By: Ashmar Mandou

Mayor’s Office of Reentry Director Joseph Mapp, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige, and United Way of Metro Chicago announced a $600,000 investment in reentry service providers which will allow organizations to expand support programs and mental health services for returning residents.

“We acknowledge, lift up, and celebrate the Reentry service providers who stand on the frontlines of hope and possibility,” said Director of Reentry Joseph Mapp. “Their work reminds us that, when met with dignity, opportunity, and unwavering support, every returning resident carries the potential for transformation. This funding is more than an investment in programs, it is an investment in people, in healing, and in the belief that communities thrive when everyone has a path forward.”

The Returning with Hope Microgrant program is intended to strengthen Chicago’s reentry support network by investing in the work of smaller organizations while promoting collaboration between service providers. The program allows partner organizations the ability to increase mental health offerings, increase participants’ self-confidence, connect individuals with peer mentors, and help returning residents access safe and stable housing.

“When returning residents have access to mental health care, stable housing, employment pathways, and strong community support, our entire city becomes healthier and more resilient, said CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige. “This investment reflects our shared commitment to breaking cycles of incarceration and expanding opportunity for every Chicagoan. We are inspired by the organizations leading this work, and are proud to support the innovative, community-rooted solutions they deliver.”

Thirty-two organizations, comprised of both individual applications and collaborative, have been selected as grantees, which include Monarch Ministries, NextGen Visionary Leaders, and Sonya Foundation, to name a few. Individual awardees will receive between $10,000 and $20,000 while collaboratives will receive between $50,000 and $60,000 to split amongst each other.  The initiative was made possible through collaboration by United Way of Metro Chicago and CDPH who helped to develop and coordinate the funding opportunity alongside the Office of Reentry.

The Office of Re-entry leads initiatives aimed at providing holistic support to returning residents and their families, ensuring impacted individuals can access the resources they need to thrive. Each year, more than 10,000 individuals return to Chicago following detention or incarceration. The majority return to communities on the South and West Sides.