead because
you’re not around any longer. . . You’re not there to hug, to hold, to say hey, give a call
and say goodnight. You’re in a grave, you’re in a tomb. So, yeah, I think if you have any
emotions at all, there is a guilt. And we don’t like to show it because, hey, we’re tough
guys. But down deep inside, we do have those feelings of guilt and those feelings of
remorse. Even now I struggle with showing those feelings and showing that remorse
that I have and trying to make something of it.
RELATIONSHIPS
To work past these feelings of guilt, Heather talks about proving to family members that you have changed.
You can say you’re going to do better til you’re blue in the face, but until you actually get

3 out and try doing something different, then it doesn’t really matter. You have to try. Even
if it’s working at McDonald’s, it’s still, you know, they respect that and admire that. Just
because you get up and you go and try to do the right thing, instead of just giving up and
saying fuck it, getting drunk, doing whatever. And I feel better everyday, getting up and
doing my thing.
Keke mentions the importance of being honest with a spouse or partner. This is especially difficult if you
haven’t been honest with each other in the past. “The most challenging thing is [to] be honest with [your
partner]. If she’s taking time out of her life to stand by you, give her your life.” Keke’s prison experience
has made him want to be more honest and open. “You come out being honest with yourself. . . . you’re not
feeding them a fairy tale.”
Forming New Connections
Tony mentions how emotional distance makes it difficult to form new friendships. About prison life, he says:
You spend so much time keeping people at arm’s distance. You never let anybody get

close. [When you go into prison] you’re so young, you’re so vibrant, it’s so easy to have
friends, to have relationships, to have people that are close to you. But when you come
home, you’ve gotten so used to keeping people at a distance that you just continue to do it.
It’s hard to make new friends.
Keke describes not wanting to be in a relationship with someone until he feels ready.
I ’ve been out two years now and I’m still at a point that I don’t want to be tied down because
I feel like, I can’t answer for anybody else. I gotta get myself together instead of being in
a relationship with someone. And I know I don’t have myself 100% together. I’m trying to
build a relationship with my children, trying to stay on the right path, trying to do the right
thing, working every day and be committed to myself so I can keep myself from going back to
prison. And I know I can’t be committed to that woman like that. [When I meet someone,] I
let them know I’m not looking for a relationship, I’m looking for a friendship.
One of the biggest challenges people face in forming new relationships is sharing their past. Heather notes
that “The people that are worth having in your life accept you for who you are and for what’s happened.”
She acknowledges that not everyone will be accepting.
There’s gonna be people in your life who aren’t so trusting or whatever. But you don’t

really have to prove to everybody else, you just gotta prove to yourself and that’s what
makes you feel better anyway. . . . And the ones that are meant to stay in your life and
be there, will.
Keke prefers telling people right away about his past. “I tell them in the door,” he says.
I learned from my experience that if you lay your cards out in the open, you get a better
understanding. Nowadays, people google so much. Both of you have to be honest with each
other. So that’s what I do. I let them know right in the door. This is me. I’ve been to prison
twice. I’m doing this, I’m doing that, trying to get myself together.
Tony also prefers being open:
I t’s a little weird, a little awkward, to just come out and say, hey, I just spent ten years in
prison. But I’ve never been one to be shy. I’ve always been real open about what I went
through because it lets other people know that, look, just because I was in there doesn’t
mean I have to keep going back and forth, back and forth.
Heather, on the other hand, is more reserved.
I don’t really mention [that I was in prison] to people. But, I guess it helps to have moved
away to a different state, so really not that many people know me. They just know what
RELATIONSHIPS
they see of me now. They don’t know . . . I made mistakes in the past. And I’m kind of
comfortable with it. So, if I was to meet a guy or something and start dating, I wouldn’t
just throw all my dirty laundry out front. I’d get to know him. But if things were working
3 out really good, I’d tell him all about it, and if he didn’t accept it, then he probably
wouldn’t be the guy for me anyway.
Tony concludes, “When you meet somebody, if it scares them that you’ve been to prison, then you know
what? That’s not the person that you need to be with.”
Confronting Fears and Having Hope
Some people fear that family or friends won’t want to rebuild relationships with them when they are
released. However, there are people who are willing to work to reestablish relationships. Heather has a
brother who was released from prison, and she describes her feelings about him.
My brother was locked up for years and years and [even though] I didn’t write him, I still

loved him. I guess that helps a lot, knowing that.
Tony mentions that spending time in prison can make individuals afraid that “nobody can love us.” But
there is a danger to being fearful, according to Tony.
We’re scared, so we do one of two things. We give up or we get angry. Both of those are

not what we need to do. Instead of letting our fears make us give up, or letting our fears
make us angry and lash out, we need to face our fears, we need to realize that it is a fear
that we have, and we need to struggle past that fear. . . You have to let go of that fear and
be willing to give, be willing to forgive.
Keke recommends being realistic.
et realistic goals in everything you do, from relationships to coming home, getting a job.
S
Don’t come out trying to feed nobody no dream and definitely don’t feed yourself a dream.
Be true to yourself. Just give yourself a try doing something right. . . . You know you got
good women out here that are willing to listen and take a chance in you, to help you build
yourself up, but it’s all on you if you’re willing to go.
Heather also recommends being realistic and having hope.
hen you’re locked up, you have all this time to sit and think. You have ideas of how you
W
want things to go, and then you get out and, of course, those are just ideas. . . . Take care
of yourself and everything else will fall into place. . . . You can’t stress out over everything
that you have no control over. Don’t give up hope. There’s always hope. And love
overcomes a lot of stuff.
RELATIONSHIPS
Domestic Abuse
Relationships are complicated. They can be great in You may want to begin this process by calling the
some ways, challenging in others. No relationship Illinois Domestic Violence hotline: 1-877-863-
is perfect, but with patience and care, many can 6338 or 1-877-TO END DV. This confidential
become more supportive and loving. Sometimes, 24-hour hotline provides support, information, and
however, it’s best to get out of a relationship, referrals. This free service can put you in touch
especially if there is abuse involved. Abuse comes with resources in your area. Even if you are not
in many different forms, including: ready to leave the relationship, the hotline can help
you get through challenging times and help you take
• Verbal abuse (threats, name-calling, the next step.
intimidation)
• Physical abuse (pushing, slapping, choking, The Illinois Department of Human Services website
destroying property) also has a list of domestic violence agencies
• Controlling behavior (preventing you from where you can go for help: dhs.state.il.us/page.
seeing people, going places, or spending money) aspx?item=31886
• Emotional abuse (making you feel like you
are worthless) Finally, we have listed transitional housing
• Sexual abuse (unwanted sexual activity, and emergency shelter options in our Housing
often using force) directory on p. 144. Many of these options serve
individuals who are seeking shelter after leaving
If you are in an abusive relationship, seek help. an abusive relationship. In our health directory, we
Making the decision to leave is difficult and may have listed a few counseling resources available to
involve some risk. It takes courage to leave, people who are facing domestic abuse.
especially if you fear for your own safety or the
safety of your children, or if you depend on the
other person for financial support.
Connecting with Your Community
Connecting with others is challenging for many people after release from prison. Separation from family
CONNECTING WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
and friends may result in feelings of loneliness and isolation, especially if the people you were close to
before you went to prison are no longer around. Getting involved in your community and forming new
friendships may help you begin to heal.
Becoming more connected to others may mean working to make a difference in your community through
politics, organizing, and volunteering. Civic engagement means exercising your civic rights and duties and
becoming involved in your community and the political system. This may include writing letters to elected
officials, campaigning, voting, participating in government events, talking to people in your community,
and volunteering.
3
Below we will discuss some ways to get involved and participate in civic engagement.
Voting
Voting is very important because it is your Here are the steps for registering to vote:
opportunity to help choose your representatives in
government. In the United States less than half of 1. Collect your personal information. You
the population votes, which means that a minority will need your home address, date of birth,
of people are the ones choosing our representatives. telephone number, and the last four digits of
Some people do not believe that voting can make a your social security number.
difference. But it can, and your elected officials pay
close attention to how their districts are voting. 2. Fill out a voter registration form. It can be
found online or at the office of the County
You can vote after you are released from prison, Clerk in the county where you live. It does not
and you should! We need your voice. In Illinois and cost anything to register to vote.
Indiana, you have the right to vote after release,
regardless of your parole or probation status. In 3. Mail the form to County Clerk’s office in
Missouri and Wisconsin, you must complete parole the county where you live (a list of clerks
before you can vote and re-register. statewide can be found in our directory).
Addresses can be found on the internet. Take time to understand the issues and the
Sometimes the office of the County Clerk is in candidates before you vote. Newspapers and
your county’s court house. candidate websites can help you be more informed.
Local and State elections are just as important,
You will receive your voter registration card in the if not more important, than national presidential
mail. Bring that card with you to the polls elections because your local and state leaders
on election day. impact your community more directly.
Community Organizing and Advocacy

Community organizing is about community alumni have volunteered with, coordinated, and
members joining together and engaging in been employed by groups including:
organized activities to advocate for their needs
and rights. Communities can be defined through • CeaseFire IL (ceasefireil.org)
geographical boundaries or shared characteristics. •C
ommunity Renewal Society, FORCE Project
(Fighting To Overcome Records & Create
Community organizing can take many forms Equality) communityrenewalsociety.org/key-
including door to door interactions, public speeches, issues/force-employment-campaign
organizing community meetings, gathering •C
ommunity Support Advisory Council
systematic information about the community (regular monthly meetings to support
needs, sharing information to educate the public, the parole process) illinois.gov/idoc/
developing community leadership, and organizing communityresources/Pages/CSAC.aspx
fundraisers. dovo (Education Over Obstacles) edovo.com
•E
• I llinois State Commission on Criminal
Community organizing is an effective tool for Justice and Sentencing Reform (icjia.org/
making your voice heard and creating significant cjreform2015/index.html)
positive change. You would be surprised by what
you can do when you join together with others to You can contact these groups and many others
hold your representatives accountable and to make to find out how you can get involved in your
sure your community’s voice is being heard. community. See the Advocacy Resources on p. 186
for more ideas.
There are many organizations that do community
organizing online and on the ground. Now that
you are out of prison, you can contribute to these Get involved in
efforts in valuable ways. People with a history of advocacy work. If we
incarceration often do not have a chance to develop want to change the process,
or implement the laws that affect them, so it is we have to lead the process.
important for them to become more involved in – Marlon C.
politics and their communities. For instance, EJP
GETTING INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY Events and activities – In many large and mid-
Religious Organizations – Churches, synagogues, sized cities you can get free weekly alternative
or other religious communities can help you find papers. They usually have good concert and local
meaning, purpose, and fellowship. Many religious events & activities listings. The same information
organizations have classes, support groups, and should be on the paper’s website. Community center
volunteer opportunities. Don’t be discouraged if or community agency websites often list classes and
it takes a while for you to find the place that feels events held at the community center, and may list
right for you. things going on in and around your city.
Libraries – Public libraries are not just quiet You can search for events and activities online.
CONNECTING WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
places to borrow books and movies. Libraries

organize events and classes, too. They have book
Examples of Google search terms:
clubs, social gatherings, and concerts. Many also
have a space where people can post information
• (your town) event listings
about community events, group meetings, and
• (your town) dance lessons
even job openings. Visit your local library’s
• (your town) softball leagues
website or stop by in person to find out what your
• (your neighborhood) bridge clubs
library has to offer.
• (your town) volunteer opportunities
3 City and County Park Districts and Forest

• (your town) concert venues
Google will sometimes show you a map
Preserves – Your town or city probably has a park
of locations within your town.
district, and its website will include information
about the parks in your area. Take time to visit
these parks and spend time in nature. Many park
districts also offer sports programs and
leagues, as well as other recreational programs.
Some counties also have forest preserves,
and their websites will also list parks and
recreational activities available in your county.
Serving Your Community
Volunteer work gives you the chance to make
Don’t give up. Do what
social connections, focus on solving problems, and
see yourself as a vital part of your community.
you can to promote
Volunteering helps you build fulfilling relationships change. Take the time out
and has proven health benefits. Creating new social to try to mentor some of
connections can prevent depression and reduce these young people that
feelings of isolation. Watching how your efforts are out here in the hopes
make your community better can give you a sense that, one day, we can bring
of pride and fulfillment.
about changes. Instead of
wondering when somebody
If you are currently out of work, volunteering can
also help you acquire new skills to add to your
else is gonna do something
resume so that you can have a more successful job about it, I need to remember
search. You may also meet new people who can that I’m somebody and try to
help you network and find new job opportunities. do what I can.
Volunteering expands your life in ways that may – Shaun W.
surprise you. You may discover new abilities or find
new interests by offering your time and energy.
Senior living centers and nursing homes, Humane

Societies, homeless shelters, foodbanks, and local
churches are often looking for volunteers. Call or
visit them to ask how you can help out. You can
also do a Google search for volunteer opportunities
in your community.
SECT ION FOUR:
Directories
—
4
Housing 146
Reentry Services 156
Food 160
Employment & Training 168
Family & Relationship Support 172
Health Resources 176
Advocacy Resources 186
Legal Services 188
Veteran Resources 192
Illinois County Clerks Offices 194
We have listed a number of different programs, services, and businesses throughout this
guide as resources for people leaving prison, people out of prison, and their families. We
don’t endorse any of these organizations. We also don’t guarantee that these resources
will be helpful (although we certainly hope they are).
146
1. Housing
This housing directory contains a sample of housing options available throughout Illinois, organized geographically.
For more complete listings or to find housing outside of Illinois, see the directories at the bottom of this page. If
you live in Chicago, we recommend that you look for housing using the Chicago Central Referral System, Chicago
Coordinated Entry System, or by dialing 311 to find a shelter (see below).
DIRECTORIES
DEFINITIONS LEGEND
Transitional Housing: Sometimes called Halfway Houses, transitional housing is 1 Homeless/Emergency Shelters
meant to help residents transition to independent living. Most are low cost (no more 2 Transitional Housing/Halfway Housing
than 1/3 of income), though some are free. Some are also recovery homes or sober
living homes where people can get substance abuse help. Typical stay: 6-24 months.
3 Subsidized Housing
4 Permanent Supportive Housing
Emergency Shelter: Short-term housing for homeless. Stay usually no more than 3
months. Usually free. 5 Substance Abuse Recovery Service
Permanent Supportive Housing: Housing for individuals who, because of age, 6 Rent/Utility Assitance
disability, substance abuse, mental illness, or chronic homelessness, are unable to live 7 Housing for Family Members of Incarcerated Individuals
independently without care and support.
8 Women/Children
Subsidized/Affordable Housing: Housing for low-income individuals that is
9 HIV/AIDS
subsidized by the government. People usually are required to pay 1/3 of their income
towards rent. Some cities or organizations offer housing vouchers or help with rent 10 Veterans
and utilities. 11 Disabilities/Mental Illness
12 Senior Support Services/Case Management
13 Men
14 Specifically Serves Formerly Incarcerated
15 Faith-based
M a p p i n g Yo u r F u t u r e
Region/City Name Address Contact People Served/Restrictions Wait Time/Getting In Length of Stay Support Services Kind of Housing
Shelter listing 1 2 3
NATIONWIDE shelterlistings.org
2017-18
directory 4 5 6
Homeless Shelter homelessshelter
NATIONWIDE 1
Directory directory.org/
Sober Living http://soberliving.
NATIONWIDE Homes--Intervention intervention 5
America america.org/
Substance Abuse substancerehab
NATIONWIDE Rehab Centers center.com/halfway 2 5
Directory -house/
Transitional Housing transitional
NATIONWIDE 2
directory housing.org
847-635-4600
Lutheran Social Multiple locations Seniors and people with
STATEWIDE lssi.org/affordable- 3 15
Services of Illinois throughout Illinois disabilities
housing/housing.php
773-359-4902 Men, Women, people with Use Chicago Central
Alexian Brothers
CHICAGO Multiple locations alexianbrothers disabilities, people with HIV Referral System to 30-60 days 4
Housing
housing.org No sex offenders apply, wait list
Homeless men, women,
2750 W Roosevelt Meals, health care,
families. Supportive Transitional
Rd laundry, computer lab, 2 3
773-435-8300 housing: seniors, low income housing:
CHICAGO A Safe Haven Chicago, IL 60608 case management,
asafehaven.org individuals average stay 4
(773) 435-8300 substance abuse 4 12
No record of violent, arson, months
treatment
or sex crimes
Breakthrough 402 N St Louis Men with mental illness or Referral process Drug rehab,
773-346-1785
CHICAGO Urban Ministries Ave, Chicago, IL chronic addictions required, wait time 120 days employment training, 4 15
breakthrough.org
for men 60624 No sex offenders 3-4 weeks food, case management
Breakthrough 330 W. Carroll Women with mental illness Referral process Drug rehab,
773-722-0179
CHICAGO Urban Ministries for Ave. Chicago, IL or chronic addictions required, wait time 120 days employment training, 4 15
breakthrough.org
women 60624 No sex offenders 3-4 weeks food, case management
financial education,
6525 South 773-434-5526 Women
Brighter, Behavior, job training, case
CHICAGO Campbell Avenue, bbchoicesinc.wix- No violent offenders, sex Referral required 12 months 5
Choices Inc. management, and
Chicago, IL 60629 site.com/women offenders
workshops.
DIRECTORIES
Seniors for subsidized 3 4
312-655-7700
CHICAGO Catholic Charities Multiple locations housing, everyone else--rent
catholiccharities.net
and utilities assistance 6
147
Region/City Name Address Contact People Served/Restrictions Walk-ins
Wait Time/Getting
welcome.In Length of Stay Support Services Kind of Housing
148
3827 W. Ogden
773-762-6389 Men and women Must commit to
Lawndale
Chicago Central Avenue Help with ID’s, two
CHICAGO lawndalechurch.org/ Must be drug & alcohol 6 months without
CHICAGO Community Church
Referral System Chicago, Illinois chicagocrs.org meals a day. 4
hope-house.html free. No sex offenders working, no cell
Assessment Tool 60623
phone
Chicago
Meals, employment
CHICAGO Coordinated Entry csh.org/chicagoces 1 2 4
and computer training,
System 1014 N. Hamlin, 773-342-8384 No walk-ins. Waiting
CHICAGO Leslie’s Place Women leaving prison job placement, and
Chicago IL lesliesplace.org list
Chicago City substance abuse
CHICAGO 311
Services Number treatment.
Men, women Employment services,
No walk ins.
925 N. Clybourn, No sex offenders, violent Must fill out an medical linkage and
DIRECTORIES
600 W. Fullerton 773-549-6111
773-248-5200 Application process, Education, financial
CHICAGO Lincoln
Chicago Park
House Chicago, IL 60614; offenders
Men, Women, be 10 years
mustLGBTQ application, found on As long as retention services, HIV 2
CHICAGO Parkway lpcsonline.org/what-
chicagohouse.org waiting list--may literacy, and community 2
Community Shelter Multiple locations post release, no residential website needed prevention services,
Chicago, IL 6061 we-do/ have to wait a few engagement.
bulglaries convictions, no legal services.
months to get in
class x felonies
Families, single men or
Cornerstone Case management,
544
5614W.N.123rd
Clifton, 773-271-8163 women with children, Can stay until
CHICAGO Community Referral needed food, classes, mental
Olive Branch Street
Chicago 60640 773-476-6200
ccolife.org Men and women
individuals Come as often
needs are met
CHICAGO Outreach No referral needed health counseling 1 15
Mission Chicago, Illinois obmission.org No sex offenders as needed
60628
2822 W Jackson 312-944-8669 Use Chicago’s help finding stable
Women, especially those
Blvd deborahsplace.org/ Coordinated Entry GED
housing, career help,
andemployment,
CHICAGO Deborah’s Place 1458 South canal Men and women
with disabilities Varies from
120 days
Pacific Garden Chicago, IL 60612/ 312-492-9410
programs/interim- System (CES). Must medical services, food,
family reunification,
CHICAGO Street, Chicago IL No sex offenders or men on Walk-ins welcome. 30 days to 1 1 2 15
Mission Multiple Locations pgm.org
housing/ have referral addiction recovery, and
health services.
60607 electronic monitoring year
clothing.
Walk-ins welcome,
2255 East 75th Case management,
312-997-2222 ext.
773-721-7088 Chicago Central
CHICAGO Featherfist 1668
Street,West Ogden
Chicago, IL Veterans receive preference employment help,
228 or 312-226-
featherfist.org Referral System, wait
Avenue
60649 Chicago, IL homeless, disabled computer training,
CHICAGO Revive 4678 time 60-90 days 3 4
60612; Multiple individuals and families
revivecenter.org/
1645 W. LeMoyne 773-278-6724
locations Life skills, job
heal/
CHICAGO Franciscan Outreach St. Chicago, IL franoutreach.org/ Men, women 120 days training program, case
60622 housing/ Formerly incarcerated management
Employment help, drug
571 West Jackson, 312-913-5796 individuals Long waiting list for
CHICAGO Safer Foundation Different housing options and alcohol addiction 2 6
415 S. Kilpatrick
Chicago, 773-261-2252
IL 60661 saferfoundation.org No sex offenders for focus focus appartments
Habilitative Systems for women, veterans, services
CHICAGO Chicago, IL 60644, habilitative.org/ appartments drug rehab, counseling
Inc. disabled, seniors, men,
Multiple locations hsilocationsmenu
312-738-1414 people with mental illness Complete an life skills, counseling,
2100 and 2110 W. Men
CHICAGO St. Leonard’s House ext. 24 application. Waiting 6 months employment, education, 2 15
932 W. Washington
Warren Blvd No sex offenders
312-226-7984 ext.
slministries.org/slh/ Contact
list them
around for
6 months. 12 step program,
recreation
Chicago, IL 60607 90 day to 6
CHICAGO Haymarket Center 480 Men, women a clinical, medical employment help, life
4 weeks for
months
hcenter.org Complete
assessment assessment, skills
Men and women the intensive
The Salvation Army- 312-667-2200 wait list, supportive
825 N. Christiana, No sex offenders. No people rehabilitation,
CHICAGO Harbor Light Center safreedom.org/ housing--must find case management,
drug rehab 4 5 15
Chicago, IL 60651 with severe, chronic mental up to 2 years
of Chicago 312-660-1300
harbor-light-center/ employment and pay educational support
208 S. LaSalle Men and women, especially
illness of supportive
heartlandalliance. Call manager to
fees Varies by groups, transportation
CHICAGO Heartland Alliance Street, Suite 1300, those with HIV/AIDs, housing
org/program-direc- apply. program assistance, and
Chicago, IL 60604 substance abuse
tory/housing/ referrals to substance
use treatment
773-433-5710 Food, case
The Salvation Army-
800 W. Lawrence centralusa.salva- Average stay management,
CHICAGO -Evangeline Booth Familes only 1 15
Ave. tionarmy.org/metro/ 63 days computer lab, religious
Lodge
boothlodge programming
2017-18
1500 W. Madison
312-243-1271
Street
The Salvation Army- centralusa.salva-
CHICAGO Chicago, IL Low income seniors 3 4
-Booth Manor tionarmy.org/metro/
60607-1801
boothmanor/
Case management,
312-932-1200 support groups,
YMCA of Metro Multiple locations Low income individuals,
CHICAGO ymcachicago.org/ employment help, 3 6 15
Chicago in Chicago seniors
programs/housing/ medical and mental
health care, food
2121 Dewey Ave., Assistance finding
NORTH COOK Connections for the 847-475-7070 Men
Evanston, IL, Referral required permanent housing, 1 6
Evanston Homeless cfthinc.org No sex offenders
60201 social services
Multiple locations; 847-519-7828
NORTH COOK
Mailing address: (office), 847-221- Victims of domestic abuse
North/Northwest Wings 1 2
P.O. Box 95615 5680 (hotline) or homeless or disabled
Suburbs of Chicago
Palatine, IL 60095 wingsprogram.com
847-864-8445
ywca.org/site/c.
Women and children who
NORTH COOK 1215 Church ewK0LoO8LmK6F/ Referral required
are victims of domestic
Evanston/North YWCA--Bridges Street, Evanston, b.9530721/k.3B77/ from domestic 1 15
abuse
Shore IL 60201 Longerterm_Hous- violence shelter
No sex offenders
ing_for_Survivors.
htm
773-888-7435 or No walk-ins, apply by
WEST COOK P.o. Box 3807, oak Men and women leaving Job readiness,
Bridge to Freedom 773-287-2627 mail at least 1 year 2 years 14 15
Oak Park Park, IL 60303 prison mentoring
bridge2freedom.org prior to release
6634 W. Roosevelt
WEST COOK Men and women
Road, 2nd Flr, Oak 888.338.1744 Food, case
West Suburbs Housing Forward Some shelters do not accept Call for screening 1 4
Park, IL 60304; housingforward.org management
of Chicago sex offenders
multiple locations
2000 West Illinois Low-income individuals
NORTHEAST 2000 Illinois 630-896-6100
Aurora, Illinois and families, people with 3
Aurora Apartments mercyhousing.org
60506 disabilities
DIRECTORIES
The Harbor:8425 Men and women, especially
S. Saginaw Avenue 847-782-8015 those with HIV/AIDS and/
NORTHEAST Alexian Brother’s Intake appointment Case management,
Chicago, Illinois alexianbrothers- or disabilities Up to 2 years 2 4 5
Waukegan, IL Housing required recovery, spiritual care
60617, multiple housing.org Some restrictions. Do
locations accept people on parole.
149
150
NORTHEAST Aurora Subsidized 630-701-9977
Aurora Housing Program auroraha.org
3
401 North 630-896-2100
NORTHEAST Constitution Drive mercyhousing.org/
Constitution House Seniors Call for appointment 3
Aurora Aurora, IL 60506; lakefront/constitu-
multiple locations tion-house
601 West Liberty, Food, laundry, case
Men and women
NORTHEAST Wheaton, IL 630-682-3846 management, life
DuPage P.A.D.S. No violent offenders or sex Walk-ins welcome 1 3
Dupage County 60187, multiple dupagepads.org skills, referrals to other
offenders
locations support services
DIRECTORIES
847-244-0805
NORTHEAST 422 South Avenue Case management,
Eddie Washington waukegantownship.
Waukegan/ Waukegan, IL Men finance skills, 2
Center com/eddie-washing-
Lake County 60085 employment help
ton-center.html
Food, laundry, medical
and legal assistance,
employment training,
680 South River St
NORTHEAST 630–897–2156 Men, women, children assistance finding
Hesed House Aurora, IL 60506 Walk-ins welcome 1 2 4
Aurora hesedhouse.org No child sex offenders permanent housing,
case management,
substance abuse
counseling
Walk-ins welcome for Case management,
NORTHEAST 214 Walnut Street,
630.587.2144 emergency shelter; employment and
Kane County, Lazarus House St. Charles, IL Men and women 1 2 6
lazarushouse.net interview needed for education assistance,
St. Charles 60174.
transitional housing life skills, food, laundry
Religious programming,
350 East
815-722-5780 Computer, exercise,
NORTHEAST Morning Star Washington Street Men
morningstarmission. 6 months and substance abuse 5 15
Joliet Mission--180 Club Joliet, IL 60433- No sex offenders
org classes, transportation
1150
help.
350 East
Morning Star
Washington Street 815-722-5780 food, clothing, case
NORTHEAST Mission--Women Women and children
Joliet, IL 60433- morningstarmission. management, classes, 1 15
Joliet and Family Recovery No sex offenders
1150 org and support groups.
Center
(847) 244-9944
NORTHEAST 3000 Grand Ave, Case management,
waukegantownship.
Waukegan/ Staben house Waukegan, IL Women with children finance skills, 2
com/staben-house.
Lake County 60085 employment help
html
Men and women
215 E. New York No sex offenders who are
NORTHEAST Wayside Cross 630-892-4239 No referral process. food, clothing, laundry,
Street • Aurora, IL on parole or probation, no 7-18 months 1
Aurora Ministries waysidecross.org Walk-ins welcome support services
60505-3491 psych medicines, no cell
2017-18
phones during stay
Men and women, special
Multiple locations. programs for veterans,
815-964-4105
NORTHWEST Office: 1149 people with mental illness, 2 4
carpentersplace.
Rockford, IL and Carpenter’s Place Railroad Avenue disabilities Up to 2 years
org/about/request-
surrounding areas Rockford, IL No sex offenders or violent 5 15
information
61104 offenders. Parole and
electronic monitoring OK
Women who are homeless
or at risk for homelessness
who live in McHenry
4209 W Shamrock Case management,
County
NORTHWEST Home of the Ln, Unit B 815-271-5444 Average stay employment and
Criminal history evaluated 2 3
McHenry County Sparrow McHenry, IL hosparrow.org is 4.5 months education assistance,
on a case-by-case basis,
60050 life skills, advocacy
must be 30 days sober with
mental health concerns
treated
low-income individuals and
3617 Delaware
NORTHWEST Rockford Housing families and seniors. Waiting list is
St, Rockford, IL Rockfordha.org 3 6
Rockford Authority No violence or drug charges currently closed
61102
in last 3 years
815-713-3179
Salvation salarmyrockford.
Recently incarcerated
NORTHWEST Army: Women’s 3201 Gilbert Ave. org/socialservices/ Waiting list is Food, case
women with drug or alcohol Up to 2 years 2 15
Rockford Restorative Justice Rockford, IL womens-restorative- currently closed management
addictions
Program justice-program-
wrjp/
emergency and transitional
Emergency
412 North Church housing: families and
housing:
Street individuals; permanent
NORTHWEST Shelter Care 815-964-5520 6 months;
Rockford, IL housing: families with 1 2 4
Rockford Ministries shelter-care.org transitional
61103 head of household who
housing: up to
is a veterans or who has
24 months
disabilities
NORTHWEST Twin City PADS 111 Wahl Rd 815-626-2210 Referrals to other
Men and women 1
Sterling, IL homeless shelter Sterling, IL 61081 twincitiespads.org/ programs
DIRECTORIES
815-964-8280
NORTHWEST Zion Development Application required,
Multiple locations ziondevelopment. Men and women 3
Rockford Corporation wait list
org
151
152
217-352-9527
EAST CENTRAL P. O. Box 8853 facebook.com/
Ann’s House Women Employment help 2 15
Champaign Champaign, Illinois Anns-House-The-
Place-We-Call-
Men and women
104 E. Wood
Must wait 5 years
Street
EAST CENTRAL Bloomington 309-829-3360 after parole for drug
Bloomington Housing Authority bloomingtonha.com posession,10 for
3
Bloomington,
distribution. No violent
Illinois 61701
offenses.
DIRECTORIES
301 East Oakland 309-828-7356
EAST CENTRAL Home Sweet Home Avenue hshministries.org/ Men and women Interview and food, clothing, case-
Up to a year 1
Bloomington Mission Bloomington IL, advocate/our-im- No violent offenders application required management.
61701 pact/client-services
801 N. Walnut 217-373-2430
EAST CENTRAL Street rosecrancecham- Men and women, some
Case management,
Champaign and Rosecrance Champaign, IL paignurbana.org/ housing for mental illness Varies 2 3
counseling
Rantoul 61820; multiple our-services/residen- diagnosis
locations tial-and-housing/
309-829-9476
EAST CENTRAL Salvation Army 611 W. Washington sabloomington. Men and women food, clothing, case-
Referral needed Up to 8 weeks 1
Bloomington Safe Harbor Shelter St. org/bloomington/ No sex offenders management.
Safe_Harbor
217-446-7223
EAST CENTRAL Danville Rescue 2822 W. Jackson Men and women, veterans Support services,
drm3150.wixsite. Referral needed 4-6 months 5 15
Danville Mission Blvd. Chicago, IL receive preference religious programming
com/danvillerescue
100 South Grand 800-843-6154
WEST CENTRAL Bureau of Blind Adults who are newly blind Vocational
Avenue, Springfield, dhs.state.il.us/page. 11
Springfield Services, Springfield or visually impaired rehabilitation services
IL 62704 aspx?item=32305
309-689-0915 ext. Women, esp. those who have
Required to
301 recently been incarcerated No waiting list, but
WEST CENTRAL 6847 N Allen Rd, stay 10-12
Esther House peoriarescue.org/ No Electronic Monitoring, application takes up 2 15
Peoria Peoria, IL 61614 months, can
womens-recovery- no violent offenses no child- to 6 weeks.
stay longer
program/ based offenses
435 E. Third Street
WEST CENTRAL Galesburg Rescue galesburgrescuemis-
, Galesburg Illinois Women food, clothing 1
Galesburg Million sion.org
61401
714 N 7th St
WEST CENTRAL (217) 525-3940 Employment help, life
Inner City Mission Springfield, Illinois Men, women, children 1 2 15
Springfield innercitymission.net skills, clothing
Help finding more
permanent housing,
WEST CENTRAL 405 S. 12th St., 217-224-7771 Expectant mothers, women
Madonna House career services, 1
Quincy, IL Quincy, IL 62301 madonnahouse.net with children
communication skills,
2017-18
referrals
Homeless women with
children or at risk of
Multiple locations.
homelessness; individuals
Office: 1344 North 217-753-1358
WEST CENTRAL MERCY and/or children with
5th Street mercycommunities. No waiting list Up to 2 years 2
Springfield Communities Inc. disabilities
Springfield, IL org/contact.htm
No felonies for past 3 years;
62702
no more than 3 children
under 12
2524 Martin
WEST CENTRAL One Body One
Luther King Jr. Dr. 309-242-9785 Women leaving prison 2 15
Peoria Purpose
Peoria, IL 61604
WEST CENTRAL Peoria Housing 100 S. Richard 309-676-8736
Individuals, families, seniors Help finding housing 2 6
Peoria Authority Pryor Place peoriahousing.org
Single men
30 days
WEST CENTRAL Peoria Rescue 601 SW Adams, 309-676-6416 No sex offenders currently recovery and
No waiting list. initially, can 1 15
Peoria Ministries Peoria, IL 61602 peoriarescue.org on parole or probabtion; employment help.
be extended
can parole directly
Salvation Army
WEST CENTRAL 221 N Eleventh St
Adult Rehabilitation 217-528-7573 Men with substance abuse 2 5 15
Springfield Springfield
Center for men
217-525-2196
salvationarmyusa.
WEST CENTRAL Salvation Army 221 N 11th Street
org/usn/housing- 1 15
Springfield Emergency Shelter SPRINGFIELD
and-homeless-
services
309-655-7272
WEST CENTRAL Salvation Army
417 NE Adams St. peoriasalvation- women or men with children 1 15
Peoria Family Shelter
army.org
Salvation Army 309-478-7878.
WEST CENTRAL SIngle men, women,
Shelter and 235 Derby Street salvationarmypekin. 1 2 15
Pekin families
Transitional Housing org
Women’s shelter:
1306 Maple
DIRECTORIES
Avenue 309-837-3357 Education,
WEST CENTRAL Homeless men, women,
Samaritan Well Macomb, IL; Men’s samaritanwellinc. Must call employment, life skill 1
Macomb, IL children
shelter: 212 West org assistance
jackson
Macomb, IL
153
154
217-726-5100
Women and children who
1800 Westchester (office), 217-726-
are victims of domestic
WEST CENTRAL Sojourn Shelter and Blvd. 5200 (24-hour
abuse 1
Springfield Services, Inc. Springfield, IL hotline)
No violent offenders or sex
62704 sojournshelter.org/
offenders, not a parole site
serv.htm
Men with substance abuse
Alcohol 1313 21st Street, 618-877-4987
SOUTHWEST No sex offenders, must seek
Rehabilitation Granite City, archhouse. 3-6 months drug rehab support 5
Granite City employment and pay 30%
Community Home Illinois org/4701.html
of salary
DIRECTORIES
314-603-1093
Low to moderate income
stlsalvationarmy.
SOUTHWEST Salvation Army: individuals and families who
org/how-we-help/ 4
St. Louis Homes of Hope are currently homeless and
homeless/homes-of-
are disabled.
hope/
Multiple Locations.
Salvation Army:
Office: 1130 314-646-3000
SOUTHWEST Emergency Shelters
Hampton Avenue, salvationarmyusa. Men, women, seniors 1 12
St. Louis and Subsidized
St. Louis, MO org/usn/plugins/
Senior Living
63139
9400 Lebanon
Road
SOUTHWEST 618.397.0968
Call for Help East St. Louis, IL Women and children 2
St. Louis callforhelpinc.org
62203
Multiple locations; Special programs for

2612 Wyoming people who are mentally ill,
SOUTHWEST Peter and Paul 314-588-7111
Street disabled, or have AIDS Wait time varies Up to 2 years 1 2 4
St. Louis Community Services ppcsinc.org/
St. Louis MO Restrictions vary by
63118 program; call for more info
314-421-3020
Multiple locations
SOUTHWEST New LIfe http://www.newlife-
in St. Louis and Men, women, children 1
St. Louis Evangelistic Center evangelisticcenter.
Missouri
org/shelters/
314- 244-7106
Catholic Charities 800 N Tucker Blvd, archstl.org/steward- 1 2
SOUTHWEST
Housing Resource St. Louis, MO ship/page/catholic-
St. Louis
Center 63101 charities-housing- 3 4
resource-center
314-802-0700
800 North Tucker Homeless individuals
SOUTHWEST Catholic Charities ccstl.org/organiza-
St. Louis, MO and those at risk for 1 2 4
St. Louis St. Patrick Center tions/st-patrick-
homelessness
center/
2017-18
618-826-9810
SOUTHWEST Hospitality House of 120 Ferry Street,
hospitalityhouse. 7
Chester Chester Chester IL, 62932
yolasite.com
618-457-5794
SOUTHEAST Good Samaritan 701 S Marion, Life skills training,
goodsamcarbondale. Men, women, children 1 2 6
Carbondale, IL Housing Carbondale, IL support services
org
SOUTHEAST Prisoner Family 1005 Roberta Dr,
Marion Suport Marion IL 62959
7
LEGEND
1 Homeless/Emergency Shelters 9 HIV/AIDS
2 Transitional Housing/Halfway Housing 10 Veterans
3 Subsidized Housing 11 Disabilities/Mental Illness
4 Permanent Supportive Housing 12 Senior Support Services/Case Management
5 Substance Abuse Recovery Service 13 Men
6 Rent/Utility Assitance 14 Specifically Serves Formerly Incarcerated
7 Housing for Family Members of Incarcerated Individuals 15 Faith-based
8 Women/Children
DIRECTORIES
155
156
2. Reentry Services
Includes organizations that work to help people leaving prison. Programs differ, but many offer help some of the
following housing, job placement, job skills, education, planning, mentoring, mental health.
DIRECTORIES
Region/City Name Address Phone/Email Web Description Restrictions
Online service for connecting returning citizens
Online or to service providers. Create an online profile
Inside Out Reentry
ONLINE 1006 Gillick St. 847-823-3634 insideoutnetwork.net (or mail in your information) and service
Network (ION)
Parkridge, IL 60068 providers will be notified that you are leave 1
month before your projected release date.
Website for sharing information about
Illinois Institute for Law illinoisinstitute.net/idea- improving conditions for currently and formerly
ONLINE Online
and Community Affairs exchange/ incarcerated people. They also have a letter
writing campaign (Advocacy)
Free online service for connecting returning
ONLINE My Rebuilt Life Online 872-210-4987 myrebuiltlife.com citizens to employers. Create an online profile
to join the site.
Offers information and referral services,
Reentry Services for lssi.org/prisoner-family-
employment skills help, Green Reentry
Returning Citizens 1001 E. Touhy Ave. #50 618-997-9076 ext. 861 ministry/pfm-reentry-
CHICAGO Opportunities (working in community gardens),
(Lutheran Social Des Plaines, IL 60018 michael.davis@lssi.org services-returning-citizens.
and other supportive services from local
Services of Illinois) php
churches.
Reentry services include education and
cityofchicago.org/city/en/ training, mentoring and support groups,
City of Chicago
depts/fss/provdrs/workforce_ connection to counseling assistance, connection Must be
Community Reentry 7637 North Paulina St.
CHICAGO 773-332-6772 development/svcs/guide- to housing and food assistance, employment Chicago
Support Center, Howard Chicago, IL 60626
to-workforce-development- assistance, family reunification and child resident
Area Community Center
services-for-ex-offenders.html support assistance, as well as information on
sealing or expunging criminal records
City of Chicago
depts/fss/provdrs/workforce_ connection to counseling assistance, connection Must be
Community Reentry 837 West 119th St.
CHICAGO 773-291-1086 development/svcs/guide- to housing and food assistance, employment Chicago
Support Center, Phalanx Chicago, IL 60643
to-workforce-development- assistance, family reunification and child resident
Family Services
City of Chicago
815 W. 63rd St. depts/fss/provdrs/workforce_ connection to counseling assistance, connection Must be
Community Reentry
CHICAGO 2nd Floor 773-488-6607 development/svcs/guide- to housing and food assistance, employment Chicago
2017-18
Support Center,
Chicago, IL 60621 to-workforce-development- assistance, family reunification and child resident
Teamwork Englewood
City of Chicago cityofchicago.org/city/en/ training, mentoring and support groups,
Community Reentry depts/fss/provdrs/workforce_ connection to counseling assistance, connection Must be
5816 West Division St.
CHICAGO Support Center, 773-664-0612 development/svcs/guide- to housing and food assistance, employment Chicago
Chicago, IL 60651
Westside Health to-workforce-development- assistance, family reunification and child resident
Authority services-for-ex-offenders.html support assistance, as well as information on
An IDOC program. You are eligible for service
Treatment Alternatives 700 S. Clinton St.
CHICAGO 855-827-2444 2.tasc.org for up to one year post-release, after being
for Safe Communitites Chicago, IL 60607
connected through your parole officer
IDOC program. “CSACs are community-based
partnerships designed to work collaboratively
Willye B. White
illinois.gov/idoc/ with parole and other existing community
Community Center
CHICAGO CSAC North 773-262-3515 communityresources/Pages/ resources to develop wraparound services for
7648 N. Paulina
CSAC.aspx parolees, while assisting other groups with
Chicago IL 60626
building community capacity to develop their
own resources.” (Advocacy)
AFC World Outreach
illinois.gov/idoc/
Center
CHICAGO CSAC South 773-651-6470 communityresources/Pages/ See above
7859 S. Ashland
CSAC.aspx
Chicago, IL 60620
Above & Beyond Family
Recovery Center Annex 773-786-0226 illinois.gov/idoc/
CHICAGO CSAC West Building communityresources/Pages/ See above
2954 W. Lake St. CSAC.aspx
Chicago, IL 60612
1542 West 79th St. Works to create relationships with reentering
CHICAGO CSAC (TDAC) 773-651-6470 targetarea.org/chicago/info
Chicago, IL 60620 prisoners and their families
Sankofa Cultural Arts
National Alliance for
& Business Center 5820
CHICAGO the Empowement of the 773-375-3084 naefimentor.wix.com/naefi Hosts reentry services and support groups
W. Chicago Ave.
Formerly Incarcerated
Chicago, IL 60651
DIRECTORIES
The Chicago P.R.I.D.E. program helps with
Elijah Glenn Ward 6818 S. Chappel Ave. info@wardfound.org college readiness, case management, and other Contact before
CHICAGO
Family Foundation Chicago, IL 60649 wardfound.org community services. Program is 12-month release.
description.
157
Region/City Name Address Phone/Email Web Description Restrictions
158
5114 S. Elizabeth St.
Precious Blood Chicago, IL 60609 C. Mayorga Outreach and case management
CHICAGO pbmr.org
Ministries PO BOX 09379 (For 708-710-5962 for returning citizens
mailing only)
Community garden business. Works to help
people find meaningful, sustaining careers, we
2732 N. Clark St., Ste.
growinghomeinc.org/about- train them in job skills, give them real work
CHICAGO Growing Home 310 773-549-1336
us/ experience, and support them while they begin
Chicago, IL 60614
their careers by helping with job placement and
life-planning.
DIRECTORIES
A network of community-based organizations
208 S. LaSalle St. on Chicago’s South and West sides. Works to
Heartland Alliance,
CHICAGO Ste. 1300 312-660-1300 heartlandalliance.org engage individuals connected to gun violence
READI
Chicago, IL 60604 through an 18-month transitional job and
cognitive behavorial therapy program.
Education classes, training, job placement
Michael Barlow services for men and women. Adult high school
2100 W. Warren Blvd.
CHICAGO Center (St. Leondard’s 312-226-2670 ext. 17 slministries.org/mbc-about/ and one-on-one tutoring available, as well as
Chicago, IL 60612
Ministries) skills training in building maintenance and
culinary skills.
Case management, support groups, family
Men and Women in 3424 S State St.
CHICAGO 312-842-1177 mwipm.com/home.html and parenting support services, telephone
Prison Ministries Chicago, IL 60616
counseling and referrals
Green Reentry (Inner Transitional housing, life skills training, and
2744 W. 63rd St. imancentral.org/project-
CHICAGO City Muslim Action 773-434-4626 workforce development in the field of green
Chicago, IL 60629 green-reentry/
Network) construction.
ReEntry Employment Job readiness workshops, employment
CHICAGO 312-793-1597 ides.illinois.gov
Service Program assistance, workshops offered across the state
teamworkenglewood. Connects clients to service providers and
Reentry Resource Center 815 W. 63rd St. org/Smart-Communities- other agencies for counseling on housing,
CHICAGO 773-488-6600
(Teamwork Englewood) Chicago, IL 60621 Program/Re-Entry-Resource- employment substance abuse, mental health,
Center.html and sealing or expunging records
Provides ndividual therapy, recovery coaching
2317 E. 71st St. cwapchicago.org/returning- and HIV testing and counseling services as
CHICAGO Returning Sisters 773-332-0086 Women
Chicago, IL 60649 sisters/ well as individualized linkage to community
resources.
571 W. Jackson 312-922-2200 Comprehensive service organization, offering
CHICAGO Safer Foundation saferfoundation.org/
Chicago, IL 60661 309-786-7711 employment, education, and support services.
Roosevelt University Life skills instruction, case management
Roosevelt University Life englewoodportal.org/ Requires
CHICAGO Gage Building at 18 S. 312-281-3370 services, employment help, education advice,
Skills Re-entry Program directory/3978 appointment
Michigan Ave bus vouchers. (8:30am to 4:30pm)
2100 W. Warren Blvd. Offers reentry programming, employment, and
CHICAGO St. Leonard’s Ministries 312-738-1414 slministries.org
Chicago, IL 60612 housing.
Offers full-time transitional jobs to citizens
906 S Homan Ave. nlen.org/employers/sweet- returning from incarceration in a green
CHICAGO Sweet Beginnings 773-638-1825
Chicago, IL 60624 beginnings industry—the production and sales of all-
natural skin care products
2017-18
Prison ministry group that connects formerly
CHICAGO Under the Door Prison 1006 Gillick St. incarcerated people with churches. Holds
847-823-3634 underthedoor.org
(Park Ridge) Ministry Park Ridge, IL 60068 weekly bible study for formerly incarcerated
people in Chicago
A faith-based non-profit that offers mentoring,
WEST COOK 9146 Lincoln Ave.
7-70 Reentry Services 708-680-7075 ilreentryresources.com/ employment, counseling, and case management
Brookfield Brookfield, IL 60513
services
NORTHEAST 840 Plainfield Road Case management, counseling, record
Agape Missions 815-723-1548 agapemissionsnfp.org
Joliet Joliet, IL 60435 expungement, ID, and employment services
Drop-in center for peer mentoring, employment
Bethel AME Church assistance, advocacy for people with felony
EAST CENTRAL FirstFollowersCU
First Followers 401 E. Park St. firstfollowersreentry.com/ convictions, family reunification, and service
Champaign @gmail.com
Champaign, IL 61820 referrals. No religious affiliation (Offers a free
local reentry guide)
Works with returning citizens, providing
EAST CENTRAL 1802 N Lincoln Ave. urbana.thevineyardchurch.us/
Hope Center 217-607-5654 one-on-one coaching, a food pantry, medical
Urbana Urbana, IL 61801 ministry/hope-center/
resources, and other support
Offers reentry case management and help with
EAST CENTRAL 1801 Fox Drive 217-398-8080 ext.
Rosecrance rosecrance.org/ finding employment (Offers a free local reentry
Champaign Champaign, IL 61820 1289
guide)
217-552-1177
EAST CENTRAL
U-Turn eloris.annshouse@ Women’s reentry support group Women only
Champaign
mail.com.
Zion United Church of
SOUTHEAST Christ 618-997-9196
CSAC Marion communityresources/Pages/ resources to develop wraparound services for
Marion 930 W Cherry St. ext. 852
Marion, IL 62959
own resources.”
First Assembly of God
SOUTHWEST Church
CSAC Metro East 618-604-3459 communityresources/Pages/ resources to develop wraparound services for
East St. Louis 1105 Belt Line Road
DIRECTORIES
Collinsville, IL 62234
own resources.”
Employability
Provides assistance in gaining employment
Development Program
SOUTHEAST Southern Illinois ehs.siu.edu/rehab/service- skills, developing vocational and educational
-Southern Illinois 618-453-6955
159
(Traveling program) programs/employability.php plans, and preparing for employment. For
University Rehabilitation
people on parole only
Institute
160
3. Food
Includes food banks and food pantries across Illinois. See our online reentry guide at www.educationjustice.net for
a full list of resources.
DIRECTORIES
Region County City Name Address Phone Web Description
feedingamerica.
ONLINE Feeding America org/find-your-local- Database of foodbanks in the US
foodbank/
Breakthrough Urban
CHICAGO Cook Chicago 3330 W Carroll Ave 773-722-0179 breakthrough.org Mon-Sat 9am-8pm
Ministries
530 W Fullerton Mon-Fri 9am-5pm;
CHICAGO Cook Chicago Care For Friends 773-932-1010 careforfriends.org
pkwy Sat 10:30am-1pm
CHICAGO Cook Chicago Chicago Food Pantry 6525 N Clark st 773-761-6688 Sat, Noon -2pm
Franciscan Outreach
CHICAGO Cook Chicago 1615 W LaMoyne 773-278-6724 franoutreach.org
Association
Greater Chicago Food chicagosfoodbank. Database of food resources in
CHICAGO Cook Chicago 773-247-3663
Depository org Chicago
CHICAGO Cook Chicago St. James Catholic Church 2907 S Wabash 312-842-1919
2212 North Market Mon, Wed, Thur, Fri 9am-4pm,
EAST CENTRAL Champaign Champaign Salvation Army Pantry
St Tue 9am-5pm
3105 N. Maplewood
EAST CENTRAL Champaign Rantoul Stone Creek Food Pantry Last Tue 6pm-8pm
Dr.
Mattoon Area Public Action
Mon-Thur 11am – 1pm for Lunch;
EAST CENTRAL Coles Mattoon to Deliver Shelter (PADS) - 2017 Broadway Ave
Mon-Fri 7-9pm for Dinner
Soup Kitchen
Soup kitchen Mon-Fri noon-1pm;
148 N. Harrison Food give-away Mon-Fri 1:30pm-
EAST CENTRAL Kankakee Kankakee Salvation Army- Kankakee 815-933-8421 sakankakee.org
Ave. 2:30pm; Emergency food boxes
to those who qualify
First floor of the
EAST CENTRAL McLean Bloomington St. Vincent DePaul Society 309-829-9611 Mon 9-noon, 1-4pm
Parish Center
The Salvation Army
EAST CENTRAL Vermillion Danville 855 E Fairchild St 217-442-5911 Tue, Fri 1:30-3:30pm
Danville Corps
Arlington 2525 N Arlington 847-398-3362
NORTH COOK Cook St Edna Catholic Church stedna.org During regular church hours
Heights Heights rd ext 315
Self Help Closet and Pantry
NORTH COOK Cook Des Plaines 600 E Algonquin Rd 847-375-1443 Tue 12:30-3pm; Sat 10am-noon
2017-18
of Des Plaines
WINGS Ministry- Faith
NORTH COOK Cook Evanston Temple Church of God in 1932 Dewey Ave 847-323-3808 Mon 4-6pm
Christ
Hanover hanover-township.
NORTH COOK Cook Hanover Township Pantry 7431 Astor ave 630-540-9085 Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm
Park org
Hoffman Schaumburg Township Food schaumburg Mon-Fri 9am-4pm,
NORTH COOK Cook 1 Illinois Blvd 847-884-0030
Estates Pantry township.org appiontment required
Trinity Charities Inc. Food trinitycharitiesinc.
NORTH COOK Cook Schaumburg 927 Plum Grove rd 847-264-4660 Call for hours and details
Pantry com
cornerstoneof
NORTHEAST DeKalb Sandwich Cornerstone Church 17347 Pratt Rd 815-786-6300 1st and 3rd Tue 12pm
sandwich.com
630-530-8161 addisontownship.
NORTHEAST DuPage Addison Addison Township Pantry 50 E Oak st Thu 9am-11am
ext.120 com
Tue 1-3Pm; Fri 10am-noon; Mon
Batavia Interfaith Food holycross-batavia.
NORTHEAST DuPage Batavia 100 Flinn St. 630-879-3784 6:30-7:30pm;
Pantry org
1st Thu 6:30-7:30pm
Glendale 1785 Bloomingdale Sat 2-4pm (on call for
NORTHEAST DuPage Muslim Society Inc. 630-653-7872 muslimsocietinc.org
Heights rd. emergencies)
Christ The King-St. Vincent
NORTHEAST DuPage Lombard 1501 S Main st 630-629-1717 ctklombard.org Mon noon-2pm
DePaul
Loaves and Fishes Mon-Thu 9am-5pm;
NORTHEAST DuPage Naperville 1871 High Grove ln 630-355-3663 loaves-fishes.org
Community Pantry Fri 9am-noon
Wed 9:30-11:30am;
NORTHEAST DuPage Villa Park Disciples Food Pantry 1336 S Villa ave 630-833-7262 ccvponline.net
3rd Sat 9:30-11:30am
West 27 W 031 North waynetwp-il.org/
NORTHEAST DuPage Wayne Township Pantry 630-231-7173 Wed 10am-2pm
Chicago ave assistance/food
wecareofgrundy. Mon, Tue,Wed,Fri 8:30-11:15am,
NORTHEAST Grundy Morris We Care of Grundy County 530 Bedford Rd. 815-942-6389
com 1-3pm; Thu open untl5pm
Village Baptist Church
NORTHEAST Kane Aurora 515 S Frontenac St. 630-851-4120 vbcaurora.org 2nd & 4th Fri 9:30-noon
Pantry
DIRECTORIES
NORTHEAST Kane Elgin Salvation Army-Elgin 316 Douglas St 847-741-2304 Fri 1-3pm
Harvest Baptist Food harvestnew
NORTHEAST Kendall Oswego 5315 Douglas Rd. 630-554-3858 4th Fri 1:30-2:30pm
Pantry beginnings.com
161
This is a shortened version of our food resources. The online guide has over 550 listings.
You can view the full list of food resources by downloading the digital guide at our website: www.educationjustice.net/home
162
25270 W. Highway
NORTHEAST Lake Grayslake CARE Center Food Pantry 847-201-2777 chapel.org/care Wed, Sat 11am-1pm
60
Lake Villa Township Food 37908 N. Fairfield lakevillatownship.
NORTHEAST Lake Lake Villa 847-356-2116 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm
Pantry Rd. org
North Emmanuel Faith Bible Food
NORTHEAST Lake 1840 Lincoln St. 847-473-4854 Thu 5:30-7:30pm
Chicago Pantry
Mon 1-4pm; Tue, Wed 9am-noon,
Round Lake Avon Community Food 433 E. Washington
NORTHEAST Lake 847-546-1446 1-4pm; Thu 2-6pm; Fri 9am-
Park Pantry-NFP St.
noon; 3rd Sat 9am-noon
DIRECTORIES
Community Christian 1400 W. Yorkhouse
NORTHEAST Lake Waukegan 847-662-8887 ccclc.org Tue 9am-12pm
Church of Lake County Rd
The Urban Muslim Minority
NORTHEAST Lake Waukegan 221 Washington St. 847-336-6136 ummacenters.org Tue and Thur 12pm-5pm
Alliance Center
Waukegan Baptist Bible
NORTHEAST Lake Waukegan 1500 Sunset Ave. 847-336-8260 wbbcministries.org 2nd and 4th Saturdays 8am-10am
Church
NORTHEAST Lake Zion Christian Faith Fellowship 1727 17th St. 847-731-0700 cffczion.org Tues 11am-1pm
Mon&Fri 9am-noon;
NORTHEAST LaSalle LaSalle Illinois Valley Food Pantry 136 Marquette 815-224-3658 ivfoodpantry.com
Wed 3pm-6pm
NORTHEAST Will Braidwood Community Care Center 112 S Center St 630-738-8863 8-11:50 am
Salvation Army Joliet Food
NORTHEAST Will Joliet 300 3rd Ave. 815-726-4834 Mon noon-3pm
Pantry
St. John the Baptist Food
NORTHEAST Will Joliet 260 Division St. 815-727-4788 stjohnsjoliet.org Mon 9am-noon
Pantry
dupagetownship.
NORTHEAST Will Romeoville DuPage Township 719 Parkwood Ave. 630-759-1317 Tue, Thu 11am-2pm
com
NORTHWEST Bureau Princeton Bureau County Food Pantry 1019 N Main 815-875-6064 tcochelps.org Mon, Wed,Fri 9am-11:30am
Salvation Army-Dekalb Mon, Tue, Wed 9am-noon;
NORTHWEST DeKalb DeKalb 830 Grove St 815-756-4308 salarmydekalb.org
Area Food Pantry Thu 9am-noon, 5-6:45pm
Sycamore United Methodist Mon noon-4pm;
NORTHWEST DeKalb Sycamore 160 Johnson Ave. 815-895-9113 sycamoreumc.org
Church Food Pantry 2nd Mon noon-7pm
3rd Mon 9am-10am;
NORTHWEST Henry Cambridge Cambridge Pantry 132 W Center st. 309-937-2304
preceeding Sun 3pm-5pm
kewaneefoodpantry.
NORTHWEST Henry Kewanee Kewanee Food Pantry 924 Rose 309-852-3577 Tue 10am-2pm; Thu 3pm-6pm
com
NORTHWEST Jo Daviess Galena United Churches of Galena 971 Gear st. 815-777-1456 2nd & 4th Thu 12:30pm-4:30pm
NORTHWEST Lee Dixon Community Food Pantry 2001 W 4th st 815-288-4848 Mon, Wed, Fri 1pm-3pm
NORTHWEST Marshall Henry Henry Food Pantry 1301 Second st 309-264-2266 Sat 8am-10am
Salvation Army-Crystal 290 W Crystal Lake
2017-18
NORTHWEST McHenry Crystal Lake 815-455-2769 salarmycl.org Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm
Lake Ave
Faith Community Church Wed 4-6pm, closed all federal
NORTHWEST McHenry Huntley 10547 Faiths Way 847-516-6008
Food Pantry holidays
St. Vincent DePaul Society 5211 Bull Valley thechurchofholy
NORTHWEST McHenry McHenry 815-385-5673 on call Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
at Holy Apostles Rd. apostles.org
2502 Spring Ridge
NORTHWEST McHenry Spring Grove Helping Hands Food Pantry 815-245-7345 Tue, Thu 3:30-6:30pm
Dr.
NORTHWEST McHenry Woodstock Woodstock Food Pantry 1033 Lake Ave. 815-337-0375 Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-3pm
Mount Loaves and Fish Food loavesandfishmm. 1st & 3rd Thu 4:30-7pm;
NORTHWEST Ogle 409 W. Brayton Rd. 815-734-4573
Morris Pantry com 2nd & 4th Mon 2-4:30pm
Stillman Bread of Life Soup Kitchen
NORTHWEST Ogle 103 S. Maple 815-645-8872 valleycov.org 2nd & 4th Tue 3-5pm
Valley and Food Pantry
NORTHWEST Rock Island East Moline Christ United Methodist 3801 7th st. 309-755-2508 Mon-Fri 9am-noon
Bethany Baptist Church
NORTHWEST Rock Island Moline 700 35th ave place 309-764-3041 bethanymoline.com 4th Wed 10am-noon
Food Pantry
Mon 6pm-8:30pm; Fri 7pm-
NORTHWEST Rock Island Rock Island Templo Elim 4300 7th ave 563-650-0016
8:30pm; Sat noon-3pm
NORTHWEST Stark Toulon Stark County Food Pantry 224 S. Franklin St. 309-286-6611 Mon, Tue 9am-noon
Salvation Army Freeport
NORTHWEST Stephenson Freeport 106 W Exchange St 815-235-7639 Tue, Thu 9-11am, 1-2pm
Food Pantry
NORTHWEST Whiteside Morrison Morrison Food Pantry 203 W Knox st 815-772-4030 morrumc.org Thu 7:45am-9:45am
NORTHWEST Winnebago Rockford Gentle Shepard Pantry 2905 Bildahl St. 815-399-7283 Wed 8:30-10:30am
(Schedule appt. Mon after 9am)
salamryrockford. Mon-Fri (by appt. Working
NORTHWEST Winnebago Rockford Salvation Army- Rockford 416 S. Madison St. 815-972-1135
org families only) 9am-4pm; Wed (by
appt.only) 4-6pm
soulsharborof
NORTHWEST Winnebago Rockford Soul’s Harbor Church 2802 11th St. 815-229-1922 1st & 3rd Mon 6:30pm-8pm
rockford.com
Soup kitchen. 3rd Sun anyone
United Brethren in Christ
DIRECTORIES
NORTHWEST Winnebago Rockford 2000 Kilburn Ave. 815-968-9305 who attends 10:45am service can
Church
stay for free buffet
St. Peter’s Church Food 620 Blackhawk
NORTHWEST Winnebago South Beloit 815-629-2405 st-peter-church.com Wed 6pm-6:30pm
Pantry Blvd.
163
164
Chicago Respond Now of Chicago Mon, Wed,Fri 10am-5pm
SOUTH COOK Cook 1439 Emerald Ave 708-755-4357 respondnow.org
Heights Heights Illinois (4pm check-in)
Bethel Human Resources bethelhuman
SOUTH COOK Cook Harvey 15100 Page Ave 708-333-4111
Corp resources.org
WINGS MINISTRY- 13432 S. Hamlin
SOUTH COOK Cook Robbins 708-385-1899 Sun noon-2pm
Pilgrim Valley MBC Ave.
17010 Oak Park togetherwecope. Mon-Wed 9am-3pm,
SOUTH COOK Cook Tinley Park Together We Cope 708) 633-5040
Ave. com Thur 2pm-7pm, Fri 9am-3pm
SOUTHEAST Alexander Tamms Happy Helper’s Pantry 430 3rd. 618-747-2123 call for hours
DIRECTORIES
Clay County Ministerial
SOUTHEAST Clay Flora 1101 Austin Ave. Mon 9am-11am
Alliance
SOUTHEAST Crawford Robinson Robinson Food Pantry 602 E. Pine 618-544-3773 Mon & Thur 1pm-2pm
Benton West City Food
SOUTHEAST Franklin Benton 3002 S MainSt 618-927-6270 Mon-Thu 9am-2pm
Pantry
bcmissioncenter.
wordpress.com/
SOUTHEAST Franklin Community of Christ Church 3663 Chestnut St. 618-627-2815 3rd Sat 8-10am
our-congregations/
thompsonville-il/
Good Samaritan Food
SOUTHEAST Jackson Carbondale 700 S Oakland 618-457-5794 samcarbondale.org Mon,Fri 9am-1pm
Pantry
Embarras River Basin
Fri 1:30-3:30pm
SOUTHEAST Jasper Newton Agency (ERBA), Newton - 904 W. Jourdan
2nd Thur 4-6pm
Food Pantry
Tue 9am-11:30am & 1-4:00pm;
The Master’s Hands Food 106 S. Van Buren Distributes perishable food
SOUTHEAST Jasper Newton 618-783-2955
Pantry St (produce, dairy) Mon-Fri 9am-
11:30am
Mount Park Avenue Baptist
SOUTHEAST Jefferson 900 Park Ave. 618-242-1882 mvpabc.com Mon,Wed,Fri 1-3pm
Vernon Church-Food Pantry
Reformed Presbyterian
SOUTHEAST Perry Cutler 321 S Ervin St 618-615-2227 Sat 9am-noon
Church
Western Egyptian Eoc- 317 S Washington
SOUTHEAST Perry Duquoin 618-542-4656 Tue,Thu1-4pm
Duquoin st
Mon 9am-11:30am, 1:30pm-
SOUTHEAST Richland Olney The Master’s Hands 1065 W. Main St. 618-838-8677 3:45, Fri 10:15am-11:30am,
1:30-3:45pm, 3rd Sat 9am-11am
Johnston First United Methodist
SOUTHEAST Williamson 400 W. Broadway 618-983-5150 3rd thu
City Church
906 Tower Square salvationarmyusa.
SOUTHEAST Williamson Marion Salvation Army Marion 765-664-6536 Tue, Wed, Thu 9-11am
2017-18
Plaza org
203 W.
SOUTHEAST Williamson Pittsburg Pittsburg Food Pantry 618-922-4440 4th Sat 9-11am
Pennsylvania Ave.
1st Wed 5pm-7pm,
SOUTHWEST Christian Kincaid Midland Area Food Pantry 600 Tower Place 217-237-2342
all other Wed 1pm-4pm
Mathew 25 Ecumenical
SOUTHWEST Clinton Carlyle 751 Franklin St 618-594-2225 Wed 9-11am
Food Pantry
1502 East Fayette
Effingham Catholic cc.dio.org/loca Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-11:30am,
SOUTHWEST Effingham Effingham Ave/U.S. Route 40 217-857-1481
Charities Food Pantry tions/effingham/ 12:30pm-4pm
East
Vision Ministries Food
SOUTHWEST Fayette Vandalia 1803 Janette Dr. 618-267-0957 fwc-vandalia.com 2nd and 4th Sat 9am-12pm
Pantry
720 State Highway
SOUTHWEST Jersey Jerseyville Jersey Food Pantry 618-498-3719 Mon, Wed, Fri 11-noon
16
Carlinville Good Samaritan 525 W 2nd Street Tue, Thu 9-11am;
SOUTHWEST Macoupin Carlinville 217-972-8099
Ministries South Wed 2-4pm
stacyboyer@usc.
SOUTHWEST Madison Alton Salvation Army-Alton 525 Alby st. 618-465-7764 Tue 9-11:30am; Fri 1-3pm
salvationarmy.org
colinsvillefood
SOUTHWEST Madison Collinsville Collinsville Food Pantry 201 E Church st 618-346-1861 Tue 9-11am, 4-6pm; Fri 9-11am
pantry.org
susanhuff@usc.
SOUTHWEST Madison Granite City Salvation Army Granite City 3007 E 23rd St 618-451-7957 Thu 1-3:30pm
salvationarmy.org
SOUTHWEST Madison Roxana Tri-County Church 120 W. 1st St. 618-465-1557 3rd Sat 10am-noon
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
SOUTHWEST Monroe Columbia 227 Goodhaven St 314-487-9899 1st & 3rd Wed 1-3pm
Food Pantry
SOUTHWEST Randolph Red Bud Human Service Center 10257 IL-3 618-282-6233 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm
East St. yjohnsonford@
SOUTHWEST St. Clair East St. Louis Township 6755 State St 618-874-3650 Wed 1-3pm
Louis hotmail.com
East St.
SOUTHWEST St. Clair Lansdowne Community 5103 Bunkum Rd 618-874-7901 Dbaden#siue.edu Tue, Wed 1-3pm; Thu 9-11am
Louis
DIRECTORIES
East St. Salvation Army East St. wandacarson@usc.
SOUTHWEST St. Clair 616 N 16th St 618-874-3136 Tue 10am-noon
Louis Louis salvationarmy.org
East St. St Mathews Baptist Food 2908 Louisianna michella1965@
SOUTHWEST St. Clair 618-874-6979 Fri 9:30am-noon
Louis pantry Blvd att.net
165
166
Spring Valley Baptist springvalley Thu 4-6pm; at basement of
SOUTHWEST St. Clair Shiloh 522 Maple St. 618-632-6706
Church baptistchurch.com church Sat 10am-noon
salvationarmy
WEST CENTRAL Adams Quincy Salvation Army Quincy 501 Broadway 217-222-2087 Mon-Fri 9am-12pm
quincy.org
WEST CENTRAL Brown Versailles Brown County Food Basket 211 N. Chestnut 217-773-3668 3rd Fri 2pm-4:30pm
WEST CENTRAL Cass Virginia Cass County Food Pantry 210 S. Main 217-473-5638 4th Mon 8am-4:30pm
1st & 4th Thu7pm-8:30pm;
WEST CENTRAL Hancock Bowen Southeastern Food Pantry 101 E First st 217-743-6305
2nd Tue 1pm-3pm
DIRECTORIES
WEST CENTRAL Hancock Nauvoo Nauvoo Food Pantry 34 N Page st 217-453-6334 1st of the month 11am-6pm
Henderson County Health
WEST CENTRAL Henderson Gladstone 208 W Elm 309-627-2812 Tue 1pm-3pm
Department
Henderson County Food
WEST CENTRAL Henderson Oquawka 3rd and Mercer 309-867-3181 Mon, Thu 9-11am,1-3pm
Cellar
401 N Washington
WEST CENTRAL Knox Abingdon Abingdon Food Pantry 309-462-3444 Tue noon-3pm
st.
Galesburg Slvation Army
WEST CENTRAL Knox Galesburg 320 N Kellogg St 309-342-9168 Mon-Fri 10am-noon
Pantry
Tues 9am-11am; Thurs 2pm-
WEST CENTRAL Logan Lincoln Lincoln/Logan Food Pantry 125 N. Logan 217-732-6644
4pm; 2nd Wed 2pm-4pm
Salvation Army Pantry usc.salvationarmy.
WEST CENTRAL McDonough Macomb 309-837-4824 Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-noon, 1-3pm
Macomb org/macomb
Western Illinois Regional
WEST CENTRAL McDonough Macomb 223 S Randolph 309-837 2997 wirpc.org Tue,Thu,Fri 9am-3pm
Council
Churches of Mercer County Tue 5:30pm-7:30pm;
WEST CENTRAL Mercer Aledo 1200 S College st. 309-507-1813
Food Pantry Fri 8am-noon
WEST CENTRAL Morgan Jacksonville Jacksonville Food Center 316 E. State St. 217-243-1122 jaxfoodcenter.org Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm
9005 N Industrial peoria.midwest
WEST CENTRAL Peoria Peoria Midwest Food Bank 309-691-5270
rd foodbank.org
WEST CENTRAL Peoria Peoria Peoria Area Foodbank 711 West McBean 309-671-3906 peoriafoodbank.org
WEST CENTRAL Sangamon Springfield First Presbyterian Church 331 S. 7th St. 217-528-4311 lincolnschurch.org Mon, Tue, Thur 9am-12pm
WEST CENTRAL Sangamon Springfield St. John’s Breadline 430 N. 5th St. 217-528-6098 Mon and Thur 10am-2pm
tableoflife
WEST CENTRAL Sangamon Springfield Table of Life Ministries 2600 S 5th St 217-502-6817 Last Sat. of month 4pm - 6pm
ministries.org
Creve Coeur Christian ccchristianchurch.
WEST CENTRAL Tazewell Creve Coeur 101 S. Thorncrest 309-699-8421 1st and 3rd Tue, 1pm-3pm
Church com
First Christian Church Food
WEST CENTRAL Warren Monmouth 514 N Sunnylace 309-734-9419 fccmonmouth.com Mon 9am-11am; Thu 1pm-3pm
Pantry
Helping Hands of Roseville 265 W Penn ave
WEST CENTRAL Warren Roseville 309-536-0229 Mon 9am-noon; Thu 3pm-6pm
2017-18
Food Pantry Room 36
WEST CENTRAL Adams Quincy Madonna House 405 S. 12th St. 217-224-7771 madonnahouse.net Tue 1pm-3pm, Sat 10am-12pm
Share Food Share Love sharefoodsharelove.
WEST COOK Cook Brookfield 3801 Madison Ave 630-347-5390 Tue 7-9pm; Sat 10am-noon
Food Pantry com
La Grange Bible Church
WEST COOK Cook La Grange 850 S. 7th Ave. 708-354-2485 lagrangebible.org Sat11-11:45am
Food Pantry
Oak Park River Forest Food Sat 9am-noon;
WEST COOK Cook Oak Park 848 Lake St. 708-386-1324 oprffoodpantry.org
Pantry 1st Wed 7-8:30pm
DIRECTORIES
167
168
4. Employment & Training
These organizations host things like job training, help with long-term planning, education, and job placement. You may
also want to look at the online job-finding resources.
DIRECTORIES
Region City Name Address Contact Web Description
careeronestop.
org/localhelp/
ONLINE American Job Center Finder americanjobcenters/ Online job finding tool
find-american-job-
centers.aspx
ONLINE Illinois Job Link illinoisJobLink.com Online job finding tool
Illinois Work Net Online
ONLINE illinoisworknet.com/ Online job finding tool
Resources
ONLINE Jails to Jobs Website jailstojobs.org/ Online job finding tool
jobsforfelonshub.
ONLINE Jobs For Felons Hub Website Online job finding tool
com/
jobsthathirefelons.
ONLINE Jobs That Hire Felons Website Online job finding tool
org/
careerwise.mnscu.
Step Ahead Career Planning
ONLINE edu/exoffenders/ Online job planning tool
Resources
index.html
Reentry Employment Service Job readiness workshops, employment assis-
CHICAGO Chicago 312-793-1597 ides.illinois.gov
Program tance, workshops offered across the state
2800-01 S. westcare.com/page/
Provides recovery, support services, skill-
CHICAGO Chicago AmeriCorps, Chicago Sacramento, Division 6 773-674-4879 where-we-serve_
building, screenings and assessments
Chicago, IL IL_01a
Reentry services for any formerly incarcer-
ated Chicago citizen. Services include educa-
City of Chicago Community tion and training, mentoring and support
Reentry Support Center, 1623 West Howard St. groups, connection to counseling assistance,
CHICAGO Chicago 773-332-6772 cityofchicago.org
Howard Area Community Chicago, IL 60626 connection to housing and food assistance,
Center employment assistance, family reunification
and child support assistance, information on
sealing or expunging criminal records.
Breakthrough Employment P.O. Box 47200 773-722-1144
CHICAGO Chicago breakthrough.org/ Trauma-informed employment services
Services Chicago, IL 60647 info@breakthrough.org
Bureau of Blind Services, 401 South Clinton St. dhs.state.il.us/page.
CHICAGO Chicago 800-843-6154 Employment help for the blind
2017-18
Chicago Chicago, IL 60607 aspx?item=29764
Community Assistance 8455 S. Cottage Grove capsinc.org/#/CAP Provides help with hiring for a fee. Only use if
CHICAGO Chicago
Program (CAP) 1 Chicago, IL 60619 sINCorg/ you alright with paying for help
Community Assistance 1010 Dixie Hwy, Ste. 203 capsinc.org/#/CAP Provides help with hiring for a fee. Only use if
CHICAGO Chicago
Community Assistance 11717 S. Halsted capsinc.org/#/CAP Provides help with hiring for a fee. Only use if
CHICAGO Chicago
Job training and placement provider for
237 S. Desplaines 312-798-3300
CHICAGO Chicago Cara Program thecaraprogram.org/ individuals affected by homelessness and
Chicago, IL 60661 info@thecaraprogram.org
poverty
20 E. Jackson, Suite 1000 canchicago.org/
CHICAGO Chicago Career Advancement Network 312-356-9159 Employment and job training
Chicago, IL 60604 contact-us.html
773-434-4626 imancentral.org/
Green Reentry (Inner City 2744 W. 63rd St. Llife skills training, workforce development
CHICAGO Chicago matthew.ramadan@ project-green-
Muslim Action Network) Chicago, IL 60629 in the field of green construction
imancentral.org reentry/
2732 N. Clark St., Ste. 310 (773) 549-1336 growinghomeinc. Community garden business. Help finding
CHICAGO Chicago Growing Home
Chicago, IL 60614 info@growinghomeinc.org org/about-us/ sustaining careers, job-training, life-planning
208 S. LaSalle Street, Ste. heartlandalliance.
Hosts health, housing, jobs and justice
CHICAGO Chicago Heartland Alliance 1300 312-660-1300 org/nationalinitia
programs
Chicago, IL 60604 tives/
Adult education classes, operates an Employ-
Howard Area Community 7648 N. Paulina St.
CHICAGO Chicago 773-262-6622 howardarea.org/ ment Resource
Center Chicago, IL 60626
Center that assists job-seekers
Offers many state, community, health, em-
Illinois Welcoming Centers , 4145 West Armitage Ave.
CHICAGO Chicago 773-276-0940 ployment training, and educational
Chicago North West Chicago, IL 60639
services in one location.
Career services, employment preparation
4554 N. Broadway Ste. 207 773-878-0981
CHICAGO Chicago Inspiration Corporation inspirationcorp.org/ training, tuition subsidies, employer outreach,
Chicago, IL 60640 info@inspirationcorp.org
and job placement
Hellp with comprehensive employment
North Lawndale Employment 3726 West Flournoy
CHICAGO Chicago 773-638-1825 nlen.org/ searches, provides fax and photo-copy ma-
Network Chicago, IL 60624
chines, and voicemail boxes
Manufacturing-based program that helps
DIRECTORIES
1605 N. Keeler Ave. 773-543-5514 facebook.com/PPC. with relationship and employability skills of
CHICAGO Chicago Positive Pathways of Chicago
Chicago, IL 60639 dean@filchicago.com ReEntry/ returning citizens to secure meaningful and
career-based employment
169
170
Offers full-time transitional jobs to citizens
906 S Homan Ave. nlen.org/employers/ returning from incarceration in a green
CHICAGO Chicago Sweet Beginnings 773-638-1825
Chicago, IL 60624 sweet-beginnings/ industry—the production and sales of all-
natural skin care products
Clearbrook Employment 1815 West Central Rd. Specialized and community-based training
NORTH COOK Arlington clearbrook.org
Training Arlington, IL 60005 for individuals with disabilities
Vocational training, life skills training,
943 East Lincoln Highway recovering coaching, spiritual counseling,
Ford Ford Heights Community fhcsoi.org/access-to-
SOUTH COOK Ford Heights, IL 60411 peer counseling, employment coaching,
Heights Service Organization recovery.html
transportation
DIRECTORIES
Illinois Welcoming Centers , Offers many state, community, health, em-
Melrose 1115 N. 23rd St.
WEST COOK Melrose Park 708-345-3632 ployment training, and educational
Park Melrose Park, IL 60160
services in one location.
7222 West Cermak Rd., Ste. Offers many state, community, health, em-
North Illinois Welcoming Centers ,
WEST COOK 501 708-442-8640 ployment training, and educational
Riverside North Riverside
North Riverside, IL 60546 services in one location.
Offers many state, community, health, em-
Illinois Welcoming Centers , 550 Second St.
NORTHEAST Aurora 630-844-2550 ployment training, and educational
Aurora Aurora, IL 47001
services
650B North Peace Rd. On-site job placement, job search assistance,
NORTHEAST DeKalb Illinois Worknet Center 815-901-0177, ext. 240
DeKalb, IL 60115 career exploration
27 Stonehill RD, Unit D 630-554-1404 ink180.com/contact- Creates new tattoos out of problematic ones,
NORTHEAST Oswego Ink 180
Oswego, IL 60543 chris@ink180.com us/ serves people leaving prison
Trinity Employment Services 301 Veterans Parkway
NORTHEAST New Lenox 815-485-6197 trinity-services.org/ Employment help for people with disabilities
New Lenox, IL 60451
Cmprehensive training and support for
people who choose community employment
3206 North Central Ave. b-olsoncenterofhope. as their vocational goal. Offers basic job-
NORTHWEST Rockford Olson Employment Center 815-964-9275
Rockford, IL 61101 org seeking and interviewing skills classes as well
as individualized on-site training activities
Goodwill Career Center, 302 Landmark Dr. 217-220-9445

EAST CENTRAL Normal Help with job-placement
Bloomington/Normal Normal, IL 61761 Ursula.Loercher@llgi.org
Goodwill Career Center, 904 North Gilbert St. 217-503-0456
EAST CENTRAL Danville Help with job-placement
Danville Danville, IL 61832 Janice.Coleman@llgi.org
757 W. Pershing Rd. Support with interviewing, resume writing,
EAST CENTRAL Decatur Illiinois Worknet Center 217-875-8751
Decatur, IL 62526 job search techniques
Specialized vocational rehabilitation services,
Bureau of Blind Services, 100 South Grand Ave. dhs.state.il.us/page.
WEST CENTRAL Springfield 800-843-6154 a short-term residential program for adults
Springfield Springfield, IL 62704 aspx?item=32305
who are newly blind or visually impaired
2017-18
Parenting and relationship classes, help with
2937 Stanton St., Ste. A literacy, life skill classes, parenting classes,
WEST CENTRAL Springfield Fishes and Loaves Outreach 217-529-3333 fishesnloaves.org
Springfield, IL 62703 job skills workshops, relationship counseling,
referral services
Goodwill Career Center, 3904 Broadway 217-720-5272
WEST CENTRAL Quincy Help with job-placement
Quincy Quincy, IL 62305 Lisbeth.Lefler@llgi.org
Goodwill Career Center, 1809 West Morton Ave. 217-303-9532
WEST CENTRAL Jacksonville Help with job-placement
Jacksonville Jacksonville, IL 62650 Tiffany.Vanmeter@llgi.org
Goodwill Career Center, 1220 Outer Park Dr. 217-789-0400 ext 127
WEST CENTRAL Springfield Help with job-placement
Springfield Springfield, IL 62704 Donna.Davlantis@llgi.org
Assistance with GED, ABE, computers, job
Second Chance of Springfield, 528 S 5th St., Ste. 214 secondchanceof searches, affordable housing, vocational
WEST CENTRAL Springfield 217-528-1119
Inc. Springfield, IL 62701 springfield.com training, counseling, and personal improve-
ment
Job seekers are placed in a wide variety of
AARP Senior Employment aarpfoundation.org/ community service activities at non-profit
3307 Wabash Avenue Ste. #6
SOUTHWEST Granite City Program 618-876-5258 scsep and public facilities like day care centers,
Granite City, IL 62040
senior centers, schools and hospitals. Must
be 55+
East 9400 Lebanon Rd. Employment support, peer support and men-
SOUTHWEST Call For Help, Inc. 618-397-0968 ext.109 callforhelpinc.org
St. Louis East St. Louis, IL 62203 toring for people with mental illnesses
Goodwill Career Center, 1403 Ferdon Street, Unit 4 217-503-6075
SOUTHWEST Litchfield Help with job-placement
Litchfield Litchfield, IL 62056 Rick.Brown@llgi.org
2311 Hoffman Dr. Support with interviewing, resume writing,
SOUTHWEST Effingham Illinois Worknet Center 217-342-4382
Effingham, IL 62401 job search techniques
GED and ESL classes are offered through-
out the school year Monday-Thursday. GED
Saint Louis, MERS Goodwill, Education 1727 Locust St.
SOUTHWEST 314-241-3464 mersgoodwill.org classes are offered 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and ESL
MO and Literacy St. Louis, MO 63103
classes are offered 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Saint Louis, 1727 Locust St. 314-241-3464

SOUTHWEST MERS Goodwill, Employment mersgoodwill.org Employment help for people with disabilities
MO St. Louis, MO 63103
DIRECTORIES
171
172
5. Family & Relationship Support
The following organizations support individuals and families by offering child care supplies, information for children
with disabilities, benefit information, and parenting information.
DIRECTORIES
1-877-863-
NATIONWIDE Domestic Abuse Hotline 24-hour domestic abuse hotline
6338
Books To Prisoners, 92 Pike St., Box A
NATIONWIDE Seattle, WA bookstoprisoners.net Mails free books to people in prison
Seattle Seattle, WA 98101
lgbtbookstopris
LGBT Books to Prisoners 1202 Williamson St. #1
NATIONWIDE Madison WI oners@gmail. lgbtbookstoprisoners.org Mails free books to people in prison
Madison, WI 53703
com
New Haven, 155 East St., Ste 101 nationaldiaperbanknet Visit their website to see what organizations near you
NATIONWIDE National Diaper Network (203) 821-7348
CT New Haven, CT 06511 work.org/members provide free diapers
Bluestockings Bookstore,
btb@abcnorio.
NATIONWIDE New York, NY NYC Books Through Bars 172 Allen St., New York, NY booksthroughbarsnyc.org Mails free books to people in prison
org
10002
National Suicide 1-800-273- 24-hour mental health crisis help for friends and loved
NATIONWIDE
Prevention Hotline 8255 ones
Mails free books to people in prisonSupport for chil-
586 West First St. dren and families impacted by incarceration. Offers
NATIONWIDE Claremont, CA Prison Library Project 909-626-3066 prisonlibraryproject.org
Claremont, CA 91711 individual and family support group, gas cards for
family visits, and community presentations and events.
Bound Together Books, prisonersliteraturepro-
San Francisco, Prisoners’ Literature
NATIONWIDE 1369 Haight St. ject.com Mails free books to people in prison
CA Project
San Francisco, CA 94117
Boneshaker Books
Minneapolis, Women’s Prison Book
NATIONWIDE 2002 23rd Ave. wpbp.org Mails free books to women in prison
MN Projects
Minneapolis, MN 55404
Paper Nautilus Books
Providence Books
NATIONWIDE Providence, RI 19 S Angell St. papernautilusbooks.com Mails free books to people in prison
Through Bars
Providence, RI 02906
(Serves all (Service by phone)
Family to Family Health Resource for a range of childcare information for
STATEWIDE Illinois) 20901 South La Grange Rd. 815-464-8247 amilyvoicesillinois.org
Services children with disabilities or special needs
Frankfort Frankfort, IL 60423
Provides free transportation to children whose moth-
Intact Family Services/ ssi.org/prisoner-family- ers are incarcerated, also records an incarcerated
(Across
STATEWIDE Prisoner and Family ministry/pfm-connec- parent reading and transports the record to their
Illinois)
Ministry tions.php child. Offers case managment services for DCFS
2017-18
proceedings
Helps access legal aid, food stamps, housing and
3219 W. Carroll Ave. employment information, and financial management.
CHICAGO Chicago Breakthrough FamilyPlex 872-444-8200 breakthrough.org
Chicago, IL 60624 Offers GED certification, family workshops, and youth
programming
Breakthrough Men’s 402 N. St. Louis Ave. employment information, and financial management.
CHICAGO Chicago 773-346-1785 breakthrough.org
Center Chicago, IL 60624 Offers GED certification, family workshops, and youth
programming
Breakthrough Women’s 3330 W. Carroll Ave. employment information, and financial management.
CHICAGO Chicago 773-722-0179 breakthrough.org
Center Chicago, IL 60624 Offers GED certification, family workshops, and youth
programming
Community Support 1542 West 79th St. targetarea.org/chicago/ Works to create relationships with reentering prison-
CHICAGO Chicago 773-651-6470
Advisory Council (TDAC) Chicago, IL 60620 info ers and their families
Chicago Books to Women 4511 N Hermitage Ave. chicagobwp@
CHICAGO Chicago chicagobwp.org Mails free books to women in prison
in Prison Chicago, IL 60640 gmail.com
1136 East 93rd St. Helps families provide for their infants and toddlers up
CHICAGO Chicago Grant a Wish, Baby 773-977-8126 grantawishincchicago.org
Chicago, IL 60619 to the age of 5 years old
Lifestyle coaching, spiritual encouragement, mentor-
Fathers, Families in 120 W. Madison St., Ste. 1414 gathersfamiliesintransi ing, fatherhood and parenting education, referrals and
CHICAGO Chicago 312-658-0166
Transition Chicago, IL 60602 tion.org other life enhancing support seminars for custodial,
non-custodial fathers, youth, women, family members
3509 West 111th St. Offers baby and maternity items, diapers, and stroll-
CHICAGO Chicago The Market 708-346-9070 southsidepregnancy.info
Chicago, IL 60655 ers. Also provides parenting classes
Men & Women in Prison
Support group and education for families and for-
Ministries Universal 700 E Oakwood Blvd.
CHICAGO Chicago 708-339-2400 mwipm.com merly incarcerated people. Meets first Thursday of
House of Refuge Center, Chicago, IL 60653
every month
Inc.
5114 S. Elizabeth St.
Precious Blood Ministry Chicago, IL 60609
CHICAGO Chicago 773-952-6643 pbmr.org Support group for mothers of the incarcerated
of Reconciliation PO BOX 09379 (For mailing
only)
DIRECTORIES
Southside Pregnancy 9115 Cicero Ave. Offers baby and maternity items, diapers, and stroll-
SOUTH COOK Oak Lawn 708-346-9070 southsidepregnancy.info
Center Oak Lawn, IL 60453 ers. Also provides parenting classes
173
174
310 N. Hammes Ave., Ste. LL7 Help with maternity care, baby supplies, and referrals
NORTHEAST Joliet Birthright of Joliet birthright.org
Joliet, IL 60435 to a range of other organizations
English: 847- Programs for immigrants and their families: citizen-
Round Lake Mano a Mano Family 6 E. Main St. 201-1521; manoamanofamily ship assistance, community school for parents,
NORTHEAST
Park Resource Center Round Lake Park, IL 60073 Spanish: 847- resourcecenter.org referrals, kindergarten readiness, community garden,
201-1521 health education, employment connection
24 W Ash St. Family financial assistance, also provides basic care
NORTHEAST Lombard Outreach House 630-693-0185 heoutreachhouse.org
Lombard, IL 60148 items for children 0-3 years old
Provides transportation for children to visit their incar-
Prisoner and Family 1001 E. Touhy Ave., Ste. 50
NORTHEAST Des Plaines 618-997-9076 cerated mothers, a children’s storybook program, and
DIRECTORIES
Ministry Des Plaines, IL 60018
overnight hospitality in conjunction with local groups
Visits to Mom - Luteran 618-997-9076, lssi.org/services-prisoner- Free transportation for children of incarcerated moth-
NORTHEAST Des Plaines
Social Services ex.861 family.php ers at Decatur and Logan
Support for children and families impacted by incar-
PO Box 404 ceration. Offers individual and family support group,
NORTHWEST Woodstock Jail Brakers 224-422-7431 jail-brakers.org
Woodstock, IL 60098 gas cards for family visits, and community presenta-
tions and events.
700 East Elm St. Resource for childcare information for children with
EAST CENTRAL Watseka Arc of Illinois 815-432-5288 familyvoicesillinois.org
Watseka, IL 60970 disabilities or special needs
Serves pregnant women and parents with children
Baby TALK Early Head 710 W. Macon St
EAST CENTRAL Decatur 217-422-9930 from birth to three, with early education, family
Start Decatur, IL 62522
services, and some health services
505 N. Center, Ste. 1 Help with maternity care, baby supplies, and referrals
EAST CENTRAL Bloomington Birthright of Bloomington birthright.org
Bloomington, IL 61701 to a range of other organizations
Huntington Towers
201 W. Springfield Ave., Help with maternity care, baby supplies, and referrals
EAST CENTRAL Champaign Birthright of Champaign birthright.org
Ste. 206 to a range of other organizations
Champaign, IL 61820
Community Service 520 E. Wabash Ave. Prescription assistance, help connecting to Illinois
EAST CENTRAL Rantoul 217-893-1530 cscrantoul.org/contact-us
Center, Rantoul Rantoul, IL 61866 welfare programs, help with childrens’ toys
Serves pregnant women and parents with children 0-3
Baby TALK Early Head 710 W. Macon St.
EAST CENTRAL Decatur 217-422-9930 years old with early education, family services, and
Start Decatur, IL 62522
some health services
Community care program offering meetings to help
1802 N Lincoln Ave. thevineyardchurch.us/
EAST CENTRAL Urbana Hope Center 217-384-3070 individuals improve life situations. Food pantry on
Urbana, IL 61801 hope-center
Wednesdays
1221 E. Condit St. 217-423-6988, Connects expectant moms with at-home visitor based
EAST CENTRAL Decatur iGrow growMaconCounty.org
Decatur, IL 62521 ext. 1140 programs
1811 S. Taylor Rd. After school and summer care for children 5-18 in
EAST CENTRAL Decatur Kid’s Connection 217-330-6454 maconresources.org
Decatur, IL 62521 Macon County
1001 S. Wright St., Monthly family-friendly gatherings for those with
EAST CENTRAL Champaign Ripple Effect 217-300-5150 educationjustice.net
Champaign, IL 61820 loved ones or family in prison
Childcare Resources 905 S. Goodwin Ave. Provides referrals for childcare, nurseries, in-home
EAST CENTRAL Urbana 800-325-5516 ccrs.illinois.edu
2017-18
Services Urbana, IL 61801 care providers, summer activity programs, and more
Urbana-Champaign Box 515
EAST CENTRAL Urbana books2prisoners.org Mails books to people in prison
Books to Prisoners Urbana, IL 61803
303 N. Clay St. (Lutheran
Help with maternity care, baby supplies, and referrals
WEST CENTRAL Macomb Birthright of Macomb Student Center) birthright.org
to a range of other organizations
Macomb, IL 61455
1200 Broadway, L.L. Ste. A Help with maternity care, baby supplies, and referrals
WEST CENTRAL Quincy Birthright of Quincy birthright.org
Quincy, IL 62301 to a range of other organizations
Family to Family 218 West Lawrence Ave. Free, 12-week course for family caregivers of indi-
WEST CENTRAL Springfield 217-522-1403 namiillinois.org
Education, NAMI Springfield, IL 62704 viduals with severe mental illnesses
Parenting and relationship classes, help with literacy,
Fishes and Loaves 2937 Stanton St., Ste. A
WEST CENTRAL Springfield 217-529-3333 fishesnloaves.org life skill classes, parenting classes, job skills work-
Outreach Springfield, IL 62703
shops, relationship counseling, referral services
1707 East Main St., Ste #7 Help with maternity care, baby supplies, and referrals
SOUTHEAST Olney Birthright of Macomb birthright.org
Olney, IL 62450 to a range of other organizations
Provides overnight lodging at a discount and local
P.O. Box 123 transportation for visitors to the federal prison in
SOUTHEAST Marion Prisoner Family Support 618-997-1227
Marion, IL 62959 Marion. Also provides support group for families and
children of prisoners and publishes a newsletter
Catholic Charities Crisis 1502 East Fayette Ave. cc.dio.org/locations/ Guidance with vouchers, rent and utility assistance,
SOUTHWEST Effingham 217-857-1458
Assistance Effingham, IL 62401 effingham case management, referrals
epworth.org/programs/ Weekly in-home counseling services, parenting skill-
Epworth’s Family 7520 Natural Bridge Rd.
SOUTHWEST St. Louis, MO 314-222-4877 family-support-network- building and support, help for children with behavioral
Support Network St. Louis, MO 63121
fsn problems
6816 Washington Ave. epworth.org/programs/ Weekly in-home counseling services, parenting skill-
University City, Epworth’s Family
SOUTHWEST University City, MO 63130 314-727-6294 family-support-network- building and support, help for children with behavioral
MO Support Network
fsn problems
110 N Elm Ave. epworth.org/programs/ Weekly in-home counseling services, parenting skill-
Webster Epworth’s Family
SOUTHWEST Webster Groves, MO 63119 314-918-3301 family-support-network- building and support, help for children with behavioral
Groves, MO Support Network
fsn problems
Provides gas cards, metro tickets, parking passes
Giving is a Family Traition P.O. Box 39313
SOUTHWEST St. Louis, MO and other transportation assistance for families with
(GIFT) St. Louis, MO 63139
hospitalized babies
DIRECTORIES
7259 Lansdowne Ave.
Provides a range of help with parenting for children
SOUTHWEST St. Louis, MO Nurses for Newborns Ste. 100 314-544-3433 nfnf.org
0-2 years old, including baby supplies
St. Louis, MO 63119
175
176
6. Health Resources
These health resources include healthcare for children, dental needs, women’s health, primary care, STI testing, as
well as free and sliding scale clinics.
DIRECTORIES
Region County City Name Address Phone URL Description
confidential answers to questions
NATIONWIDE AIDS Info Hotline 800-448-0440 about HIV/AIDS treatment and
clinical trials
Alcohol and Drug
NATIONWIDE 800-662-4357
Referral Helpline
NATIONWIDE Alcoholics Anonymous 888-425-2666 find an Al-Anon meeting near you
Domestic Violence
Helpline
aao.org/eyecare-
NATIONWIDE EyeCare America
america
free vision screening for infants
NATIONWIDE InfantSEE infantsee.org
6-12 months
National Suicide
Prevention Helpline
Partnership for
NATIONWIDE pparx.org
Prescription Assistance
aoafoundation.org/
NATIONWIDE Vision USA
vision-usa/
statewide prescription drug
STATEWIDE Illinois RX Card 888-615-1988 illinoisrxcard.com
discount program
STATEWIDE
primary, pediatrics, mental
ACCESS Ashland 5159 S. Ashland
CHICAGO Cook Chicago 773-434-9216 achn.net health, low cost breast/cervical
Family Health Center Ave.
screenings, sliding scale
ACCESS Humboldt primary, pediatrics, women,
CHICAGO Cook Chicago Park Family Health 3202 W. North Ave. 773-489-6333 achn.net mental health, low cost breast/
Center cervical screenings, sliding scale
ACCESS Southwest primary, pediatrics, mental health,
CHICAGO Cook Chicago 4839 W. 47th St. 773-735-2345 achn.net
Family Health Center women, sliding scale
primary, pediatrics, women,
ACCESS Westside
2017-18
CHICAGO Cook Chicago 3752 W. 16th St. 773-762-2435 achn.net mental health, low cost breast/
Family Health Center
cervical screenings, sliding scale
serving uninsured Hispanic
community, primary, pediatrics,
CHICAGO Cook Chicago Alivio Medical Center 966 W. 21st St. 773-497-2238 aliviomedicalcenter.org
women, mental health, dental
vision, pharmacy, sliding scale
Free sexual health testing, AIDS
Brothers Health 2150 S. Canalport Drugs Assistance Program,
Collective Suite 5B1 serving Black gay and bisexual
men
Chicago Women’s 1025 W. Sunnyside chicagowomens primary, women, trans, fertility,
Health Center Ave. healthcenter.org mental health, sliding scale
Community Health
free clinic, primary, dental mental
CHICAGO Cook Chicago Englewood Medical and 641 W. 63rd St. 773-994-1515 communityhealth.org
health
Dental Clinic
Community Health West 2611 W. Chicago free clinic, primary, dental, mental
CHICAGO Cook Chicago 773-395-9900 communityhealth.org
Town Ave. health
Inner City Muslim
Action Network - primary, mental health, proof of
CHICAGO Cook Chicago 2744 W. 63rd St. 773-434-4626 imancentral.org
Community Health income required
Center
Lawndale Christian primary, free STI and pregnancy
3812 W. Ogden
CHICAGO Cook Chicago Health Center - Belle 773-650-3200 lawndale.org testing, sliding scale, walk-ins
Ave.
Whaley welcome
free physicals and immunization
for children enrolled in school in
CHICAGO Cook Chicago Mobile CARE Van 773-247-9736 mobilecarechicago.org
and around Humboldt Park, call
for schedule
Planned Parenthood
CHICAGO Cook Chicago 18 S. Michigan Ave. 312-592-6700 plannedparenthood.org reproductive health
Loop Health Center
Community Service
EAST CENTRAL Champaign Rantoul Center of Northern 520 E. Wabash St. 217-893-1530 cscrantoul.org prescription assistance
Champaign County
DIRECTORIES
Promise Health - urgent care, mental health,
1400 W. Park, Bldg
EAST CENTRAL Champaign Urbana Community Resource 217-356-1558 promisehealth.org vision, women, physicals, low cost
#3
Center services (income based)
177
This is a shortened version of our health resources. The online guide has over 350 listings. You can view the
full list of health resources by downloading the digital guide at our website: www.educationjustice.net/home
178
Clark County Health clarkcountyhealthdept.
EAST CENTRAL Clark Martinsville 997 N. York St. 217-382-4207
Department org
Coles County Health
EAST CENTRAL Coles Charleston 825 18th St. 217-348-0530 co.coles.il.us/cchd
Department
Cumberland County
EAST CENTRAL Cumberland Greenup 302 N. Mill St. 217-923-3311 sihf.org primary, sliding scale
Health Center
Cumberland County
EAST CENTRAL Cumberland Toledo 200 Indiana St. 217-849-3211 cumberlandhealth.org
Health Department
DeWitt Piatt Bi-County
DIRECTORIES
EAST CENTRAL DeWitt Clinton 5294 Revere Rd. 217-935-3427 dewittpiatthealth.com
Health Department
Douglas County Health
EAST CENTRAL Douglas Tuscola 1250 US 36 217-253-4137 dchealthdept.org
Department
Edgar County Health
EAST CENTRAL Edgar Paris 502 Shaw Ave. 217-465-2212 ecphd.org
Department
Ford County Public
EAST CENTRAL Ford Paxton 235 N. Taft St. 217-379-9281 fcphd.org
Health Department
Fulton County Health
EAST CENTRAL Fulton Canton 700 E. Oak St. 309-647-1134 fultoncountyhealth.com
Department
Hancock County Health
EAST CENTRAL Hancock Carthage 671 Wabash Ave. 217-357-2171 hancockhealth.info
Department
Iroquois County Heath co.iroquois.il.us/
EAST CENTRAL Iroquois Watseka 101 E. Grant St. 815-432-2483
Department health-department
primary, pediatrics, mental health,
Kankakee Community
EAST CENTRAL Kankakee Kankakee 1777 E. Court St. 877-692-8686 auntmarthas.org substance abuse treatment, sliding
Health Center
scale
Livingston County 310 E. Torrence
EAST CENTRAL Livingston Pontiac 815-844-7174 lchd.us
Health Department Ave.
Macon County Health
EAST CENTRAL Macon Decatur 1221 E. Condit St. 217-423-6988 maconcountyhealth.org
Department
Community Health Care free clinic for residents of McLean
EAST CENTRAL McLean Normal 902 Franklin Ave. 309-888-5531 chcchealth.org
Clinic - Normal County, application required
Shelby County Health 1700 W. South
EAST CENTRAL Shelby Shelbyville 217-774-9555 shelbyhealth.net
Department 3rd St.
counseling, legal advocacy,
Vermillion County Rape 1630 Georgetown
EAST CENTRAL Vermillion Tilton 866-617-3224 vcrapecrisis.org medical advocacy, 24 hour crisis
Crisis Center Rd.
line
Moultrie County Health
EAST CENTRAL Moultrie Sullivan 202 W. Main St. 217-728-4114 moultriecountyil.com
Department
Arlington ACCESS Northwest 1120 N. Arlington primary, mental health, sliding
NORTH COOK Cook 847-342-1554 achn.net
2017-18
Heights Family Health Center Heights Rd. scale
ACCESS Genesis
primary, pediatrics, mental health,
NORTH COOK Cook Des Plaines Center for Health and 1 N. Broadway St. 847-298-3150 achn.net
women, sliding scale
Empowerment
NORTH COOK Cook Galena Riverview Center 705 S. Dodge 888-707-8155 riverviewcenter.org medical advocacy, 24 hour crisis
line
DeKalb County Health 2550 N. Annie dekalbcounty.org/
NORTHEAST DeKalb DeKalb 815-748-2467
Department Glidden Rd. health
ACCESS Addison Primary, mental health, sliding
NORTHEAST DuPage Addison 1111 W. Lake St. 630-628-1811 achn.net
Family Health Center scale
Kane County Health 1240 N. Highland 630-208-3801 immunization, pregnancy tests,
NORTHEAST DuPage Aurora kanehealth.com
Dept. Ave. WIC
Glendale YWCA Metropolitan
NORTHEAST DuPage 55 E. North Ave. 630-971-3927 ywcachicago.org medical advocacy, 24 hour crisis
Heights Chicago
line
primary, women, pediatrics, free/
ACCESS West Chicago 245 W. Roosevelt
NORTHEAST DuPage West Chicago 630-293-4124 achn.net low cost family planning, sliding
Family Health Center Rd., Suite 150
scale
Greater Elgin Family
primary, women, physicals, free
NORTHEAST Kane Elgin Care Center - Summit 370 Summit St. 847-608-1344 gefcc.org
pregnancy tests, sliding scale
Health Center
Kendall County Health
NORTHEAST Kendall Yorkville 811 John ST. 630-553-9100 kendallhealth.org
Department
mental health, substance abuse
Round Lake Mid Lakes Community 224 W. Clarendon treatment, health discount
NORTHEAST Lake 847-984-5100 lakecountyil.gov
Beach Health Center Dr. programs, STI prevention, WIC,
sliding scale for medical services
mental health, substance abuse
Health Department
treatment, health discount
NORTHEAST Lake Waukegan and Community Health 3010 Grand Ave. 847-377-8180 lakecountyil.gov
programs, STI prevention, WIC,
Center of Lake County
sliding scale for medical services
DIRECTORIES
Will County Health
NORTHEAST Will Joliet 501 Ella Ave. 815-727-8480 willcountyillinois.com
Department
Boone County Health boonecountyil.org/
NORTHWEST Boone Belvidere 1204 Logan Ave. 815-544-2951
Department department/health
179
180
Bureau County Health 523 S. Bureau bchealthdepartment.
NORTHWEST Bureau Princeton 815-872-5091
Department Pkwy #A org
Carroll County Health
NORTHWEST Carroll Mt. Carroll 822 S. Mill St. 815-244-8855 ccphd.org
Department
NORTHWEST Dekalb DeKalb Safe Passage 815-756-5228 safepassaged.org medical advocacy, 24 hour crisis
line
Henry/Stark County
NORTHWEST Henry Kewanee 4424 US Hwy 34 309-852-0197 henrystarkhealth.org
Health Department
DIRECTORIES
Jo Daviess County 9483 US Hwy 20
NORTHWEST Jo Daviess Galena 815-777-0263 jodaviess.org/health
Health Department W
LaSalle County Health
NORTHWEST LaSalle Ottawa 717 E. Etna Rd. 815-433-3366 lasallecounty.org
Department
Lee County Health
NORTHWEST Lee Dixon 309 S. Galena Ave. 815-284-3371 lchd.com
Department
Marshall County Health marshallcountyhealth.
NORTHWEST Marshall Lacon 319 6th St. 309-246-8074
Department org
McHenry County Health 2200 N. Seminary
NORTHWEST McHenry Woodstock 815-334-4500 co.mchenry.il.us
Department Ave.
oglecounty.org/
Ogle County Health
NORTHWEST Ogle Oregon 907 Pines Rd. 815-732-7330 departments/
Department
health-department
Rockford Sexual counseling, legal advocacy,
NORTHWEST Ogle Rochelle Assault Counseling - 1201 S. 7th St. 815-562-8844 rsaconline.org medical advocacy, 24 hour crisis
Ogle County line
Putnam County Health 220 E. High St. bchealthdepartment.
NORTHWEST Putnam Hennepin 815-925-7326
Department #102 org
Community Health Care
NORTHWEST Rock Island Moline 1106 4th Ave. 563-336-3000 chcqca.org primary, sliding scale
Inc - Moline
Great River Community primary, pediatrics, mental health,
NORTHWEST Stark Toulon 120 E. Court St. 309-286-7240 auntmarthas.org
Health Center dental, sliding scale
Stephenson County co.stephenson.il.us/
NORTHWEST Stephenson Freeport 10 W. Linden St. 815-235-8271
Health Department health
Whiteside County
NORTHWEST Whiteside Rock Falls Health Department 1300 W. 2nd St. 815-626-2230 whitesidehealth.org primary, dental, family planning,
Community Clinic
Woodford County
NORTHWEST Woodford Eureka 1831 S. Main St. 309-467-3064 woodfordhealth.org
Health Department
ACCESS Blue Island primary, mental health, sliding
SOUTH COOK Cook Blue Island 13000 Maple Ave. 708-385-6100 achn.net
2017-18
Family Health Center scale
Chicago ACCESS Argarwal
SOUTH COOK Cook 1415 Emerald Ave. 708-756-7384 achn.net dental, sliding scale
Heights Dental Health Center
primary, pediatrics, women,
ACCESS Melrose Park
SOUTH COOK Cook Melrose Park 8321 W. North Ave. 708-681-2298 achn.net mental health, low cost breast/
Family Health Center
cervical screening, sliding scale
primary, women, pediatrics,
ACCESS Des Plaines
SOUTH COOK Cook Summit 7450 W 63rd St. 708-458-0757 achn.net mental health, low cost breast/
Valley Health Center
cervical screenings, sliding scale
primary, women, pediatrics,
Chicago ACCESS Family Health 152 W. Lincoln mental health, substance abuse
SOUTH COOK Cook 708-754-9687 achn.net
Heights Society Hwy. treatment, HIV/Hepatitis C
support, sliding scale
SOUTHEAST Alexander Cairo Cairo Mega Clinic 13254 Kessler Rd. 618-734-4400 chesi.org primary, dental, sliding scale
Clay County Health claycountyillinois.org/
SOUTHEAST Clay Flora 601 E. 12th St. 618-662-4406
Department health-department
Crawford County Health
SOUTHEAST Crawford Robinson 202 Bline Blvd 618-544-8798 cchd.net
Department
Albion Community primary, mental health, dental,
SOUTHEAST Edwards Albion 33 W. Main 618-445-2287 crhpc.org
Health Center sliding scale
Sesser Community 6294 State Hwy primary, pediatrics, mental health,
SOUTHEAST Franklin Sesser 618-625-6979 crhpc.org/sesser
Health Center 154 dental, sliding scale
Egyptian Public
SOUTHEAST Gallatin Ridgeway and Mental Health 112 E. Main St. 618-272-4691 egyptian.org
Department
Hamilton County Health 100 S. Jackson
SOUTHEAST Hamilton McLeansboro 618-643-3522 hchdil.com
Department St. #5
Hardin County Medical IL Route 146, primary, pediatrics, women, sliding
SOUTHEAST Hardin Elizabethtown 618-285-6191 chesi.org
Clinic Bldg 2 scale
Shawnee Health no appointment, minor injury and
SOUTHEAST Jackson Carbondale 400 S. Lewis Ln 618-519-9200 shawneehealth.com
Service, Same Day illness, sliding scale
DIRECTORIES
Jackson County Health 415 Health
SOUTHEAST Jackson Murphysboro 618-684-3143 jchdonline.org
Department Department Rd.
Jasper County Health
SOUTHEAST Jasper Newton 106 Edwards St. 618-783-4436 jasperhealth.org
Department
181
182
Jefferson County Health jeffersoncountyillinois.
SOUTHEAST Jefferson Mt. Vernon 1 Doctors Park Rd. 618-244-7134
Department com
Massac County Health 1230 Commercial
SOUTHEAST Massac Metropolis 618-524-2657 southern7.org
Department Park Rd.
Perry County Health
SOUTHEAST Perry Pinckneyville 907 S. Main St. 618-357-5371 perryhealth.net
Department
Pope County Health
SOUTHEAST Pope Golconda 205 Main St. 618-285-6215 southern7.org
Department
SOUTHEAST Pulaski Pulaski Pulaski County Clinic 100 Market St. #89 618-342-6767 sliding scale
DIRECTORIES
Richland County Health richlandcounty
SOUTHEAST Richland Olney 501 S. Whittle Ave. 618-392-6241
Department healthoffice.org
Egyptian Health
substance abuse treatment,
SOUTHEAST Saline Eldorado Department - Saline 1412 US 34 N. 618-273-3226 egyptian.org
mental health, WIC, immunization
County
Union County Health
SOUTHEAST Union Anna 260 Lick Creed Rd. 618-833-8561 southern7.org
Department
Wabash County Health
SOUTHEAST Wabash Mt. Carmel 130 W. 7th St. 618-263-3873 wabashhealth.org
Department
Wayne County Health
SOUTHEAST Wayne Fairfield 405 N. Basin Rd. 618-842-5166 wchdil.com
Department
White County Health
SOUTHEAST White Carmi 1705 College Ave. 618-382-7331 southern7.org
Department
Franklin-Williamson
SOUTHEAST Williamson Marion Bi-County Health 8160 Express Dr. 618-993-8111 bicountyhealth.org
Department
Lawrence County 11362 Country Club
SOUTHEST Lawrence Lawrenceville 618-943-2609 lchealth.com
Health Department Rd.
Bond County Health
SOUTHWEST Bond Greenville 1520 S. 4th St. 618-664-1442 bchd.us
Department
Calhoun County Health calhouncountyhealth.
SOUTHWEST Calhoun Hardin 210 French St. 618-576-2428
Department net
Christian County Health 902 W. Springfield christiancountyhealth.
SOUTHWEST Christian Taylorville 217-824-4113
Department Rd. net
Clinton County Health clintoncountyhealth.
SOUTHWEST Clinton Carlyle 930 Fairfax St. #A 618-594-2723
Department com
Effingham County 901 W. Virginia
SOUTHWEST Effingham Effingham 217-342-9237 effcohealth.org
Health Department Ave.
Greene County Health greenecountyhealth.
SOUTHWEST Greene Carrollton 310 5th St. 217-942-6961
2017-18
Department com
Macoupin County
SOUTHWEST Macoupin Carlinville 805 N. Broad ST. 217-854-3223 mcphd.net
Health Department
Madison County Health 101 E. Edwardsville
SOUTHWEST Madison Wood River 618-692-8954 madisonchd.org
Department Rd.
Marion County Health marioncounty
SOUTHWEST Marion Centralia 1013 N. Poplar 618-53296518
Department - Centralia healthdept.org
Monroe County Health monroecountyhealth.
SOUTHWEST Monroe Waterloo 901 Illinois Ave. 618-939-3871
Department org
Montgomery County
11191 Illinois Rt. montgomeryco.com/
SOUTHWEST Montgomery Hillsboro Health Department - 217-532-2001
185 health
Main Office
Randolph County Health idph.state.il.us/local/
SOUTHWEST Randolph Chester 2515 State ST. 618-826-5007
Department edwards
St. Clair County Health
SOUTHWEST St. Clair Belleville 19 Public Square 618-233-7703 health.co.st-clair.il.us
Department
Southern Illinois
primary, mental health, dental,
SOUTHWEST St. Clair Centreville Healthcare Foundation - 6000 Bond Ave. 618-332-2740 sihf.org
sliding scale
Centreville
dental, immunization, breast/
cervical screenings for women
East Side Health
with no health insurance, STD
SOUTHWEST St. Clair East St. Louis District - East St. Louis 628 N. 20th ST. 618-874-4713 eshd.org
testing, WIC, smoking cessation,
Clinic
prostate screenings, community
garden
primary, pediatrics, women, sliding
SOUTHWEST St. Clair East St. Louis State Street Center 2001 State St. 618-271-9191 sihf.org
scale
Washington County 177 S. Washington washingtonco.illinois.
SOUTHWEST Washington Nashville 618-327-3644
Health Department St. gov/health-department
Adams County Health
WEST CENTRAL Adams Quincy 330 Vermont St. 217-222-8440 co.adams.il.us/health
Department
DIRECTORIES
Brown County Health browncountyhealth.
WEST CENTRAL Brown Mt. Sterling 120 E. Main St. 217-773-2714
Department com
Cass County Health
WEST CENTRAL Cass Virginia 331 S. Main St. 217-452-3057 casscohealth.com primary, sliding scale
Department
183
184
Champaign-Urbana
WEST CENTRAL Champaign Champaign 201 W. Kenyon Rd. 217-352-7961 c-uphd.org
Public Health District
Henderson County
WEST CENTRAL Henderson Gladstone 208 Elm St. 309-627-2812 hendcohealth.com
Health Department
Knox County Health 1361 W. Fremont
WEST CENTRAL Knox Galesburg 309-344-2224 knoxcountyhealth.org
Department St.
Logan County
WEST CENTRAL Logan Lincoln Department of Public 109 3rd St. 217-735-2317 lcdph.org
Health
DIRECTORIES
Mason County Health
WEST CENTRAL Mason Havana 1002 E. Laurel Ave. 309-210-0110 masoncohealth.com
Department
breast/cervical cancer screening,
McDonough County
WEST CENTRAL McDonough Macomb 505 E. Jackson St. 309-837-9951 mchdept.com immunization, tobacco cessation,
Health Department
WIC, breasfeeding counseling,
menardcountyil.com/
Menard County Health
WEST CENTRAL Menard Petersburg 1120 N. 4th St. #A 217-632-7864 departments
Department
/health-department
Mercer County Health mercercountyil.org/
WEST CENTRAL Mercer Aledo 305 NW 7th ST. 309-582-3759
Department departments/health
Morgan County Health
WEST CENTRAL Morgan Jacksonville 345 W. State St. 217-245-5111 morganhd.com
Department
Peoria County Health 2116 N. Sheridan
WEST CENTRAL Peoria Peoria 309-679-6000 peoriacounty.org/pcchd
Department Rd.
Pike County Health
WEST CENTRAL Pike Pittsfield 606 W. Adams St. 217-285-4407 pikecountyil.org
Department
Sangamon County 2833 S. Grand
WEST CENTRAL Sangamon Springfield 217-535-3100 scdph.org
Health Department Ave. E
Schuyler County Health
WEST CENTRAL Schuyler Rushville 233 N. Congress St. 217-322-6775 schuylerhealth.com
Department
Scott County Health
WEST CENTRAL Scott Winchester 335 W. Cherry St. 217-742-8203
Department
Tazewell County Health
WEST CENTRAL Tazewell Tremont 21306 IL-9 309-925-5511 tazewellhealth.org
Department
Warren County Health
WEST CENTRAL Warren Monmouth 240 S. Main St. 309-734-1314 warrencohealth.com
Department
Eagle View Community
WEST CENTRAL Henderson Stronghurst Health System - 101 S. Division 309-924-1391 eagleviewhealth.org primary, dental, sliding scale
Stronghurst
2017-18
primary, women, mental
ACCESS Hawthorne 2307-09 S. Cicero
WEST COOK Cook Cicero 708-780-9777 achn.net health, low cost breast/cervical
Family Health Center Ave.
screenings, sliding scale
DIRECTORIES
185
186
7. Advocacy Resources
These groups practice different kinds of advocacy relating to reentry; helping community members, working to
change laws relating to convictions, and researching reentry and the criminal justice system. You may wish to learn
more or get involved with them.
DIRECTORIES
Region City Name Address Phone Web Description
ONLINE Online Illinois Prison Talk illinoisprisontalk.org Advocacy, blogging, writing
Illinois Institute for Law llinoisinstitute.net/idea- Advocacy, writing, policy work, conducts a
ONLINE Statewide Online
and Community Affairs exchange letter writing campaign
Illinois Institute for Community illinoisinstitute.net/idea-
ONLINE Advocacy, writing, policy work
Law and Affairs exchange
STATEWIDE Statewide CURE IL cureil.org Advoccy, research, policy work
nationinside.org/campaign/
STATEWIDE Statewide Decarcerate Illinois Advocacy and policy work
decarcerate-illinois
nationinside.org/campaign/
Illinois Campaign for Phone
STATEWIDE Statewide illinois-for-prison-phone- Advocacy and policy work
Justice
justice
4749 N. Kedzie Ave., 2nd
CHICAGO Chicago Communities United Floor, communitiesunited.org Advocacy, support for communities
Chicago, IL 60625
111 W. Jackson Blvd, Ste.
FORCE (Fighting to Overcome communityrenewal Advocates for social and economic justice
CHICAGO Chicago 820 312-427-4830
Records and Create Equality) society.org through training communities and individuals
Chicago, IL 60604
P.O. Box 10042 Research, policywork, collaboration with
CHICAGO Chicago John Howard Association of IL thejha.org
Chicago, IL 60610-0042 community organizations
375 E. Chicago Ave.
CHICAGO Chicago MacArthur Justice Center 312-503-1271 macarthurjusticecenter.org Civil rights law firm
Chicago, IL 60611-3069
Sankofa Cultural Arts &
Leadership development, conflict resolution,
National Alliance for the Empowe- Business Center
CHICAGO Chicago 773- 375-3084 naefimentor.wix.com/naefi reentry support groups, reentry coach, com-
ment of the Formerly Incarcerated 5820 W. Chicago Ave.
munity projects, legal support
Chicago, IL 60651
facebook.com/
EAST CENTRAL Champaign Citizens with Conviction Advocacy by community members
CitizensWithConviction
401 E. Park St.
EAST CENTRAL Champaign First Followers firstfollowersreentry.com Support for peple leaving prison
2017-18
Champaign, IL 61820
1001 S. Wright St., mstaylor217@
EAST CENTRAL Champaign Ripple Effect www.educationjustice.net Support group, advocacy
Champaign, IL 61820 gmail.com
nationinside.org/
EAST CENTRAL Urbana Build Programs, Not Jails
campaign/stop-jail
Visits to Mom - Luteran Social 618-997-9076 lssi.org/services- Free transportation for children of incarcer-
NORTH COOK Des Plaines
Services x861 prisoner-family.php ated mothers at Decatur and Logan
518 Davis St. Research, policy work, collaboration with
NORTH COOK Evanston Juvenile Justice Initiative jjustice.org
Evanston, IL 60201 community organizations
Programs for immigrants and their families:
English:
6 E. Main St. citizenship assistance, community school
Round Lake Mano a Mano Family Resource 847-201-1521; manoamanofamily
NORTHEAST Round Lake Park, IL for parents, referrals, kindergarten readi-
Park Center Spanish: resourcecenter.org
60073 ness, community garden, health education,
847-201-1521
employment connection
PO box 404 jailbrakers@gmail.com; http://www.jail-
NORTHWEST Woodstock Jail Brakers 224-422-7431
Woodstock, IL 60098 brakers.org/
DIRECTORIES
187
188
8. Legal Services
The following resources exist to help you with legal needs, such as challenges to discrimination in employment and
housing, expungement/sealing, immigration, child custody and family law, and more. They are free or sliding scale.
DIRECTORIES
Region City Name Address Contact Web Notes*
Land of Lincoln
Housing law, family law, consumer law, home ownership,
Across Legal Assistance
STATEWIDE 618-398-0574 lollaf.org public benefits and health, education law, disability law, and
Illinois Foundation,
senior citizen services representation
Champaign
Across National Immigrant Provides a range of legal services to immigrants, refugees,
STATEWIDE 312-660-1370 immigrantjustice.org
Illinois Justice Center and asylum seekers
Housing law, tax law, senior citizen services, education law,
Across Prairie State Legal
STATEWIDE 815-965-2134 pslegal.org/#prj5 foreclosure, disability law, HIV/AIDS
Illinois Services
legal services, help for homeless
Across Metropolitan Family Domestic violence, elder abuse, housing, and consumer
STATEWIDE 312-986-4200 metrofamily.org
Illinois Services, Legal Aid fraud
115 West Chicago Ave. Advocacy and representation for people with disbilities,
CHICAGO Chicago Access Living 1-800-613-8549 accessliving.org
Chicago, IL 60654 including victims of discrimination
Helps victims of HIV/AIDS discrimination, as well
Aids Legal Council 17 N. State St., Ste. 900
CHICAGO Chicago 312-427-8990 aidslegal.com as insurance disputes, return-to-work questions, and
of Chicago Chicago, IL 60602
confidentiality issues.
Richard J. Daley Center
Bankruptcy Desk,
50 West Washington St. Answers to non-legal questions about filing bankruptcy.
CHICAGO Chicago Cook County Circuit
Room 2600 Monday-Friday 9:30-12:30
Clerk
Chicago, IL 60602
Housing law, family law, and criminal defense
Cabrini Green Legal 740 North Milwaukee
CHICAGO Chicago 312-738-2452 cgla.net representation. Help with criminal records, link clients to
Aid Chicago, IL 60642
other social services in Chicago.
Center for Conflict 11 E Adams St. #500
CHICAGO Chicago 312-922-6464 ccrchicago.org Free mediation services
Resolution Chicago, IL 60603
Center or Disability 205 W. Randolph, Ste. 1610 Legal services to low-income seniors and/or persons with
CHICAGO Chicago 312-376-1880 cdelaw.org
and Elder Law Chicago, IL 60606 disabilities in Cook County
6216 N. Clark St.
CHICAGO Chicago Centro Romero 773-508-5300 centroromero.org Immigration help
Chicago, IL 60660
Chicago Coalition for 70 E Lake St., Ste. 720
CHICAGO Chicago 1-800-940-1119 chicagohomeless.org Legal representation, bilingual attorneys
2017-18
the Homeless Chicago, IL 60601
Chicago Lawyer’s 312-630-9744 clccrul.org/
100 N La Salle St. Legal assistance for people buying homes or starting small
CHICAGO Chicago Committee for Civil JAdler@ community-law-
Chicago, IL 60602 businesses.
Rights clccrul.org project
Supports incarcerated mother/caregivers of incarcerated
Chicago Legal
children and caregivers of children whose mothers are
Advocacy for 740 N Milwaukee Ave.
CHICAGO Chicago 312-738-2452 cgla.net/claim incarcerated. Provides help for divorce, guardianship short-
Incarcerated Chicago, IL 60642
term guardianship, discharge of guardianship, custody,
Mothers (CLAIM).
visitation, foster care, and adoption
2938 E. 91st St. Low cost legal representation for a wide range of legal
CHICAGO Chicago Chicago Legal Clinic 773-731-1762 clclaw.org
Chicago, IL 60617 services
Chicago Volunteer 33 N. Dearborn, Ste. 400
CHICAGO Chicago 312-332-1624 cvls.org Free legal representation for a wide range of services.
Legal Services Chicago, IL 60602
Domestic Violence 555 W Harrison, Ste. 1900
CHICAGO Chicago 312-325-9155 dvlcchicago.org Legal assistance for victims of domestic violence.
Legal Clinic Chicago, IL 60607
First Defense Legal 5100 W Harrison St. 24-hour legal representation for people in custody of
CHICAGO Chicago 773-354-8581 first-defense.org
Aid Chicago, IL 60644 Chicago PD
Indo-American 6328 N. California Ave. Help with immigration. Also provides legal services for
CHICAGO Chicago 773-973-4444 indoamerican.org
Center Chicago, IL 60659 people starting businesses or buying a house.
105 W. Adams, 26th Floor
CHICAGO Chicago Lambda Legal 312-663-4413 lambdalegal.org Protects victims of sexual orientation discrimination.
Chicago, IL 60603
Latinos 3047 West Cermak Rd. Bilingual help with assessing legal problems generally. Free
CHICAGO Chicago 773-542-7077 latinospro.org
Progresando Chicago, IL 60623 help with domestic violence and family law,
213 West Institute Place, Ste. Provides legal help for housing, employment, and
Lawyers for the
CHICAGO Chicago 403 312-649-4111 law-arts.org immigration. Also provides business advice to artists/
Creative Arts
Chicago, IL 60610 performers
Lawyers’ Committee 33 N. LaSalle, Ste. 900
CHICAGO Chicago 312-347-7600 lcbh.org Free legal help with housing.
for Better Housing Chicago, IL 60602
Legal Access Fund 120 S. LaSalle, Ste. 900
CHICAGO Chicago 312-341-1070 lafchicago.org Provides free legal services for non-criminal cases
(LAF) Chicago, IL 60603
Sargent Shriver Works with community organizations, service providers,
50 E Washington St., Ste. 500
CHICAGO Chicago National Center on 312-263-3830 povertylaw.org legislators, and other allies to pursue justice for low-income
Chicago, IL 60602
DIRECTORIES
Poverty Law clients
Uptown People’s 4413 N. Sheridan “Fighting for the rights of prisoners, tenants, & disabled
CHICAGO Chicago 773-769-1411 uplcchicago.org
Law Center Chicago, IL 60640 people in Illinois.”
189
* The majority of these resources are free
Region City Name Address Contact Web Notes
190
Vermilion County
1817 S. Neil St.
EAST CENTRAL Champaign Bar Association Pro 217- 356-1351 Family, bankruptcy, divorce, and estate planning
Champaign, IL 61820
Bono Program
Rolling 2121 Euclid, Lower Level Help for people seeking orders of protection. (Monday
NORTH COOK Between Friends
Meadows Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
Cook County, Landlord/tenant disputes, contract problems, small claims
10220 South 76th Ave.
SOUTH COOK Bridgeview Southwest Suburban 708-371-4930 matters, wills, orders of protection, and expungement. (Meets
Bridgeview, IL 60453
Bar Association Tuesdays only, 8 a.m. to noon)
State Appellate 400 W. Monroe, Ste. 202 (P.O. illinois.gov/osad/
DIRECTORIES
WEST CENTRAL Springfield Defender Box 5240) 866-787-1776 Expungement/ Files criminal appeals for people who cannot afford it.
Administrative Office Springfield, IL 62605 Pages/default.aspx
2017-18 DIRECTORIES 191
192
9. Veterans
Lists VA medical centers, veteran help centers, and Salvation Army veteran support centers that are free to use by
veterans. You may want to see our Veterans section on pg xxx to advice on how to access these resources.
DIRECTORIES
Region City Name Address Contact Web Notes
NATIONWIDE American Legion www.legion.org Help with benefits, health, education, and employment
Illinois Deparment of Veteran www.illinois.gov/
NATIONWIDE 1-800-393-0865 To find an office, call 1-800-437-9824
Affairs veterans
National Coalition for Homeless
NATIONWIDE 1-800-838-4357 www.nchv.org Help with a range of needs
Veterans
US Department of Veterans Affairs
NATIONWIDE 1-800-827-1000 www.va.gov Assistance with accessing veteran benefits
- Benefits
US Department of Veterans Affairs
NATIONWIDE 1-877-222-8387 www.va.gov Veterans’ health services
- Medical Centers
Helps veterans with service-connected disabilities by
Vocational Rehabilitation and www.vba.va.gov/
NATIONWIDE 1-800-827-1000 providing job training and counseling to those who have
Employment Services ro_inter.htm
an employment handicap.
820 S. Damen Ave.
CHICAGO Chicago Jesse Brown VA Medical Center 312-569-8387 www.chicago.va.gov Healthcare, as well as a PTSD program
Chicago, IL 60612
3348 W. 87th St., Ste. 2
CHICAGO Chicago Chicago Vet Center 773-962-3740 Help with a range of needs
Chicago, IL 60652
Salvation Army Supportive Services 611 W. Washington St. Veterans assistance programs for housing,
EAST CENTRAL Bloomington 309-829-9476 www.saheartland.org
for Veteran Families Bloomington, IL 61701 transportation, case management, emergency assistance
Salvation Army Supportive Services 2122 N Market St . Veterans assistance programs for housing,
EAST CENTRAL Champaign 217-373-7832 www.saheartland.org
for Veteran Families Champaign, IL 61824 transportation, case management, emergency assistance
1900 E. Main St. Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
EAST CENTRAL Danville Danville VA Medical Center 217-554-3000 www.danville.va.gov
Danville, IL 61832 program
Salvation Army Supportive Services 855 E Fairchild St. Veterans assistance programs for housing,
EAST CENTRAL Danville 217-442-5911 www.saheartland.org
for Veteran Families Danville, IL 61832 transportation, case management, emergency assistance
Salvation Army Supportive Services 229 W Main St. Veterans assistance programs for housing,
EAST CENTRAL Decatur 217-428-4672 www.saheartland.org
for Veteran Families Decatur, IL 62523 transportation, case management, emergency assistance
Salvation Army Supportive Services 1300 Richmond Ave. Veterans assistance programs for housing,
EAST CENTRAL Mattoon 217-234-3915 www.saheartland.org
for Veteran Families Mattoon, IL transportation, case management, emergency assistance
1901 Howard St. Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
NORTH COOK Evanston Evanston Vet Center 847-332-1019
2017-18
Evanston, IL 60202 program
750 Shoreline Dr. 150 Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
NORTHEAST Aurora DuPage County Vet Center 630-585-1853
Aurora, IL 60504 program
North 3001 Green Bay Rd. Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
NORTHEAST Lovell Federal Health Care Center 847-688-1900 www.lovell.fhcc.va.gov
Chicago North Chicago, IL 60064 program
1539 46th Ave. #6 Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
NORTHWEST Moline Quad Cities Vet Center 309-762-6955
Molline, IL 61265 program
7015 Rote Rd. Ste. 105 Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
NORTHWEST Rockford Rockford Vet Center 815-395-1276
Rockford, IL 61107 program
Chicago 1010 Dixie Hwy, 2nd Floor
SOUTH COOK Chicago Heights Vet Center 708-754-8885 Substance abuse and mental health treatment
Heights Chicago Heights, IL 60411
8654 W. 159th St., Ste. 1 Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
SOUTH COOK Orland Park Orland Park Vet Center 708-444-0561
Orland Park, IL 60462 program
2401 W. Main St. Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
SOUTHEAST Marion Marion VA Medical Center 618-997-5311 www.marion.va.gov
Marion, IL 62959 program
East St. 1265 N 89th St., Ste. 5 Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
SOUTHWEST East St. Louis Vet Center 618-397-6602
Louis East St. Louis, IL 62203 program
Salvation Army Supportive Services 501 N Kellogg St . Veterans assistance programs for housing,
WEST CENTRAL Galesburg 309.342.9168 www.saheartland.org
for Veteran Families Galesburg, IL 61401 transportation, case management, emergency assistance
8305 N. Allen Road, Ste 1 Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
WEST CENTRAL Peoria Peoria Vet Center 309-689-9708
Peoria, IL 61615 program
Salvation Army Supportive Services 416 NE Jefferson St. Veterans assistance programs for housing,
WEST CENTRAL Peoria 309.655.7272 www.saheartland.org
for Veteran Families Peoria, IL 61603 transportation, case management, emergency assistance
217-720-5448
3 West Old State Capitol Veterans assistance programs for housing,
Salvation Army Supportive Services ronetta_buckner
WEST CENTRAL Springfield Plaza, Ste 8 transportation, case management, and emergency
for Veteran Families @USC.salvation
Springfield, IL 62701 assistance
army.org
1227 S. 9th St.
WEST CENTRAL Springfield Springfield IL Vet Center 217-492-4955 Help with a range of needs
Springfield, IL 62703
Spring Street Veterans 209 W Scarritt St. Transitional housing program and case management for
WEST CENTRAL Springfield 217-528-0800
Renaissance Springfield, IL 62702 veterans,
DIRECTORIES
1515 South Harlem Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
WEST COOK Forest Park Oak Park Vet Center 708-457-8805
Forest Park, IL 60130 program
5000 S. 5th St. Offers compensated work therapy programs, PTSD
WEST COOK Hines Hines VA Hospital 708-202-8387 www.hines.va.gov
Hines, IL 60141 program
193
194
10. Illinois County Clerks Offices
County clerks are locally elected officials who are responsible for maintaining the public records of their county.
County City Address Address 2 Zip Phone Number Email/Website

countyclerk@co.adams.il.us
DIRECTORIES
ADAMS Quincy 507 Vermont St P.O. Box 1169 62301 217-277-2150 www.co.adams.il.us/county_clerk/
vitalrecords.htm
ALEXANDER Cairo 2000 Washington Ave. 62914 618-734-7000 acc@lazernetwireless.net
BOND Greenville 203 W. College 62246 618-664-0449 countyclerk@bondcounty il.com
BOONE Belvidere 1212 Logan Ave. Suite 103 61008 815-544-3103 www.boonecountyil.org/department/clerk
217-773-3421
BROWN Mount Sterling 200 Court St. Room 6 62353 jlham1009@hotmail.com
(option 6)
BUREAU Princeton 700 S. Main St. Suite 103 61356 815-875-2014 www.bureaucountyclerk.com/vitals.html
CALHOUN Hardin 106 N. County Road 62047 618-576-2351 calhouncoclk@frontiernet .net
ccclerk3@carroll-county.net, www.carroll-
CARROLL Mount Carroll 301 N. Main P.O. Box 152 61053 815-244-0221
county.net/
217-452-7217 (option
CASS Virginia P.O. Box 167 62691 casselection@casscomm.com
4)
CHAMPAIGN Urbana 1776 E. Washington St. 61802 217-384-3720 mail@champaigncountyclerk.com
CHRISTIAN Taylorville 101 S. Main St. Suite 2 62568 217-824-4969
CLARK Marshall 501 Archer Ave. 62441 217-826-8311 clerk@clarkcountyil.org
CLAY Louisville Courthouse, Room 106 P.O. Box 160 62858 618-665-3626 claycoclk@wabash.net
618-594-2464 (option
CLINTON Carlyle 850 Fairfax St. P.O. Box 308 62231
3)
COLES Charleston 651 Jackson Ave. Room 122 61920 217-348-0501 countyclerk@co.coles.il.us
50 W. Washington
COOK Chicago P.O. Box 641070 60664-1070 312-603-7788
Concourse Level -25
CRAWFORD Robinoson 100 Douglas P.O. Box 602 62454 618-546-1212 plycan@crawfordcountycentral.com
CUMBERLAND Toledo P.O. Box 146 62468 217-849-2631 clerk-recorder@cumberland co.org
DEKALB Sycamore 110 E. Sycamore St. 60178 815-895-7149
DEWITT Clinton 201 W. Washington St. P.O. Box 439 61727 217-935-7780 dsmith@dewittcountyill.com
DOUGLAS Tuscola 401 S. Center P.O. Box 467 61953 217-253-2411 clerk@douglascountyil.com
421 N. County Farm
2017-18
DUPAGE Wheaton P.O. Box 1028 60187 630-682-7035
Road
EDGAR Paris 115 W. Court St. Room J 61944 217-466-7433 eccr@edgarcounty-il.gov
EDWARDS Albion 50 E. Main St. Suite 12 62806 618-445-2115
EFFINGHAM Effingham 101 N. Fourth St. Suite 201 62401 217-342-6535 countyclerk@co.effingham.il.us
FAYETTE Vandalia 221 S. Seventh St. P.O. Box 401 62471 618-283-5000 fayettecountyclerk@gmail.com
FORD Paxton 200 W. State St. Room 101 60957 217-379-2721 clerk@fordcountycourthouse.com
FRANKLIN Benton Courthouse 62812 618-438-3221 frcoclrk@franklincounty.il.org
FULTON Lewistown 100 N. Main 61542 309-547-3041 ext. 118 lmikulich@fultonco.org
GALLATIN Shawneetown P.O. Box 550 62984 618-269-3025
GREENE Carrollton 519 N. Main St 62016 217-942-5443 grctyclk@hotmail.com
111 E. Washington St.,
GRUNDY Morris P.O. Box 675 60450-0675 815-941-3222 lphillips@grundyco.org
Rom 12
HAMILTON McLeansboro Courthouse 62859 618-643-2721 coclerk@hamiltonco.us
HANCOCK Carthage P.O. Box 39 62321 217-357-3911
HARDIN Elizabethtown P.O. Box 187 62931 618-287-2251 hcdenton@shawnee.link.net
HENDERSON Oquawka P.O. Box 308 61469 309-867-2911 coclerk@mchsi.com
HENRY Cambridge 307 W. Center St. 61238 309-937-3575 ext. 1 blink@henrycty.com
IROQUOIS Watseka 1001 E. Grant St. 60970 815-432-6960
JACKSON Murphysboro 1001 Walnut St. 62966 618-687-7360
JASPER Newton 204 W. Washington Suite 2 62448 618-783-3124
JEFFERSON Mount Vernon 100 S. 10th St. Room 105 62864 618-244-8020 jeffcoclerk@jeffil.us
JERSEY Jerseyville 200 N. Lafayette, Suite 1 P.O. Box 216 62052 618-498-5571 ext. 115 countyclerk@jerseycounty-il.us
JO DAVIESS Galena 330 N. Bench St. 61036 815-777-0161 countyclerk@jodaviess.org
JOHNSON Vienna 400 Court Square P.O. Box 96 62995 618-658-3611
KANE Geneva 719 S. Batavia Ave. Building B 60134 630-232-5950
DIRECTORIES
KANKAKEE Kankakee 189 E. Court St. 60901 815-937-2990 countyclerk@k3county.net
KENDALL Yorkville County Office Building 111 W. Fox St. 60560 630-553-4104
KNOX Galesburg 200 S. Cherry St. 61401 309-345-3815 serickson@co.knox.il.us
LAKE Waukegan 18 N. County St. Attn: Vital Records 60085 847-377-2411 vitalrecords@lakecountyil.gov
195
County City Address Address 2 Zip Phone Number Email/Website
196
LaSalle County
LASALLE Ottawa Government Center, 707 Etna Road 61350 815-434-8202 countyclerk@lasallecounty.org
Room 161
LAWRENCE Lawrenceville 1100 State St. 62439 618-943-2346
LEE Dixon 112 E. Second St. P.O. Box 329 61021 815-288-3309
LIVINGSTON Pontiac County Courthouse 112 W. Madison St. 61764 815-844-2006
LOGAN Lincoln Courthouse, Room 20 601 Broadway St. 62656 217-732-4148
MACON Decatur 141 S. Main St. Room 104 62523-1210 217-424-1305
DIRECTORIES
MACOUPIN Carlinville P.O. Box 107 62626 217-854-3214 pete.duncan@macoupincountyil.gov
157 N. Main St., Suite
MADISON Edwardsville P.O. Box 218 62025 618-692-6290
109
MARION Salem P.O. Box 637 62881 618-548-3400 ilmarioncountyclerk@ussonet.net
MARSHALL Lacon 122 N. Prairie P.O. Box 328 61540-0328 309-246-0328
MASON Havana P.O. Box 77 62644 309-543-6661 cclerk@grits.net
MASSAC Metropolis P.O. Box 429 62960 618-524-5213
MCDONOUGH Macomb #1 Courthouse Square 61455 309-833-2474
MCHENRY Woodstock 2200 N. Seminary Ave. 60098 815-334-4242 countyclerk@co.mchenry.il.us
115 E. Washington St.,
MCLEAN Bloomington P.O. Box 2400 61702-2400 309-888-5190 kathy.michael@mcleancoil.gov
Room 102
MENARD Petersburg P.O. Box 465 62675 217-632-2415 gtreseler@co.menard.il.us
MERCER Aledo 100 S.E. Third St. 61231 309-582-7021
618-939-8681 ext.
MONROE Waterloo 100 S. Main St. 62298 moclerk@htc.net
306
MONTGOMERY Hillsboro #1 Courthouse Square P.O. Box 595 62049 217-532-9530 sandyleitheiser@hotmail.com
MORGAN Jacksonville 300 W. State St. P.O. Box 1387 62650 217-243-8581
MOULTRIE Sullivan 10 S. Main St. Suite 6 61951 217-728-4389 ctyclrk@moultrie.com
OGLE Oregon 105 S. 5th St. Suite 104 61061 815-732-1110
PEORIA Peoria 324 Main St. Room 101  61602 309-672-6059
PERRY Pinckneyville 3764 State Rte. 13/127 P.O. Box 438 62274 618-357-5116
PIATT Monticello 101 W. Washington St. P.O. Box 558 61856 217-762-9487 countyclerk@piattcounty.org
PIKE Pittsfield 121 E. Washington St. 62363 217-285-6812 donnieapps@adams.net
POPE Golconda 400 Main St. P.O. Box 216 62938 618-683-4466
PULASKI Mound City 500 Illinois Ave. P.O. Box 118 62963 618-748-9360 juliesauerbrunn@yahoo.com
PUTNAM Hennepin 120 N. Fourth St. 61327 815-925-7129 dankuhn@mchsi.com
RANDOLPH Chester #1 Taylor St. Room 202 62233 618-826-5000
2017-18
RICHLAND Olney 103 W. Main St. 62450 618-392-3111
ROCK ISLAND Rock Island 1504 Third Ave. 61201 309-786-4451
SALINE Harrisburg 10 E. Poplar St. 62946 618-253-8197
SANGAMON Springfield 200 S. 9th St. Room 101 62701 217-753-6700 vitalrecords@co.sangamon.il.us
SCHUYLER Rushville 102 S. Congress P.O. Box 200 62681 217-322-4734 clerk85@schuylercounty.org
SCOTT Winchester 35 E. Market St. 62694 217-742-3178 scottcoclerk@frontier.com
SHELBY Shelbyville P.O. Box 230 62565 217-774-4421
ST CLAIR Belleville 10 Public Square 62220 618-277-6600
STARK Toulon 130 W. Main St. P.O. Box 67 61483 309-286-5911 val@starkco.il.gov
STEPHENSON Freeport 15 N. Galena Ave. Suite 500 61032 815-235-8289
McKenzie Building Fourth and Court
TAZEWELL Pekin 61554 309-477-2264
2nd Floor Streets
UNION Jonesboro 309 W. Market St., Room 116 62952 618-833-5711 tbartruff@unioncountyil.gov
VERMILLION Danville Courthouse Annex 6 N. Vermilion St. 61832 217-554-1900 ccvital@vercounty.org
WABASH Mount Carmel 401 Market St. P.O. Box 277 62863 618-262-4561
WARREN Monmouth 100 W. Broadway 61462 309-734-8592 warrencountyclerk@yahoo.com
618-327-4800, ext.
WASHINGTON Nashville 101 E. St. Louis St. 62263 wccclerk2@hotmail.com
300
WAYNE Fairfield P.O. Box 187 62837 618-842-5182 countyclerk@waynecountygovil.com
WHITE Carmi P.O. Box 339 62821 618-382-7211
WHITESIDE Morrison 200 E. Knox St. 61270 815-772-5189
WILL Joliet 302 N. Chicago St. 60432 815-740-4615
618-997-1301, ext.
WILLIAMSON Marion 407 N. Monroe St. Suite 119 62959
100
WINNEBAGO Rockford 404 Elm St. 61101 815-319-4250
WOODFORD Eureka 115 N. Main Suite 202 61530 309-467-2822
DIRECTORIES
197
Forms
—
Birth Certificate Request Form 200
Application for Birth Records 201
Social Security Card Application 203
Sample Resumes 204
Pro Se Petition to Modify Child Support 213
Pro Se Petition to Modify Child Custody 215
Veteran’s Disability Claim Form 21-0078 217
Veteran’s Disability Claim Form 21-526EZ 219
Housing/Real Estate Transaction Complainant 229
Prisoner Review Board Order 233
List of Licenses Affected by Felony 235

----------Cook County Clerk David Orr, Bureau of Vital Records------------
200
BIRTH RECORD REQUEST FORM BIRTH RECORD REQUEST FORM
To obtain a copy of a birth record from the Cook County Clerk’s Office, please read _______
# of copies
the following: Certified copies of birth records cost $15 for the first copy, which is
nonrefundable if no record is found and a Certification That No Record Was Found is
issued, and $4 for each additional copy of the same record. Name at birth
First Middle Last
FORMS
Four ways to obtain a birth record: Date of birth
Month / Day / Year
Mail your request to: Place of birth

Bureau of Vital Records City or Village (in Cook County)
PO Box 641070
Name of mother
Chicago, Il 60664-1070 First Last (maiden)
Fill out the form on the reverse side and include: Name of Father
First Last
• A check or money order payable to the Cook County Clerk
• A photocopy of your photo identification (e.g. driver’s license, or Under Illinois law [410 ILCS 535/25 (4) (b)] a certified copy of a birth record is only available to persons with a “direct and tangible
interest” in the record, such as one’s self, parent, guardian or legal representative. Anyone who willfully and knowingly uses or
State issued identification, etc.) attempts to use any certificate and/or certification for the purposes of deception is guilty of a Class 4 felony [410 ILCS 535/27 (c),
• A self-addressed stamped envelope (f)] punishable up to three years in prison.
Your Name
Call our Vital Chek Hotline: First Last
(866) 252-8974 Signature
Charge your order to a major credit card for an additional fee.
Mailing Address
Number Street Unit Number
City State Zip Code

Go to a Local Currency Exchange:
Call (847) 759-8905 for Currency Exchange locations and hours Relationship to Child/ Telephone number
Obtain your record for an additional $5 fee.
*if requesting the document by mail, please include: 1) a check or money order; 2) a photocopy of your photo identification;
3) a self-addressed stamped envelope
How would you like to receive this document?

Visit us in person and pay with cash or debit card
(Sorry, we can’t accept Visa): Mail it to me
50 West Washington Street, Chicago, Illinois, Room CL-25 I’ll wait for it
Or, visit one of our five suburban offices. I’ll pick it up later
Call (312) 603-7790 for locations and hours.
David Orr
Cook County Clerk
Bureau of Vital Records
50 West Washington Street, Room CL-25
Chicago, Illinois 60602
(312) 603-7790 / VITAL.RECORDS@cookcountyil.gov
ltn2011 www.cookcountyclerk.com
ltn2011
State of Illinois Application for Search of Birth Record Files
Illinois Department of Public Health
The state began recording birth records on January 1, 1916.
The Division of Vital Records offers two types of birth certificates available for legal purposes.
Please indicate your choice below and return this form with the proper fee and a legible copy of your non-expired, government
issued photo ID.
Illinois Law (ILCS410/535/25(1)) requires advanced payment for the search of birth record files. This $10.00 search fee, included in
the price of the copy(ies) you are requesting, is non-refundable.
DO NOT SEND CASH – Make check or money order payable to: ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Birth certificate (with the following items: name, date of birth, sex,
place of birth, mother/co-parent's maiden name,
Birth certificate (with available information collected at time of birth
mother/co-parent's place of birth, mother/co-parent's age,
- information has varied throughout the years)
father/co-parent’s name, father/co-parent's place of birth,
$15.00 first copy $2.00 each additional copy
father/co-parent's age, file date, date issued and State File number)
$10.00 first copy $2.00 each additional copy Amount enclosed $__________ for ________ total copies
Amount enclosed $__________ for ________ total copies
Foreign birth (births of adopted persons born outside of the U.S.

who were re-adopted in Illinois) OR Genealogical (uncertified) (records 75 years old and older)
ADMINISTRATIVE FOREIGN BIRTH RECORD $10 first copy $2 each additional copy
$5.00 each copy
FULL NAME (First, Middle, Last Prior to First Marriage/Civil Union)
PLACE OF BIRTH (Hospital, City or Town, County, State)
DATE OF BIRTH (Month, Day, Year) SEX BIRTH CERTIFICATE NUMBER (if known)
FATHER/CO-PARENT'S NAME (First, Middle, Last Prior to First Marriage/Civil Union, Current Legal Last Name)
MOTHER/CO-PARENT'S NAME (First, Middle, Last Prior to First Marriage/Civil Union, Current Legal Last Name)
INDIVIDUAL REQUESTING COPIES MAIL RECORD(S) TO: (If other than applicant)
PRINT NAME ____________________________________________ NAME ___________________________________________
STREET ADDRESS _______________________________________ AGENCY ________________________________________
CITY_____________________ STATE ______ ZIP ___________ STREET ADDRESS ________________________________
YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO PERSON _________________________ CITY ____________________________________________
INTENDED USE __________________________________________ STATE ______ ZIP _____________
SIGNATURE _____________________________________________
NOTE: Birth Certificates are confidential records and copies can only be issued to persons entitled to receive them (for a complete
list, see other side). The application must indicate the requestor’s relationship to the person and the intended use of the document.
(SEE OTHER SIDE)
MAIL TO: Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records, 925 E. Ridgely Avenue, Springfield, IL 62702-2737
For more information - www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/index.htm
VR 180 (Rev. 2/15) Printed by Authority of the State of Illinois P.O.#1415146 3M 2/15 IOCI 15-571
2017-18 FORMS 201

202 FORMS M a p p i n g Yo u r F u t u r e
2017-18 FORMS 203
Peter Smith
123 Main Street, Chicago, IL 60000
petersmith@gmail.com
312.555.5555
EXPERIENCE
University of Illinois 2011-2014
ESL Instructor
� Served as a volunteer ESL instructor in Danville, Illinois in order to provide a much
needed ESL class within the community
� Developed and taught lesson plans and activities in a multi instructor class which
utilized CLT (communicative language teaching) and TBLT (task based learning
teaching)
� Shared instructor responsibilities with seven (7) other instructors in a class of 10-12
students twice a week for a total of six (6) hours a week with beginner intermediate
proficiency level students
� Taught and assessed reading and writing for communicating effectively in personal and
workplace settings
� Planed and delivered organized, creative, task-based lessons to meet curriculum
proficiency goals
� Provided corrective language feedback on oral and written production
� Developed task-based writing activities for a cook book
� Served on curriculum and hiring committees
University of Illinois 2011-2014

Chicago/Community Anti-Violence Education (CAVE)
• Helped design and implement a peer driven anti-violence program that empowers incarcerated
men through mentoring, education, and character building to return to their communities as
peace makers.
Danville Correctional Center (Clinical Services) 2011-2014

Guest Speaker/Substance Abuse Instructor
• Designed and presented lessons relating to substance abuse prevention to students in
substance abuse classes made available through a clinical services program at Danville
Correctional Center
Danville Correctional Center (Clinical Services) 2010-2011

Peaceful Solutions Educator
• Designed and presented lessons focused on peaceful solutions for conflict resolution
EDUCATION:
� Governor State University (Bachelor’s Interdisciplinary Studies anticipated June 2016)
University Park, IL.
� CAAP Certification (Certified Associate’s Addiction Professional) Illinois Alcohol and Other
Drug Abuse
� Professional Certification Association Inc. 2012
� Substance Abuse Counselor Training Certificate 2012
� Associate’s Degree in General Education, Carl Sandberg College, Galesburg, IL. 2001
� Business Management Certificate; Carl Sandberg College, Galesburg, IL. 2000
� Cumulative GPA 3.52
� 3.57 (University of Illinois)
� 3.62 (Danville Area Community College)
� 3.38 (Carl Sandburg College)
� Relevant courses:
� Philosophy of Education (University of Illinois)
� Social and Cultural Foundations of Education (University of Illinois)
� Theories of Personality (Carl Sandburg College)
� Psychology of Personality (Danville Area Community College)
SKILLS:
� Fluent in Spanish and English, and beginning proficiency in Italian
� Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint
2017-18 FORMS 205

500 Main Street
Anytown, IL 60606
555-555-5555
JohnJohnson@email.com

John Albert Johnson

WORK EXPERIENCE
Adult Learning Center, Our Town, IL
English Teacher. Coordinate community outreach efforts and administer institutional
examinations.
February 2015 – Present

Friendly Temp Agency, Our Town, IL
Various assignments involving administrative and clerical roles.
March 2013 – December 2014

Illinois Central Community College, Decatur, IL
ESL Teacher, peer tutor.
August 2010 - January 2013

EDUCATION
Associates Degree, awarded 2011
Illinois Central Community College
Education course work:
� Advanced mathematics
� Linguistics for language teachers
� Political and historical perspectives in Education
� Sociology of Education and Philosophy of Education

Certificate, Peer Counseling
Illinois Central Community College
2012

Certificate, Horticulture
Northern Illinois Community College
2009

REFERENCES
Sharon Mendez, Coordinator
Adult Learning Center
1010 Central Street
Our Town, IL 60000
sharonmendez@email.com
555.555.5555

William Smith, Director
Friendly Temp Agency
40 North Ave.
Our Town, IL 66666
williamsmith@emial.com
555.555.5555

2017-18 FORMS 207

JOHN SMITH
123 W. Main St. #5, Peoria, IL 61614
john.smith22@gmail.com | 300-600-1234
OBJECTIVE My goal is to become associated with a company where I can utilize my

skills and gain further experience while enhancing the company’s
productivity and reputation.
SKILLS & Technical

ABILITIES • Familiarity with common commercial kitchen equipment and
sanitation and cleaning processes
• Knowledge of special diet preparation (vegan, kosher, halal, etc.)
• Visual design for advertising commercial and private events
Communication
• Possess excellent conflict resolution skills and ability to work
effectively with people from a wide range of backgrounds
• Published writer in both creative and academic venues
• Tutored adult learners one-on-one and in group settings in writing
and math with high level of success
Organizational
• Efficiently catalogued and maintained collection for a small
community library and created displays to communicate services
and events to patrons
• Familiarity with inventory, ordering, and stocking processes
• Proven leadership as co-founder of a community theater troupe
EXPERIENCE TEACHING ASSISTANT, ADULT BASIC EDUCATION STATE OF ILLINOIS

DECEMBER 2015-DECEMBER 2016
Tutored students in basic literacy and numeracy for the Test of Adult
Basic Education, graded student work, kept confidential student records,
and other duties as assigned
SPECIAL DIET COOK STATE OF ILLINOIS
APPROX. 5 YEARS EXPERIENCE 1997-2015
Operated commercial ovens, fryers, steam pots, and other equipment,
prepared special diets according to religious or medical specifications,
served meals in a high capacity cafeteria
EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS, URBANA-CHAMPAIGN – 4.0 GPA
• Upper-division courses in literature, communication, and theater
DANVILLE AREA COMMUNITY COLLEGE – 4.0 GPA

• Earned over 60 credits in undergraduate coursework toward an
Associate’s degree
VOLUNTEER EDUCATION JUSTICE PROJECT, RESOURCE ROOM WORKER UNIVERSITY OF

EXPERIENCE ILLINOIS, URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
JULY 2012-MARCH 2014
Assisted students with library needs, assisted tutors with tech support,
conducted basic library circulation work, kept rooms cleaned, stocked,
and well-organized
PUBLICATIONS “Rhetorical Listening” (essay). Intertext, 2014.

AND AWARDS
“Practicing Openness in Prison Education: A Collaborative Inquiry into
Empathic Pedagogy and the Politics of Compassion in Writing Center
Practice.” Co-Authored paper presented at the Conference on College
Composition and Communication, Indianapolis, IN. March, 2014.
“Prison Writing” (essay). Prison Writing Networks, workshop at the
Conference on College Composition and Communication, Indianapolis,
IN. March, 2014.
“(Untitled Poem)”. The Public I, 13(3), 2013.
“Reflections on a Monday Mourning” (essay). Winter Harvest, Summer

2012.
Education Justice Project Creative Writing Award in Poetry, 2012
Martha Webber Creative Nonfiction Award, 2013
REFERENCES MAGGIE JONES, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF SOCIOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-SPRINGFIELD
2116 First St., Springfield, IL 62259
j.ones@gmail.comu 616-228-1234
FRED THOMAS, GENERAL MANAGER

HUDSUCKER FOUNDATION
1732 Nebraska Ave Peoria, IL 61614
f.thmas@gmail.com 303-686-3287
MIKE JENKINS, CONSTUCTION WORKER LOCAL 722

FOUNTAINHEAD TOWER
365 Rand Blvd. Chicago, IL 60181
Orwell.1984@gmail.com 310-788-7374
2017-18 FORMS 209

Jeff J. Jefferson
(555) 902-0704
jeffjefferson@yahoo.com
Brilliant communicator, possessing attention-demanding presence,
leadership skills, and the ability to positively impact any situation
Education: Chicago State University Chicago, IL

Psychology Major Present
Kennedy-King College Chicago, IL
Physical Education Major 2014
University of Illinois – Education Justice Project Urbana, IL
Social Justice Major 2011
Lake Land College Mattoon, IL
• Associates in Science 2006
Psychology/Sociology Major
• Small Business Management Certification 2004
Accomplishments: Leadership
Just Leadership USA
• Emerging Leader for Returning Citizens 2015
National Council for Student Leadership
• Certified Future Leader 2014
Kennedy-King College
• SGA Vice-President/ Senator 2013 – 2014
• Student Ambassador/ Dean’s List 2013 – 2014
• Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society Inductee 2014
Author –
• Twice Published via the U of I Education Justice Project
“Why Momma Cry” – Beyond the Pen 2013
“Visiting Day” – Winter Harvest 2012
Writing for Change Symposium 2010
Community: Motivational Speaker/Social Justice/Community Activist
• University of Chicago – Prison Abolition Panel – Panelist 2016
• Daily Illini of UIUC – Published Article: Education Justice
Project Frees Incarcerated Minds 2016
• F.O.R.C.E. – Legislation for Removal of Lifetime Employment
Barriers Against Felons – Advocate 2016
• Education Justice Project – EJP Expo – Panelist 2016
• Community Renewal Society – Occupy Palm Sunday Protest
Against Police Brutality – Organizer & Activist 2016
• Chicago Aldermanic Black Caucus Town Hall – Activist 2016
• Chicago Town Hall – Advocated Against Committee Appointing
Chicago Police Superintendent – Activist 2016
• Lequan McDonald Protest – Interviewed by NBC Affiliate 2015
• Stop Mass Incarceration Movement – Marched in Bud Billiken
Parade to Protest Police Brutality – Participant 2015
• Education Justice Project – Symposium on Higher Education in
Prison University of Illinois – Moderator 2014
• Education Justice Project – Reception: Hosted by the President
of the University of Illinois – Presenter 2014
• Education Justice Project – FACE Event – Guest Speaker 2014
• Roosevelt University – Life Skills Re-Entry Program – Guest
Speaker and Volunteer 2011 – 2014
• Prison Justice Project – Forum on Social Justice – Panelist 2013
• Life Builders United – Peace Keepers Back 2 School Rally –
Guest Speaker and Volunteer 2013
• Safer Foundation – Job Readiness Program – Volunteer 2013

2017-18 FORMS 211

MARY GREEN
123 First Street
City, ST 20202
100.200.3000
MaryGreen@gmail.com
September 10, 2012
Sally Jenkins
ABC Company
123 Main St.
City, ST 20202
Dear Ms. Jenkins,
I am writing to inquire about possible openings at ABC Company for a research assistant.
I am interested in a senior level position offering the opportunity for travel and advanced
research assignments.
As a professional administrative assistant with excellent research skills, I am eager to

contribute my abilities and experience to ABC Company. Given my extensive training and
background, I believe I can help ABC Company meet its goal of providing only the most
accurate and timely information to its clients.
Please find enclosed my resume and a list of my references. Feel free to call me at
100.200.3000 to arrange a time to meet. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Mary Green
PRO SE PETITION TO MODIFY CHILD SUPPORT
STATE OF ILLINOIS
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
_____________ COUNTY
_____________________, Plaintiff )
and ) No. ____-- __ --____
_____________________, Defendant )
PETITION FOR MODIFICATION OF CHILD SUPPORT
I, ________________________________, without the assistance of an attorney, ask this Court to
modify an existing order of child support. In support of my Petition, I state the following items are true
to
the best of my knowledge:
1. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter and the parties.
2. I am ____ years old; my address is: ____________________________________; I live in
____________ County; and I have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days before I filed this Petition.
3. The other parent's name is _______________________, he/she is _____ years old; his/her
address is: ________________________________ ; and he/she is __ is not __ a resident of Illinois.
4. On __________________, 20 ___ an order was entered by this Court (see attached) to pay
$____________ per ____________ in child support.
2017-18 FORMS 213

PRO SE PETITION TO MODIFY CHILD SUPPORT
5. Since the entry of this Order, there have been substantial changes in circumstances which
justify the immediate modification of the child support order including:
(check all that apply)
( ) The supporting parent's income has changed from $________ per month to $ _______ per
month.
( ) The custodial parent's income has changed from $ ________ per month to $_______ per
month.
( ) There has been a change in the physical custody of the minor child/ren.
( ) That one or more of the children are now emancipated (over 18 years of age).
( ) That: (write additional reasons here) ___________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________.
WHEREFORE, I request:
A. That the Court determine the parties' financial obligations and conditions and their existing
abilities to contribute toward the expenses of the minor child/ren.
B. That the Court ____ increase ___ decrease the existing level of child support to reflect the
changes in the parties' obligations, conditions, and abilities to support the minor child(ren).
C. That the Court _____ (shall) _____ (shall not) require the supporting parent to maintain
health insurance for the minor child(ren) if available through his/her employment.
______________________,
Plaintiff

Under penalties as provided by law pursuant to Section 5/1-109 of the Code of Civil Procedure, the

undersigned certifies that the statements set forth in this instrument are true and correct, except as to

Matters therein stated to be on information and belief and as to such matters the undersigned certifies
as foresaid that she/he verily believes the same to be true.

______________________,
Plaintiff
_________________, pro se
Plaintiff

PRO SE PETITION TO MODIFY CHILD CUSTODY
STATE OF ILLINOIS
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE ________ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
_____________ COUNTY
_____________________, Plaintiff )
and ) No. ____-- __ --____
_____________________, Defendant )
PETITION FOR MODIFICATION OF CUSTODY
I, ________________________________, without the assistance of an attorney, ask this
Court to modify an existing order of custody. In support of my Petition, I state the following items
are true to the best of my knowledge:
1. This Court has jurisdiction over the subject matter and the parties.
2. I am ____ years old; my address is: ____________________________________; I live
in ____________ County; and I have lived in Illinois for at least 90 days before I filed this Petition.
3. The other parent's name is _______________________, he/she is _____ years old;
his/her address is:___________________________________; and he/she is __ is not __ a
resident of Illinois.
4. On __________________, 20 ___ an order was entered by this Court (see attached)
regarding custody and visitation.

2017-18 FORMS 215
PRO SE PETITION TO MODIFY CHILD CUSTODY
5. Since the entry of this Order, there have been substantial changes in circumstances
which justify the immediate modification of the child custody, visitation, and child support order
and which are described in the attached affidavit including:____________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________.
WHEREFORE, I request: that the Court modify the custody order to reflect the changes
in the parties' circumstances.
______________________,
Plaintiff
Under penalties as provided by law pursuant to Section 5/1-109 of the Code of Civil
Procedure, the undersigned certifies that the statements set forth in this instrument are true and
correct, except as to matters therein stated to be on information and belief and as to such matters
the undersigned certifies as aforesaid that she/he verily believes the same to be true.
_____________________,
Plaintiff
OMB Approved No. 2900-0666
Respondent Burden: 30 minutes
Expiration Date: 11/30/2017
(DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE)

(VA DATE STAMP)
INFORMATION REGARDING APPORTIONMENT OF BENEFICIARY'S AWARD
INSTRUCTIONS: All or part of a veteran's disability award may be apportioned (paid) to the veteran's spouse, child, or
dependent parent. A surviving spouse's award may also be apportioned for the veteran's child or children. Print all answers
clearly. If an answer is "none" or "0," write that or line through the space provided. For additional space, attach a separate sheet,
indicating the item number to which the answers apply. Make sure to write the veteran's name and VA claim number on any
attachments to the form.
IMPORTANT: If you are certifying that you are married for the purpose of VA benefits, your marriage must be recognized by the place where you and/or your spouse
resided at the time of marriage, or where you and/or your spouse resided when you filed your claim (or a later date when you became eligible for benefits) (38 U.S.C. §
103(c)). Additional guidance on when VA recognizes marriages is available at http://www.va.gov/opa/marriage/.
1. FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST NAME OF VETERAN 2. VA FILE NUMBER
C/CSS-
3A. FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST NAME OF PERSON COMPLETING THIS FORM (If other than veteran) 3B. MAILING ADDRESS (Number and street or rural route, city or
P.O., State and ZIP Code)
3C. TELEPHONE NUMBER (Include Area Code) 3D. E-MAIL ADDRESS (If applicable)
Daytime Evening
4A. WHO ARE YOU REQUESTING AN APPORTIONMENT FOR? (List first, middle, and last names) 4B. WHAT IS HIS/HER RELATIONSHIP TO THE
VETERAN?
5A. HOW MUCH IS THE VETERAN OR VETERAN'S SURVIVING SPOUSE CONTRIBUTING TO THE PERSON(S) 5B. HOW OFTEN ARE THE CONTRIBUTIONS MADE?
FOR WHOM AN APPORTIONMENT IS BEING CLAIMED?
$
6. IF THE SPOUSE IS CLAIMING AN APPORTIONMENT, IS HE/SHE LIVING WITH ANOTHER PERSON AND 7. HAS THE VETERAN'S CHILD(REN) BEEN
HOLDING HIMSELF/HERSELF OUT OPENLY TO THE PUBLIC AS THE SPOUSE OF THE OTHER PERSON? LEGALLY ADOPTED BY ANOTHER PERSON?
YES NO
(If "Yes," provide an explanation) YES NO
PART I - INCOME AND NET WORTH

Report all income and net worth. Report the gross amounts before you take out deductions for taxes, insurance, etc. If you do not receive income or net worth from a particular source, write
"0" or "none" in the space provided. Do not leave the space blank. Note: If you are the veteran or surviving spouse, report only your income and net worth. If you are the claimant or are filing
on behalf of the claimant(s), report all income and net worth for all persons for whom an apportionment is being claimed. If you are claiming an apportionment as the custodian of the veteran's
child or children, report your income and net worth and the income and net worth of the child(ren).
MONTHLY INCOME
SOURCE VETERAN OR CUSTODIAN PERSON APPORTIONMENT IS PERSON APPORTIONMENT
SURVIVING SPOUSE CLAIMED FOR IS CLAIMED FOR
1A. GROSS WAGES FROM ALL
EMPLOYMENT $ $ $ $
1B. SOCIAL SECURITY
1C. RETIREMENT OR ANNUITIES
1D. SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY

INCOME (SSI) / PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
1E. OTHER INCOME (Show source)
1F. OTHER INCOME (Show source)
NET WORTH
SOURCE VETERAN OR CUSTODIAN PERSON APPORTIONMENT IS PERSON APPORTIONMENT

SURVIVING SPOUSE CLAIMED FOR IS CLAIMED FOR
2A. CASH/NON-INTEREST-BEARING
BANK ACCOUNTS $ $ $ $
2B. INTEREST-BEARING BANK
ACCOUNTS
2C. IRAS, KEOGH PLANS, ETC.
2D. STOCKS, BONDS, MUTUAL

FUNDS, ETC.
2E. REAL PROPERTY
(Not your home)
2F. ALL OTHER PROPERTY AND
ASSETS
VA FORM SUPERSEDES VA FORM 21-0788, JUN 2014,

NOV 2014 21-0788 WHICH WILL NOT BE USED.
2017-18 FORMS 217

PART II - MONTHLY LIVING EXPENSES
Show your monthly living expenses, including any monthly installment payments. If you do not have expenses from a particular source, write
"0" or "none" in the space provided. Do not leave the space blank.
Note: If you are the veteran or surviving spouse, report only your expenses. If you are the claimant or are filing on behalf of the claimant(s),
report expenses for all persons for whom an apportionment is being claimed. If you are claiming an apportionment as the custodian of the
veteran's child or children, report your expenses and the expenses of the child(ren).
VETERAN OR PERSON APPORTIONMENT PERSON APPORTIONMENT
SOURCE CUSTODIAN
SURVIVING SPOUSE IS CLAIMED FOR IS CLAIMED FOR
1A. RENT OR HOUSE PAYMENT

$ $ $ $
1B. FOOD
1C. UTILITIES
(Water, gas, electricity)
1D. TELEPHONE
1E. CLOTHING
1F. MEDICAL EXPENSES
1G. SCHOOL EXPENSES
1H. OTHER EXPENSES

(Show source)
1I. OTHER EXPENSES

(Show source)
PART III - CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I CERTIFY THAT the foregoing statements are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
1. SIGNATURE OF VETERAN OR CLAIMANT 2. DATE SIGNED
PENALTY - The law provides severe penalties which include fine or imprisonment or both, for the willful submission of anystatement or evidence
of a material fact, knowing it is false, or fraudulent acceptance of any payment to which you are not entitled.
PRIVACY ACT INFORMATION - The VA will not disclose information collected on this form to any source other than what has been authorized under the Privacy
Act of 1974 or Title 38, Code of Federal Regulations 1.576 for routine uses (i.e., civil or criminal law enforcement, congressional communications, epidemiological or
research studies, the collection of money owed to the United States, litigation in which the United States is a party or has an interest, the administration of VA programs
and delivery of VA benefits, verification of identity and status, and personnel administration) as identified in the VA system of records, 58VA 21/22/28, Compensation,
Pension, Education and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Records - VA, published in the Federal Register.Your obligation to respond is required to obtain or
retain benefits. The requested information is considered relevant and necessary to determine maximum benefits under the law. The responses you submit are considered
confidential (38 U.S.C. 5701). Information submitted is subject to verification through computer matching programs with other agencies.
RESPONDENT BURDEN - We need this information to determine whether an apportionment of VA disability or death benefits may be made (38 U.S.C. 5307). Title
38, United States Code, allows us to ask for this information. We estimate that you will need an average of 30 minutes to review the instructions, find the information,
and complete this form. VA cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed. You are not required to respond to a
collection of information if this number is not displayed. Valid OMB control numbers can be located on the OMB Internet Page at
www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. If desired, you can call 1-800-827-1000 to get information on where to send comments or suggestions about this form.
VA FORM 21-0788, NOV 2014
NOTICE TO VETERAN/SERVICE MEMBER
OF EVIDENCE NECESSARY TO SUBSTANTIATE A CLAIM FOR VETERANS DISABILITY
COMPENSATION AND RELATED COMPENSATION BENEFITS
(This notice is applicable to claims for: Disability Service Connection • Secondary Service Connection • Increased Disability Compensation •
Temporary Total Disability Rating • Individual Unemployability • Compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151 • Special Monthly Compensation •
Specially Adapted Housing/Special Home Adaptation • Automobile Allowance/Adaptive Equipment • Benefits Based on a Veteran's Seriously
Disabled Child)
Use this notice and the attached application to submit a claim for veterans disability compensation and related compensation benefits. This notice
informs you of the evidence necessary to substantiate your claim. After you submit your claim, you will not receive an initial letter regarding your claim.
You do not need to resubmit another application.
May I apply electronically? You can apply for VA disability compensation and pension online through eBenefits at www.ebenefits.va.gov. For
disability compensation claims, you can also upload all supporting evidence you may have and make your claim a Fully Developed Claim. To file a
claim for VA disability compensation electronically, go to eBenefits, select Apply for Benefits and then Apply for Disability Compensation. You will
need to create an eBenefits account to apply for disability compensation online. To file a claim for VA pension electronically, go to eBenefits, select
Apply for Benefits, and then select Apply for Veterans Benefits via VONAPP. Once you submit your claim, you can track the status using eBenefits.
NOTE: You can contact an accredited Veteran Service Officer to assist you with your application.
Want your claim processed faster? The Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program is the fastest way to get your claim processed and there is no risk to
participate! To participate in the FDC Program, if you are making a claim for veterans disability compensation or related compensation benefits, simply
submit your claim in accordance with the "FDC Criteria" shown below. If you are making a claim for veterans non service-connected pension benefits,
use VA Form 21-527EZ, Application for Pension. If you are making a claim for survivor benefits, use VA Form 21-534EZ, Application for DIC, Death
Pension, and/or Accrued Benefits. VA forms are available at www.va.gov/vaforms.
FDC Criteria (Claim(s) for Veterans Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits)
1. Submit your claim on a signed and completed VA Form 21-526EZ, Application for Disability Compensation and Related
Compensation Benefits (Attached).
2. Submit simultaneously with your claim:

• All, if any, relevant, private medical treatment records; AND
• An identification of any relevant treatment records available at a Federal facility, such as a VA medical center.
Special Circumstances
Under the special circumstances shown below, you must also submit simultaneously with your claim:
• For National Guard and Reserve members, any and all Service Treatment and Personnel Records in the custody of your
Unit(s)
• If claiming dependents, a completed VA Form 21-686c, Declaration of Status of Dependents. If claiming a child in school
between the ages of 18 and 23, you must also submit a completed VA Form 21-674, Request for Approval of School
Attendance. If claiming benefits for a seriously disabled (helpless) child, you must also submit all, relevant, private medical
treatment records pertaining to the child's pertinent disabilities
• If claiming Individual Unemployability, a completed VA Form 21-8940, Veteran's Application for Increased Compensation
Based on Unemployability, and a completed VA Form 21-4192, Request for Employment Information in Connection with
Claim for Disability Benefits
• If claiming Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a completed VA Form 21-0781, Statement in Support of Claim for
Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or if claiming PTSD based on personal assault, a completed VA
Form 21-0781a, Statement in Support of Claim for Service Connection for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Secondary to
Personal Assault
• If claiming Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation, a completed VA Form 26-4555, Application in
Acquiring Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation Grant
• If claiming Auto Allowance, a completed VA Form 21-4502, Application for Automobile or Other Conveyance and Adaptive
Equipment
• If claiming additional benefits because you or your spouse require Aid and Aid Attendance, a completed VA Form
21-2680, Examination for Housebound Status or Permanent Need for Regular Aid and Attendance, or if claiming Aid and
Attendance based on nursing home attendance, a VA Form 21-0779, Request for Nursing Home Information in Connection
with Claim for Aid and Attendance
3. Report for any VA medical examinations that VA determines are necessary to decide your claim.
VA FORM SUPERSEDES VA FORM 21-526EZ, MAY 2015,

FEB 2016 21-526EZ WHICH WILL NOT BE USED. Page 1
2017-18 FORMS 219

The Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program is the fastest way to get your claim processed, and there is no risk to participate!
Participation in the FDC Program is optional and will not affect the quality of care you receive or the benefits to which you are entitled. If you file a
claim in the FDC Program and it is determined that other records exist and VA needs the records to decide your claim, then VA will simply remove the
claim from the FDC Program (Optional Expedited Process) and process it in the Standard Claim Process. See below for more information. If you wish to
file your claim in the FDC Program, see FDC Program (Optional Expedited Process). If you wish to file your claim under the process in which VA
traditionally processes claims, see Standard Claim Process.
WHAT YOU NEED TO DO

You must submit all relevant evidence in your possession and provide the VA information sufficient to enable it to obtain all relevant evidence not in
your possession. If your claim involves a disability that you had before entering service and that was made worse by service, please provide any
information or evidence in your possession regarding the health condition that existed before your entry into service.
FDC Program (Optional Expedited Process) Standard Claim Process
You must: You must:

• Submit your claim in accordance with the "FDC Criteria" • If you know of evidence not in your possession and want VA to
(see page 1) try to get it for you, give VA enough information about the
evidence so that we can request it from the person or agency that
has it
If the holder of the evidence declines to give it to VA, asks for a fee to
provide it, or otherwise cannot get the evidence, VA will notify you and
provide you with an opportunity to submit the information or evidence. It
is your responsibility to make sure we receive all requested records that
are not in the possession of a Federal department or agency.
HOW VA WILL HELP YOU OBTAIN EVIDENCE FOR YOUR CLAIM
VA will: VA will:
• Retrieve relevant records from a Federal facility, such as a VA • Retrieve relevant records from a Federal facility such as a VA
medical center, that you adequately identify and authorize VA medical center, that you adequately identify and authorize VA to
to obtain obtain
• Provide a medical examination for you, or get a medical • Provide a medical examination for you, or get a medical opinion,
opinion, if we determine it is necessary to decide your claim if we determine it is necessary to decide your claim
• Make every reasonable effort to obtain relevant records not held
by a Federal facility that you adequately identify and authorize VA
to obtain. These may include records from State or local
governments and privately held evidence and information you tell
us about, such as private doctor or hospital records from current or
former employers
WHEN YOU SHOULD SEND WHAT WE NEED
You must: You are strongly encouraged to:

• Send the information and evidence simultaneously with your • Send any information or evidence as soon as you can
claim
You have up to one year from the date we receive the claim to submit the
If you submit additional information or evidence after you submit your information and evidence necessary to support your claim. If we decide
"fully developed" claim, then VA will remove the claim from the FDC the claim before one year from the date we receive the claim, you will still
Program Expedited Process and process it in the Standard Claim have the remainder of the one year period to submit additional information
Process. If we decide your claim before one year from the date we or evidence necessary to support the claim.
receive the claim, you will still have the remainder of the one-year
period to submit additional information or evidence necessary to
support the claim.
WHERE TO SEND INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE

Mail or take your application and any evidence in support of your claim to the closest VA regional office. VA regional office addresses are available on
the Internet at www.va.gov/directory.
VA FORM 21-526EZ, FEB 2016 Page 2
WHAT THE EVIDENCE MUST SHOW TO SUPPORT YOUR CLAIM
If you are claiming... See the evidence table titled...
You have a disability that was caused or aggravated by your service Disability Service Connection
Your service connected disability caused or aggravated an additional
Secondary Service Connection
disability
Your service connected disability has worsened Increased Disability Compensation
Your service connected disability caused you to be hospitalized or to
Temporary Total Disability Rating
undergo surgery or other treatment
Your service connected disability(ies) prevents you from getting or
Individual Unemployability
keeping substantial employment
You have a disability caused or aggravated by VA medical treatment,
Compensation Under 38 U.S.C. 1151
vocational rehabilitation, or compensated work therapy
Your service connected disability(ies) causes you to be in need of aid and
Special Monthly Compensation
attendance or to be confined to your residence
IMPORTANT: If you are claiming homelessness see page 6 of the Instructions for more information on expediting claims for homeless veterans.
If you are claiming benefits... See the evidence table titled...

For adapting and/or purchasing a residence Special Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation
For adapting and/or purchasing a vehicle Auto Allowance
Because your spouse is severely disabled Special Monthly Compensation

Because your child is severely disabled Helpless Child
EVIDENCE TABLES
Disability Service Connection
To support a claim for service connection, the evidence must show:

• You had an injury in service, or a disease that began in or was made permanently worse during service, or there was an event in service that
caused an injury or disease; AND
• You have a current physical or mental disability. This may be shown by medical evidence or by lay evidence of persistent and recurrent
symptoms of disability that are visible or observable; AND
• A relationship exists between your current disability and an injury, disease, symptoms, or event in service. This may be shown by medical
records or medical opinions or, in certain cases, by lay evidence.
However, under certain circumstances, VA may presume that certain current disabilities were caused by service, even if there is no specific
evidence proving this in your particular claim. The cause of a disability is presumed for the following veterans who have certain diseases:
• Former prisoners of war;
• Veterans who have certain chronic or tropical diseases that become evident within a specific period of time after discharge from service;
• Veterans who were exposed to ionizing radiation, mustard gas, or Lewisite while in service;
• Veterans who were exposed to certain herbicides, such as by serving in Vietnam; or
• Veterans who served in the Southwest Asia theater of operations during the Gulf War.
To support a claim for service connection based upon a period of active duty for training, the evidence must show:
• You were disabled during active duty for training due to disease or injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty; AND
• There is a relationship between your current disability and the disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active duty for training. This may
be shown by medical records or medical opinions or, in certain cases, by lay evidence.
To support a claim for service connection based upon a period of inactive duty training, the evidence must show:
• You were disabled during inactive duty training due to an injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty or an acute myocardial infarction,
cardiac arrest, or cerebrovascular accident during inactive duty training; AND
• There is a relationship between your current disability and your inactive duty training. This may be shown by medical records or medical
opinions or, in certain cases, by lay evidence.
2017-18 FORMS 221

EVIDENCE TABLES (Continued)
Disability Service Connection (Continued)
In order to reopen a claim previously denied by VA, we need new and material evidence. New and material evidence must raise a reasonable
possibility of substantiating your claim. The evidence cannot simply be repetitive or cumulative of the evidence we had when we previously decided
your claim. VA will make reasonable efforts to help you obtain currently existing evidence. However, we cannot provide a medical examination or
obtain a medical opinion until your claim is successfully reopened.
• To qualify as new, the evidence must currently exist and be submitted to VA for the first time.
• In order to be considered material, the additional existing evidence must pertain to the reason your claim was previously denied.
Secondary Service Connection
To support a claim for compensation based upon an additional disability that was caused or aggravated by a service-connected disability, the
evidence must show:
• You currently have a physical or mental disability shown by medical evidence or by lay evidence of persistent and recurrent symptoms of
disability that are visible or observable, in addition to your service-connected disability; AND
• Your service-connected disability either caused or aggravated your additional disability. This may be shown by medical records or medical
opinions or, in certain cases, by lay evidence. However, VA may presume service-connection for cardiovascular disease developing in a
claimant with certain service-connected amputation(s) of one or both lower extremities.
Increased Disability Compensation
If VA previously granted service connection for your disability and you are seeking an increased evaluation of your service-connected disability,
we need medical or lay evidence to show a worsening or increase in severity and the effect that worsening or increase has on your ability to work.
Temporary Total Disability Rating
In order to support a claim for a temporary total disability rating due to hospitalization, the evidence must show:
• You were treated for more than 21 days for a service-connected disability at a VA or other approved hospital; OR
• You underwent hospital observation at VA expense for a service-connected disability for more than 21 days.
In order to support a claim for a temporary total disability rating due to surgical or other treatment performed by a VA or other approved
hospital or outpatient facility, the evidence must show:
• The surgery or treatment was for a service-connected disability; AND
• The surgery required convalescence of at least one month; OR
• The surgery resulted in severe postoperative residuals, such as incompletely healed surgical wounds, stumps of recent amputations, therapeutic
immobilizations, house confinement, or the required use of a wheelchair or crutches; OR
• One major joint or more was immobilized by a cast without surgery.
Individual Unemployability
In order to support a claim for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability, the evidence must show:
• That your service-connected disability or disabilities are sufficient, without regard to other factors, to prevent you from performing the mental
and/or physical tasks required to get or keep substantially gainful employment; AND
• Generally, you meet certain disability percentage requirements as specified in 38 Code of Federal Regulations 4.16 (i.e. one disability ratable at
60 percent or more, OR more than one disability with one disability ratable at 40 percent or more and a combined rating of 70 percent or more).
In order to support a claim for an extra-schedular evaluation based on exceptional circumstances, the evidence must show:
• That your service-connected disability or disabilities present such an exceptional or unusual disability picture, due to such factors as marked
interference with employment or frequent periods of hospitalization, that application of the regular schedular standards is impractical.
Compensation Under 38 U.S.C. 1151
In order to support a claim for compensation under 38 U.S.C. 1151, the evidence must show that, as a result of VA hospitalization, medical or
surgical treatment, examination, or training, you have:
• An additional disability or disabilities; OR
• An aggravation of an existing injury or disease; AND
• The disability was the direct result of VA fault such as carelessness, negligence, lack of proper skill, or error in judgment, or not a reasonably
expected result or complication of the VA care or treatment; OR
• The direct result of participation in a VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment or compensated work therapy program.
Special Monthly Compensation
In order to support a claim for increased benefits based on the need for aid and attendance, the evidence must show that, due to your service-
connected disability or disabilities:
• You require the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding, dressing
yourself, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting yourself from the hazards of your daily environment (38
Code of Federal Regulation 3.352(a)); OR
• You are bedridden, in that your disability or disabilities requires that you remain in bed apart from any prescribed course of convalescence or
treatment (38 Code of Federal Regulation 3.352(a)).
In order to support a claim for increased benefits based on an additional disability or being housebound, the evidence must show:
• You have a single service-connected disability evaluated as 100 percent disabling AND an additional service-connected disability, or
disabilities, evaluated as 60 percent or more disabling; OR
• You have a single service-connected disability evaluated as 100 percent disabling AND, due solely to your service-connected disability or
disabilities, you are permanently and substantially confined to your immediate premises.
In order to support a claim for increased benefits based on your spouse's need for aid and attendance, per the provisions of 38 C.F.R. § 3.351(c),
the evidence must show:
• Your spouse is blind or so nearly blind as to have corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual
field to 5 degrees or less; OR
• Your spouse is a patient in a nursing home because of mental or physical incapacity; OR
• Your spouse requires the aid of another person in order to perform personal functions required in everyday living, such as bathing, feeding,
dressing, attending to the wants of nature, adjusting prosthetic devices, or protecting him or her from the hazards of his or her daily environment
(See 38 C.F.R. § 3.352(a) for complete explanation).
IMPORTANT: For additional benefits to be payable for a spouse, the veteran must be entitled to compensation and evaluated as 30 percent or more
disabling.
Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation
To support your claim for specially adapted housing (SAH), the evidence must show you are a:
• Veteran entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 11 for a permanent and totally disabling qualifying condition; OR
• Service member on active duty who has a permanent and totally disabling qualifying condition incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
To support that you have a qualifying condition for SAH the evidence must show:
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); OR
• Loss (amputation) or loss of use of
• both lower extremities; OR
• one lower extremity and one upper extremity affecting balance or propulsion; OR
• one lower extremity plus residuals of organic disease or injury affecting balance or propulsion creating a need for regular, constant use of a
wheelchair, braces, crutches or canes as a normal mode of getting around (although getting around by other methods may be occasionally
possible); OR
• Loss or loss of use of both upper extremities precluding use of the arms at or above the elbow; OR
• Blindness in both eyes, with light perception only and the loss or loss of use of one lower extremity; OR
• A severe burn injury, meaning full thickness or subdermal burns that have resulted in contractures with limitation of motion of
• two or more extremities; OR
• at least one extremity and the trunk.
To support your claim for SAH the evidence may alternatively show you are a:
• Veteran who served and became permanently disabled from a qualifying condition on or after September 11, 2001; OR
• Service member on active duty who was permanently disabled in the line of duty from a qualifying condition on or after the same date.
To support that you have a qualifying condition under the alternative service criteria the evidence must show:
• Loss (amputation) or loss of use of
• one or more lower extremities, severely affecting the functions of balance or propulsion and creating a need for regular, constant use of a
wheelchair, braces, crutches or canes as a normal mode of getting around (although getting around by other methods may be occasionally
possible).
To support your claim for a special home adaptation (SHA) grant the evidence must show you are a:
• Veteran entitled to compensation under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 11 for a qualifying condition; OR
• Service member on active duty who has a qualifying condition incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.
2017-18 FORMS 223

Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation (Continued)
To support that you have a qualifying condition for SHA the evidence must show:
• Blindness with central visual acuity of 20/200 or worse in each eye using a standard correcting lens; OR
• Blindness such that the visual field in each eye subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees; OR
• Permanent and total disability from loss, or loss of use, of both hands; OR
• Permanent and total disability from a severe burn injury meaning
• deep partial thickness burns that have resulted in contractures with limitation of motion of two or more extremities or of at least one
extremity and the trunk; OR
• full thickness or subdermal burns that have resulted in contracture(s) with limitation of motion of one or more extremities or the trunk; OR
• residuals of inhalation injury (including, but not limited to, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Auto Allowance
To support a claim for automobile allowance or adaptive equipment, the evidence must show that you have a service-connected disability
resulting in:
(1) the loss, or permanent loss of use, of at least a foot or a hand; OR
(2) permanent impairment of vision of both eyes, resulting in:
(a) vision of 20/200 or less in the better eye with corrective glasses; OR
(b) vision of 20/200 or better, if there is a severe defect in your peripheral vision; OR
(3) deep partial thickness or full thickness burns resulting in scar formation that cause contractures and limit motion of one or more extremities
of the trunk and preclude effective operation of an automobile; OR
(4) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
NOTE - You may be entitled to only adaptive equipment if you have ankylosis ("freezing") of at least one knee or one hip due to service-connected
disability. Medical evidence, including a VA examination, will show these things. VA will provide an examination if it determines that one is
necessary.
Helpless Child
To support a claim for benefits based on a veteran's child being helpless, the evidence must show that the child, before his or her 18th birthday,
became permanently incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical disability.
IMPORTANT: For additional benefits to be payable for a child, the veteran must be entitled to compensation and evaluated as 30 percent or more
disabling.
HOW VA DETERMINES THE EFFECTIVE DATE.
If we grant your claim, the beginning date of your entitlement or increased entitlement to benefits will generally be based on the following factors:
• When we received your claim, OR
• When the evidence shows a level of disability that supports a certain rating under the rating schedule
If VA received your claim prior to or within one year of your separation from the military, entitlement will be from the day following the date of your separation.
HOW VA DETERMINES THE DISABILITY RATING.
When we find disabilities to be service-connected, we assign a disability rating. That rating can be changed if there are changes in your condition. Depending on the disability involved, we will
assign a rating from 0 percent to as much as 100 percent. VA uses a schedule for evaluating disabilities that is published as title 38, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 4. In rare cases, we can
assign a disability level other than the levels found in the schedule for a specific condition if your impairment is not adequately covered by the schedule.
We consider evidence of the following in determining disability rating:
• Nature and symptoms of the condition;
• Severity and duration of the symptoms; AND
• Impact of the condition and symptoms on employment.
Examples of evidence that you should tell us about or give to us that may affect how we assign a disability evaluation include the following:
• Information about on-going treatment records, including VA or other Federal treatment records, you have not previously told us about;
• Social Security determinations;
• Statements from employers as to job performance, lost time, or other information regarding how your condition(s) affect your ability to work; OR
• Statements discussing your disability symptoms from people who have witnessed how the the symptoms affect you.
For more information on the FDC Program, visit our web site at http://benefits.va.gov/transformation/fastclaims/.
For more information on VA benefits, visit our web site at www.va.gov, contact us at http://iris.va.gov, or call us toll-free at 1-800-827-1000. If you use a Telecommunications Device for the
Deaf (TDD), the Federal relay number is 711. VA forms are available at www.va.gov/vaforms.
ARE YOU REQUESTING EXPEDITED PROCESSING DUE TO BEING HOMELESS OR IN DANGER OF BECOMING HOMELESS?
To support a request for homeless processing, you must show:
• You are presently homeless or in danger of becoming homeless
• You must have the following service qualifications:
• 90 days of consecutive service; OR
• 90 days of combined service; OR
were discharged prior to 90 days of service due to injury; AND
• Have other than dishonorable military service
• You have a documented disability. You are considered having a documented disability if medical evidence shows:
• Current diagnoses of a disease, disorder, injury, or illness; OR
• Receiving Social Security disability benefits; OR
• Have a disability reasonably certain to continue throughout your lifetime
• Your net worth and income do not exceed certain requirements
IMPORTANT
If you wish to make a claim for veterans non service-connected pension benefits because you have little or no income, use VA Form 21-527EZ, Application for Pension. VA forms are
available at www.va.gov/vaforms. If you cannot access this form, write the word "Pension" in Item 13, or at the top of the attached application and VA will send you the form.
OMB Control No. 2900-0747
Respondent Burden: 25 minutes
Expiration Date: 11/30/2017
VA DATE STAMP
(DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE)
APPLICATION FOR DISABILITY COMPENSATION
AND RELATED COMPENSATION BENEFITS
IMPORTANT: Please read the Privacy Act and Respondent Burden on page 10 before completing the form.
SECTION I: IDENTIFICATION AND CLAIM INFORMATION
1. VETERAN/SERVICE MEMBER NAME (First, Middle Initial, Last)
2. VETERAN'S SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER 3. HAVE YOU EVER FILED A CLAIM WITH VA? 4. VA FILE NUMBER
(If "Yes," provide your file

YES NO
number in Item 4)
5. DATE OF BIRTH (MM,DD,YYYY) 6. SEX 7. VETERAN'S SERVICE NUMBER (If applicable)
Month Day Year
MALE FEMALE
8A. ARE YOU CURRENTLY HOMELESS OR AT RISK 8B. POINT OF CONTACT (Name of 8C. POINT OF CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBER
OF BECOMING HOMELESS? person that VA can contact in order (Include Area Code)
to get in touch with you)
YES NO (If "Yes," complete Items 8B & 8C)
9A. SERVICE (Check all that apply) 9B. COMPONENT (Check all that apply)
ARMY NAVY MARINE CORPS AIR FORCE COAST GUARD ACTIVE RESERVES NATIONAL GUARD
10A. CURRENT MAILING ADDRESS (Number and street or rural route, P.O. Box, City, State, ZIP Code and Country)
No. &
Street
Apt./Unit Number City
State/Province Country ZIP Code/Postal Code
10B. FORWARDING ADDRESS AND EFFECTIVE DATE (Provide the date you will be living at this address)
No. &
Street
Apt./Unit Number City
State/Province Country ZIP Code/Postal Code
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Month Day Year
11. PREFERRED TELEPHONE NUMBER
12A. PREFERRED E-MAIL ADDRESS (If applicable) 12B. ALTERNATE E-MAIL ADDRESS (If applicable)
VA FORM SUPERSEDES VA FORM 21-526EZ, MAY 2015,

FEB 2016 21-526EZ WHICH WILL NOT BE USED. Page 7
2017-18 FORMS 225

VETERANS SOCIAL SECURITY NO.
13. LIST THE DISABILITY(IES) YOU ARE CLAIMING (If applicable, identify whether a disability is due to a service-connected disability, is due to confinement as a
Prisoner of War, is due to exposure to Agent Orange, Asbestos, Mustard Gas, Ionizing Radiation, or Gulf War Environmental Hazards, or is related to benefits
under 38 U.S.C. 1151).
Please list your contentions below. See the following examples, for more information:
• Example 1: Hearing loss
• Example 2: Diabetes-Agent Orange (exposed 12/72, Da Nang)
• Example 3: Left knee - secondary to right knee
DISABILITIES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
14. LIST VA MEDICAL CENTER(S) (VAMC) AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (DOD) MILITARY TREATMENT FACILITIES (MTF) WHERE YOU RECEIVED TREATMENT
AFTER DISCHARGE FOR YOUR CLAIMED DISABILITY(IES) AND PROVIDE TREATMENT DATES:
A. NAME AND LOCATION B. DATE(S) OF TREATMENT
NOTE: IF YOU WISH TO CLAIM ANY OF THE FOLLOWING, COMPLETE AND ATTACH THE REQUIRED FORM(S) AS STATED BELOW
(VA forms are available at www.va.gov/vaforms).
For: Required Form(s):
Dependents VA Form 21-686c and, if claiming a child aged 18-23 years and in school, VA Form 21-674
Individual Unemployability VA Form 21-8940 and 21-4192
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder VA Form 21-0781 and 21-0781a
Specially Adapted Housing or Special Home Adaptation VA Form 26-4555
Auto Allowance VA Form 21-4502
Veteran/Spouse Aid and Attendance benefits VA Form 21-2680 or, if based on nursing home attendance, VA Form 21-0779
SECTION II: SERVICE INFORMATION

15A. DID YOU SERVE UNDER ANOTHER NAME? 15B. PLEASE LIST THE OTHER NAME(S) YOU SERVED UNDER:
YES (If "Yes," complete Item 15B) NO (If "No," skip to Item 16A)
16A. MOST RECENT ACTIVE SERVICE ENTRY DATE 16B. RELEASE DATE OR ANTICIPATED DATE OF RELEASE FROM ACTIVE SERVICE
(MM,DD,YYYY) (MM,DD,YYYY)
Month Day Year Month Day Year
16C. DID YOU SERVE IN A COMBAT ZONE SINCE 9-11-2001? 16D. PLACE OF LAST OR ANTICIPATED SEPARATION
YES NO
17A. ARE YOU CURRENTLY SERVING OR HAVE YOU EVER SERVED IN 17B. COMPONENT 17C. OBLIGATION TERM OF SERVICE
THE RESERVES OR NATIONAL GUARD?
Month Day Year
NATIONAL
YES NO (If "Yes," complete Items 17B thru 17F) GUARD From:
(If "No," skip to Item 18A) RESERVES

To:
17D. CURRENT OR LAST ASSIGNED NAME AND ADDRESS OF UNIT: 17E. CURRENT OR ASSIGNED PHONE 17F. ARE YOU CURRENTLY
NUMBER OF UNIT (Include Area RECEIVING INACTIVE DUTY
Code) TRAINING PAY?
( ) YES NO
18A. ARE YOU CURRENTLY ACTIVATED ON FEDERAL 18B. DATE OF ACTIVATION: 18C. ANTICIPATED SEPARATION DATE:
ORDERS WITHIN THE NATIONAL GUARD OR (MM,DD,YYYY) (MM,DD,YYYY)
RESERVES?
YES NO
(If "Yes," complete Items 18B & 18C)
19A. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN A PRISONER OF WAR? 19B. DATES OF CONFINEMENT (MM,DD,YYYY)
From: To:
YES NO
(If "Yes," complete Item 19B)
SECTION III: SERVICE PAY

20A. DID/DO YOU RECEIVE ANY TYPE OF SEPARATION/SEVERANCE/RETIRED PAY? 20B. LIST AMOUNT (If known) 20C. LIST TYPE (If known)
YES NO (If "Yes," complete Items 20B and 20C)
$
IMPORTANT: Submission of this application constitutes an election of VA compensation in lieu of military retired pay if it is determined you are entitled to both
benefits. If you are entitled to receive military retired pay, your retired pay may be reduced by the amount of any VA compensation that you are awarded. VA will
notify the Military Retired Pay Center of all benefit changes. Receipt of military retired pay or Voluntary Separation Incentive (VSI) and VA compensation at the same
time may result in an overpayment, which may be subject to collection. However, if you do not want to receive VA compensation in lieu of military retired pay, you
should check the box in Item 21. Please note that if you check the box in Item 21, you will not receive VA compensation, if granted.
21. I want military retired pay instead of VA compensation
IMPORTANT: You may elect to keep the training pay for inactive duty training days you received from the military service department. However, to be legally
entitled to keep your training pay, you must waive VA benefits for the number of days equal to the number of days for which you received training pay. In most
instances, it will be to your advantage to waive your VA benefits and keep your training pay.
If you waive VA benefits to receive training pay by checking the box in Item 22, VA will adjust your VA award to withhold future benefits equal to the total number of
inactive duty for training days waived and at the monthly rate in effect for the fiscal year period for which you received training pay. Your normal VA rate will be
restored when the sufficient numbers of days' benefits have been withheld.
22. I elect to waive VA benefits for the days I accrued inactive duty training pay in order to retain my inactive duty training pay.
2017-18 FORMS 227

SECTION IV: DIRECT DEPOSIT INFORMATION

The Department of Treasury requires all Federal benefit payments be made by electronic funds transfer (EFT), also called direct deposit. Please attach a voided personal
check or deposit slip or provide the information requested below in Items 23, 24 and 25 to enroll in direct deposit. If you do not have a bank account, you must receive
your payment through Direct Express Debit MasterCard. To request a Direct Express Debit MasterCard you must apply at www.usdirectexpress.com or by telephone at
1-800-333-1795. If you elect not to enroll, you must contact representatives handling waiver requests for the Department of Treasury at 1-888-224-2950. They will
encourage your participation in EFT and address any questions or concerns you may have.
23. ACCOUNT NUMBER (Check the appropriate box and provide the account number, or simply write "Established" if you have a direct deposit with VA)
CHECKING SAVINGS I CERTIFY THAT I DO NOT HAVE AN ACCOUNT WITH A FINANCIAL
INSTITUTION OR CERTIFIED PAYMENT AGENT
Account No.: Account No.:
24. NAME OF FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (Please provide the name of the bank 25. ROUTING OR TRANSIT NUMBER (The first nine numbers located at the
where you want your direct deposit) bottom left of your check)
SECTION V: CLAIM CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I certify and authorize the release of information. I certify that the statements in this document are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I authorize any
person or entity, including but not limited to any organization, service provider, employer, or government agency, to give the Department of Veterans Affairs any
information about me, and I waive any privilege which makes the information confidential.
I certify I have received the notice attached to this application titled, Notice to Veteran/Service Member of Evidence Necessary to Substantiate a Claim for Veterans
Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits.
I certify I have enclosed all the information or evidence that will support my claim, to include an identification of relevant records available at a Federal facility such as
a VA medical center; OR, I have no information or evidence to give VA to support my claim; OR, I have checked the box in Item 26, indicating that I do not want my
claim considered for rapid processing in the Fully Developed Claim (FDC) Program because I plan to submit further evidence in support of my claim.
ALTERNATE SIGNER: By signing on behalf of the claimant, I certify that I am a court-appointed representative; OR, an attorney in fact or agent authorized to act
on behalf of a claimant under a durable power of attorney; OR, a person who is responsible for the care of the claimant, to include but not limited to a spouse or other
relative; OR, a manager or principal officer acting on behalf of an institution which is responsible for the care of an individual; AND, that the claimant is under the age
of 18; OR, is mentally incompetent to provide substantially accurate information needed to complete the form, or to certify that the statements made on the form are
true and complete; OR, is physically unable to sign this form.
I understand that I may be asked to confirm the truthfulness of the answers to the best of my knowledge under penalty of perjury. I also understand that VA may request
further documentation or evidence to verify or confirm my authorization to sign or complete an application on behalf of the claimant if necessary. Examples of evidence
which VA may request include: Social Security Number (SSN) or Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN); a certificate or order from a court with competent jurisdiction
showing your authority to act for the claimant with a judge's signature and date/time stamp; copy of documentation showing appointment of fiduciary; durable power of
attorney showing the name and signature of the claimant and your authority as attorney in fact or agent; health care power of attorney, affidavit or notarized statement
from an institution or person responsible for the care of the claimant indicating the capacity or responsibility of care provided; or any other documentation showing such
authorization.
26. The FDC Program is designed to rapidly process compensation or pension claims received with the evidence necessary to decide the claim. VA will automatically
consider a claim submitted on this form for rapid processing under the FDC Program. Check the box below ONLY if you DO NOT want your claim considered for
rapid processing under the FDC Program because you plan on submitting further evidence in support of your claim.
I DO NOT want my claim considered for rapid processing under the FDC Program because I plan to submit further evidence in support of my claim.
27A. VETERAN/SERVICE MEMBER/ALTERNATE SIGNER SIGNATURE (REQUIRED) 27B. DATE SIGNED
SECTION VI: WITNESSES TO SIGNATURE

28A. SIGNATURE OF WITNESS (If veteran signed above using an "X") 28B. PRINTED NAME AND ADDRESS OF WITNESS
29A. SIGNATURE OF WITNESS (If veteran signed above using an "X") 29B. PRINTED NAME AND ADDRESS OF WITNESS
SECTION VII: POWER OF ATTORNEY (POA) SIGNATURE

I certify that the claimant has authorized the undersigned representative to file this supplemental claim on behalf of the claimant and that the claimant is aware and
accepts the information provided in this document. I certify that the claimant has authorized the undersigned representative to state that the claimant certifies the truth
and completion of the information contained in this document to the best of claimant's knowledge.
NOTE: A POA's signature will not be accepted unless at the time of submission of this claim a valid VA Form 21-22, Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as
Claimant's Representative, or VA Form 21-22a, Appointment of Individual As Claimant's Representative, indicating the appropriate POA is of record with VA.
30A. POA/AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE SIGNATURE 30B. DATE SIGNED
PRIVACY ACT NOTICE: The form will be used to determine allowance to compensation benefits (38 U.S.C. 5101). The responses you submit are considered confidential (38 U.S.C. 5701). VA may disclose the
information that you provide, including Social Security numbers, outside VA if the disclosure is authorized under the Privacy Act, including the routine uses identified in the VA system of records, 58VA21/22/28,
Compensation, Pension, Education, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Records - VA, published in the Federal Register. The requested information is considered relevant and necessary to determine maximum
benefits under the law. Information submitted is subject to verification through computer matching programs with other agencies. VA may make a "routine use" disclosure for: civil or criminal law enforcement, congressional
communications, epidemiological or research studies, the collection of money owed to the United States, litigation in which the United States is a party or has an interest, the administration of VA programs and delivery of
VA benefits, verification of identity and status, and personnel administration. Your obligation to respond is required in order to obtain or retain benefits. Information that you furnish may be utilized in computer matching
programs with other Federal or State agencies for the purpose of determining your eligibility to receive VA benefits, as well as to collect any amount owed to the United States by virtue of your participation in any benefit
program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Social Security information: You are required to provide the Social Security number requested under 38 U.S.C. 5101(c)(1). VA may disclose Social Security
numbers as authorized under the Privacy Act, and, specifically may disclose them for purposes stated above.
RESPONDENT BURDEN: We need this information to determine your eligibility for compensation. Title 38, United States Code, allows us to ask for this information. We estimate that you will need an average of 25
minutes to review the instructions, find the information, and complete this form. VA cannot conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless a valid OMB control number is displayed. You are not required to respond to
a collection of information if this number is not displayed. Valid OMB control numbers can be located on the OMB Internet Page at www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. If desired, you can call 1-800-827-1000 to get
information on where to send comments or suggestions about this form.
HOUSING/REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION COMPLAINANT INFORMATION SHEET
State of Illinois
Department of Human Rights (For IDHR Use Only) CONTROL NUMBER:
Instructions: Read this entire form and all the instructions carefully before completing. All questions should be answered. However, if you do not
know the answer or if a question is not applicable, leave the question unanswered and fill out as much of the form as you can. Return the form in person, by
mail or fax to IDHR's Chicago Office. You have one year from the date of the alleged discrimination to file a charge, but it's best to file as soon as possible.
The form should be signed and dated below. Use additional sheets if necessary. THIS IS NOT A CHARGE. If IDHR accepts your claim, we will send you a
charge form for signature.
Complainant Information:
Name of Aggrieved Person(s) or Organization: Telephone No.
Address: Apt. No. City, State, ZIP
County: Cell Phone No.: E-mail Address:
Who else can we call if we cannot reach you?

First Contact's Name: Daytime Phone:
Address, City, State, ZIP:
Second Contact's Name: Daytime Phone:
1a. What happened to you? Check all that apply.

Refused an opportunity to rent or buy housing or told housing was not available when it was. Discriminated against in broker's services.
Refused a request to accommodate policies or practices or modify housing because of a disability. Treated differently than others seeking housing.
Discriminated against in the terms or conditions of sale, rental occupancy, or in services or facilities. Denied a loan.
Discriminated against in financing of a home or commercial property. Intimidated/interfered/coerced in the exercise of my housing rights.
Other (explain)
1b. State briefly what happened. (Attach an additional page if necessary.)
2a. On what date did the last act of discrimination occur? 2b. Is the action on going? Yes No
Protected classes: It is a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act to deny a person housing rights because of any of the following protected classes: race;
color; religion; sex (including sexual harassment); pregnancy, national origin; familial status (families with children under 18); disability; aiding/abetting; willful
interference and coercion; military status; unfavorable military discharge; retaliation; marital status; ancestry; age (40 and over); sexual orientation (including
gender identity); and order of protection status.
3. Why do you believe you are being discriminated against? For example: were you denied housing because of your race? Were you denied a mortgage loan
because of your religion? Or turned down for an apartment because you have children? Were you harassed because you assisted someone in obtaining their fair housing rights? Briefly explain
why you think your housing rights were denied because of any of the protected classes listed above.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 2 CIS-H. 12/9/2015

100 W Randolph St, 10th Floor, Attn: Housing Intake, Chicago, IL 60601; 312-814-6229; 866-740-3953 (TTY); INTERVIEWS MON.-THURS.
In Springfield: 222 South College, Room 101-A, Attn: Housing Intake, Springfield, IL 62704; 217-785-5100; 866-740-3953 (TTY)
www.illinois.gov/dhr TOLL FREE: 800-662-3942 CHICAGO FAX NO. 312-814-6251 SPRINGFIELD FAX NO. 217-785-5106
2017-18 FORMS 229

Illinois Department of Human Rights HOUSING COMPLAINANT INFORMATION SHEET
4a. Who do you believe discriminated against you?

Name: Phone No.:
4b. Mark the applicable box that describes the person named above:
Landlord Owner Bank or Other Lender Real Estate Agent Broker Other:
5a. What kind of house, rental unit or property was involved? Check the appropriate box(es):
Single family home Apartment building of more than 4 units Owner lives on the property Public or assisted housing Vacant land
Mobile home park Commercial space Other (specify):
Number of units on the property:
5b. What is the address of the house, rental unit, or property?

Address: Apt. No.:
City, State, ZIP: County:
Is the property still available? Yes No Unknown

6. We need some information for statistical purposes:
Sex: Date of birth (age cases only): National Origin (specify):
How did you learn of our office?
7. Have you filed a charge with any other agency? If so, which agency?
CONSENT AGREEMENT AND RELEASE

I have read the provided “Notice to Complainant” and I understand that: 1) In the course of investigating my charge, IDHR will reveal my identity (including my
name) and my personal information to named Respondent(s) in my charge to obtain facts and evidence regarding my charge; 2) I do not have to reveal my
personal information to IDHR, but IDHR may close my charge if I refuse to reveal information needed to fully investigate my charge; 3) IDHR may be required
by law, subpoena, court order, and/or FOIA request to disclose my charge and information in the Department's investigation file concerning my charge to
persons outside of IDHR.
If IDHR takes a charge based on the information provided, I consent for IDHR to disclose my identity and personal information as necessary to process and
investigate my charge, and I release IDHR from any liability whatsoever concerning disclosure of my identity and any personal information I provided to IDHR
or IDHR obtained in processing my charge.
My signature below verifies the accuracy of the information provided herein and my consent and release as indicated above.
Print Name Signature Date
NOTE: If there is certain personal information you would like withheld, please discuss your concern with an Intake supervisor.
CIS-H 12/9/2015
Illinois Department of Human Rights HOUSING COMPLAINANT INFORMATION SHEET
IDHR Notice of Accessibility
IDHR's programs are accessible to persons with disabilities in compliance with the ADA and Sec. 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. IDHR provides sign
language interpreters upon request. A person with a disability needing an accommodation to participate in IDHR programs should contact Susan Allen, the
ADA Coordinator, at 217-785-5119, 217-785-5106 (fax), 866-740-3953 (TTY) or e-mail susan.allen@illinois.gov.
Notice to complainant on release of identity and personal information

The Illinois Human Rights Act (“Act”), 775 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq., and Section 2520.330 of IDHR's Rules and Regulations, 56 Ill. Admin. Code, Ch. II, Section
2520.330, require a charge to contain certain information in such detail as to substantially apprise the parties of the time, place, and facts with respect to the
alleged civil rights violation. Pursuant to the Department's Rules and Regulations (2 Ill. Admin Code, Ch. X, Section 926.210), anyone who submits
information to IDHR in connection with a discrimination charge should take notice and be aware of the following:
(a) All contents and files maintained by IDHR pertaining to charges shall be confidential and not subject to public disclosure. Relevant exceptions are: 1) the
parties to a charge may inspect the file at any time subsequent to the written notice of substantial evidence, default, or dismissal, administrative closure,
or approval of terms of settlement by the Human Rights Commission (“Commission”); 2) after the filing of a Complaint with the Commission or the
institution of judicial proceedings involving a charge, the Director may release information pertaining to the charge if such information is requested of
IDHR or if the Director finds such information newsworthy, useful in education or training, relevant to an issue before the General Assembly, or similarly
appropriate for disclosure.
(b) Authorized personnel within IDHR analyze information that IDHR collects. This information may include personal information. IDHR staff may need to
reveal some of the personal information to individuals outside the office in order to verify facts related to the charge, or to discover new facts which will
help IDHR to determine whether the law has been violated. IDHR may need to disclose to Respondent correspondence that IDHR receives from
Complainant or other sources.
(c) IDHR may release the identity and personal information of the parties pursuant to a Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”) request, a subpoena or a court
order, and information submitted to or obtained by IDHR may also be revealed to persons outside of IDHR to enforce a Commission Order or a
settlement agreement.
(d) No person is required to file a charge with IDHR and reveal personal information to IDHR; however, if a person files a charge and IDHR cannot obtain
the information needed to fully investigate the allegations in the charge, IDHR may close the case.
The Cooper v. Salazar injunction

IDHR is under a federal-court injunction that, among other things, orders IDHR:
“to cease permanently from relying on credibility determinations made without affording the rights of confrontation and cross-examination”.
See, Cooper v. Salazar, #98 C 2930, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Order dated November 1, 2001, at p. 26, ¶1.
Meaning of the Cooper Injunction

The Department cannot assess the credibility of Complainant's testimony, the testimony of Complainant's witnesses or the testimony of Respondent's
representatives or the witnesses of Respondent where there is conflicting testimony. In other words, if the determination of substantial evidence turns on
issues of credibility, the Department should make a finding of substantial evidence so that a trier of fact may resolve those issues of credibility. This means
that if a determination of lack of substantial evidence requires the Department to make a finding of fact as to conflicting evidence, the Department will make a
finding of substantial evidence so that credibility may be resolved by the Human Rights Commission at a Public Hearing or in circuit court.
The Illinois Human Rights Act defines “substantial evidence” as:
“evidence which a reasonable mind accepts as sufficient to support a particular conclusion and which consists of more than a mere scintilla but may
be somewhat less than a preponderance”. Illinois Human Rights Act §7A-102(D)(2), codified at 775 ILCS 5/7A-102(D)(2).
The Meaning of Credibility

IDHR is an investigatory agency. IDHR's purpose is to gather all of the evidence from each of the parties as to whether Respondent may or may not have
discriminated against the Complainant within the meaning of the Illinois Human Rights Act. IDHR's purpose is to review all of the evidence and make a
determination based upon the law as to whether there is sufficient evidence of discrimination to file a complaint against the Respondent with the Illinois
Human Rights Commission. IDHR will not make a finding that evidence submitted by a party is either believable or not believable. Thus, IDHR will not base
its findings on the fact that one of the parties is not telling the truth or that one party's evidence is not believable. If the resolution of the charge of
discrimination requires believing the evidence of one party over another party, IDHR will make a finding of Substantial Evidence and refer the matter to the
Illinois Human Rights Commission so that a trier of fact may resolve the case.
Conflicting evidence exists when there are

1. Statements of a person with material first hand knowledge contradicted by statements of a different person with material first hand knowledge.
2. Business records contradicted by oral statements of a person with material first hand knowledge.
3. Business records of one person contradicted by business records of another person.
CIS-H 12/9/2015
2017-18 FORMS 231

2017-18 FORMS 233
List of Licenses Affected by Felony
Profession Type of Denial

Acupuncturist Up to Application Reviewer
Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Treatment and Intervention Mandatory Denial of Application
Animal Health Tech Mandatory Denial of Application
Architect Up to Application Reviewer
Arson Investigator Mandatory Denial of Application
Auction License Mandatory Denial of Application
Auctioneer Up to Application Reviewer
Bingo conductor Mandatory Denial of Application
Bingo license Mandatory Denial of Application
Blacksmith Mandatory Denial of Application
Blood Bank license Mandatory Denial of Application
Business Agent Mandatory Denial of Application
Business Broker Mandatory Denial of Application
Buyer or broker of slaughtered livestock Up to Application Reviewer
Cemetery Care fund holder Mandatory Denial of Application
Cemetery Oversight Mandatory Denial of Application
Certified Shorthand Reporters Mandatory Denial of Application
Charitable games conductor Denied unless 10 years since conviction
Child care facility driver Mandatory Denial of Application
Child Protective Investigator Mandatory Denial of Application
Children’s Community-Based Health Care Center license Mandatory Denial of Application
Cigarette Distributor Up to Application Reviewer
Clinical Laboratory license Mandatory Denial of Application
Clinical Psychologist Up to Application Reviewer
Clinical social worker or social worker Up to Application Reviewer
Collateral Recovery Managers Mandatory Denial of Application
Commercial Relocators License Mandatory Denial of Application
Community Association Manager Up to Application Reviewer
Community Association Manager License Mandatory Denial of Application
Community Living Facilities License Mandatory Denial of Application
Control Substance License Mandatory Denial of Application
Correctional officers,Parole Officers Up to Application Reviewer
Cosmetologist, esthetician, nail technician, hair braider, Up to Application Reviewer
or barber; or cosmetology, esthetics, nail technology, hair
braiding, or barber teacher
Crematory Authority Up to Application Reviewer
Dance Hall Operator Up to Application Reviewer
Day care license Mandatory Denial of Application
Deaf Interpreter Up to Application Reviewer
Debt Management Service Provider Mandatory Denial of Application
Debt Settlement Provider Mandatory Denial of Application
2017-18 FORMS 235

Dental applying for temporary training license to pursue Up to Application Reviewer
specialty dental program
Dentist Up to Application Reviewer
Driver Training Instructors Mandatory Denial of Application
Dietitian and nutritionist Up to Application Reviewer
Director for health maintenance organizaition Mandatory Denial of Application
Electrologist Up to Application Reviewer
Electrologist License Mandatory Denial of Application
Elevator Contractor Mandatory Denial of Application
Employment Agency Operator Mandatory Denial of Application
Employment Counselor Up to Application Reviewer
Environmental health practitioner or inspector Up to Application Reviewer
Executive Ethics Commissioner Mandatory Denial of Application
Feeder Swine Dealer Up to Application Reviewer
Fingerprint vendor, locksmith, private alarm contractor, Denied unless 10 years since conviction
private detective, or private security contractor
For Profit Ridesharing Driver Mandatory Denial of Application
Foreman Mandatory Denial of Application
Foster home license Mandatory Denial of Application
Funeral director or embalmer Up to Application Reviewer
Genetic counselor Up to Application Reviewer
Geologist Up to Application Reviewer
Hearing Instrument dispenser Up to Application Reviewer
Home inspector Up to Application Reviewer
Home Inspector License Mandatory Denial of Application
Home Medical Equipment and Services Provider Mandatory Denial of Application
Horse Hotwalker Mandatory Denial of Application
Humane Euthanasia in Animal Shelters Mandatory Denial of Application
Illinois Driver’s License Mandatory Denial of Application
Illinois State Guard Mandatory Denial of Application
Industrial Hygienist Up to Application Reviewer
Insurance Provider Up to Application Reviewer
Inter-Track Employee Mandatory Denial of Application
Investment Advisers (Securities) Mandatory Denial of Application
Lead Pyrotechnic Operator or Assistant Denied unless 10 years since conviction
License for Sex offender transitional housing Mandatory Denial of Application
Liquor License Up to Application Reviewer
Livestock Dealer Mandatory Denial of Application
Loan Broker Mandatory Denial of Application
Long-term Care for Under Age 22 Facilities Mandatory Denial of Application
Lottery Ticket Agent Mandatory Denial of Application
Manufacturer (games of chance) License Mandatory Denial of Application
Marriage therapist or family therapist Up to Application Reviewer
Medicaid Vendor Up to Application Reviewer
Medical Practice Up to Application Reviewer
Medical Radiation Technology Mandatory Denial of Application
Money Transmitter Denied unless 10 years since conviction
Monitoring Device Driving Permit (MDDP) Mandatory Denial of Application
Mortgage loan originator Up to Application Reviewer
Motor Carriers of Property Fitness Standards Mandatory Denial of Application
Non-relocation (disabled vehicle) Towing Mandatory Denial of Application
Notary Mandatory Denial of Application
Nurse Practice Mandatory Denial of Application
Nursing home administrator Up to Application Reviewer
Occupational therapist Up to Application Reviewer
Off Track Stabling Center Mandatory Denial of Application
Officer or State Police Mandatory Denial of Application
Optometric Practice Mandatory Denial of Application
Optometrist Up to Application Reviewer
Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics Practice Mandatory Denial of Application
Orthotist, prosthetist, or pedorthist Up to Application Reviewer
Owner/Assistant Trainer Mandatory Denial of Application
Pawnshop Operator Up to Application Reviewer
Perfuionist Up to Application Reviewer
Pet Shop Operator, Dog Dealer Up to Application Reviewer
Pharmacist Up to Application Reviewer
Physical Therapist Up to Application Reviewer
Physical Therapist Assistant Up to Application Reviewer
Physician Assistant Practice Up to Application Reviewer
Physician or Chiropractor Up to Application Reviewer
Podiatric Medical Practice Mandatory Denial of Application
Postsurgical Recovery Care Center license Mandatory Denial of Application
Pre-need cemetry seller Up to Application Reviewer
Professional Engineering Practice Up to Application Reviewer
Professional Geologist License Mandatory Denial of Application
Professional Land Surveyor Mandatory Denial of Application
Providers Mandatory Denial of Application
Public Accountant Up to Application Reviewer
Pull tab and jar game conductor Mandatory Denial of Application
Pyrotechnic Distributors Mandatory Denial of Application
Pyrotechnic Operators Mandatory Denial of Application
Racetrack Employee Mandatory Denial of Application
Racing Official Mandatory Denial of Application
Radioactive Material License Mandatory Denial of Application
Raffle Conductor Mandatory Denial of Application
Real Estate Appraiser License Mandatory Denial of Application
Real Estate Timeshare Mandatory Denial of Application
2017-18 FORMS 237

Real Estatebroker, salesman Up to Application Reviewer
Recovery manager Denied unless 10 years since conviction
Registered Surgical Assistant and Registered Surgical Mandatory Denial of Application
Religious Organization Bus Driver Mandatory Denial of Application
Riverboat owner, Gambling equipment supply Mandatory Denial of Application
Roofer Up to Application Reviewer
Safe Deposit box operator Mandatory Denial of Application
Safety Deposit License Mandatory Denial of Application
Safety Officer License Mandatory Denial of Application
Seller of pre-need funeral and burial contract Up to Application Reviewer
Senior Citizen Transportation Driver Mandatory Denial of Application
Sheltered Care Facilities license Mandatory Denial of Application
Shorthand Reporter Up to Application Reviewer
Sign Language Interpreter Mandatory Denial of Application
Solid waste site operator Mandatory Denial of Application
Speech language pathologist, audiologist, or speech language Up to Application Reviewer
pathology assistant
Speech-language pathology assistant Up to Application Reviewer
Speech-Language Pathology Assistant Mandatory Denial of Application
Structural Engineering Practice Mandatory Denial of Application
Structural Pest Control license Mandatory Denial of Application
Surgical Assistant Up to Application Reviewer
Surgical Technologist Up to Application Reviewer
Tanning Facility license Mandatory Denial of Application
Teacher (K-12 Teaching certificate) Up to Application Reviewer )
Vehicle Dealers, Transporters, Wreckers and Rebuilders Mandatory Denial of Application
Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Mandatory Denial of Application
Wholesale drug distributor Up to Application Reviewer
2017-18 FORMS 239
About Mapping Your Future
Mapping Your Future was produced by members of the Education Justice Project (EJP)
EJP is a unit of the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Since 2008, EJP has offered academic programs to individuals incarcerated at Danville
Correctional Center in Central IL. Our mission is to build a model college-in-prison
program that demonstrates the benefits of higher education for incarcerated students, their
families, their communities, the host institution, and society as a whole. We believe that a
comprehensive college-in-prison program must engage with broad issues of criminal justice
and incarceration. We believe it must also include assistance to students transitioning out of
prison, to better ensure their continued success in college and life.
Mapping Your Future is a natural outgrowth of the work we do at the prison, and of our
concern for the wellbeing of our students and others like them who must try to make it
on the outside upon release. The core writing and editorial team consists of a group of a
committed, unpaid EJP members (U of I faculty and graduate students and community
members) who meet regularly in Urbana-Champaign; EJP alumni (formerly EJP students)
in Chicago who contributed to the structure and content of the volume; our designer
Aaron Sears and our editor Linda Larsen.
This project is ongoing. We plan to continue to issue a revised version of Mapping Your
Future every fall. Please help us to correct errors and to add more resources and useful
information. Direct feedback to: info@educationjustice.net
We welcome financial donations that will allows us to distribute it for free to individuals
throughout the state. Each copy of Mapping Your Future costs about $10.50
to produce. Please direct your contributions to:
Education Justice Project

1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820
Thank you from The Mapping Your Future team,
Nick Hopkins, Coordinator Rebecca Ginsburg, EJP Director

Linda Larsen, Editor Maggie Shelledy
Elise Duwe Liliane Windsor
Brooke Garren Millie Wright
Emmett Sanders
Special thanks to people involved:
Aaron Sears, designer

MinuteMan Press, printers
Jamie Hines, EJP Operations Manager
Sydney Strick
Annette Taylor
Grant Antoline

Thank you to EJP alumni and other returned citizens for contributing to
Mapping Your Future:
Brian N., Chris H., Darrell W., Earl W., Edmund B., Greg A.,
Jobie T., Johnny P., Marlon C., and Shawn W.

Re-Entry Guide 2017 - Web PDF

Transféré par

Informations du document

Titre original

Copyright

Formats disponibles

Partager ce document

Partager ou intégrer le document

Options de partage

Avez-vous trouvé ce document utile ?

Ce contenu est-il inapproprié ?

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Re-Entry Guide 2017 - Web PDF

Transféré par

Droits d'auteur :

Formats disponibles

Mapping Your Future:

A GUIDE T O SUC CESSFUL REENTRY

EDUCATION JUSTICE PROJECT

There are five main sections in Mapping Your Future:

• “Before You Leave” features advice about preparing for release;

Again, welcome home. We’re glad you’re back.

Copyright by the Board of Trustees, University of Illinois, 2017

2017-18 WELCOME HOME 3

Gather Your Documents 20

Prepare for Your Job Search 24

Prepare for Parole 28

Collect Health Records 32

2. AFTER YOU’RE OUT

Resources To Meet Basic Needs 70

Parole After Release 90

Mental Health & Subtance Abuse 126

3. HEALING AND MOVING FORWARD

MYTH: You can’t be employed after being incarcerated.

MYTH: You can’t receive VA benefits after being incarcerated.

MYTH: People with criminal records can’t vote.

False. In Illinois you can vote upon release, and should.

See Connecting With Your Community on p. 140.

Before You Leave

Gather Your Documents 20

Prepare for Your Job Search 24

Prepare For Parole 28

Collect Health Records 32

It’s never too early to prepare for leaving prison.

Ways of Practicing Mindfulness

to start addressing now, to ensure a smooth release.

Page(s) in this guide

Substance Abuse p. 72, 124

Family Issues p. 34, 132

Housing p. 29, 73, 74

Medical p. 32, 72, 112, 114, 176

Pending Legal Issues p. 92, 188

Child Support Status p. 93

How long it takes to

Call 847-759-8905 or visit

10-14 days (+$12.45)

Social Security Card

Item Taken Care Of Need to Tackle

Search for Employment Opportunities

Preparing for Parole

Transitional houses serve people recently

! For example, if you were convicted of murder, you will

Maintaining Relationships During Incarceration

Even if you cannot be present, be a presence.

After You’re Out

Education 62 Veterans 110

Resources To Meet Basic Needs 70 Health 114

State ID or Driver’s License

Do you plan to apply for a driver’s licence?

40 AFTER YOU’RE OUT M a p p i n g Yo u r F u t u r e

• 1st DUI offense: 1 year

Note: If you choose to drive without a license,

2017-18 AFTER YOU’RE OUT 41

42 AFTER YOU’RE OUT M a p p i n g Yo u r F u t u r e

Marriage License and Divorce Decrees

2017-18 AFTER YOU’RE OUT 43

Seek Help and Know Your Options

44 AFTER YOU’RE OUT M a p p i n g Yo u r F u t u r e

Identifying Possible Jobs

written explanation of your