Reentry Services: a pathway to a successful future

Reentry begins on day one
From intake to release, reentry specialists engage individuals in structured planning to remove barriers and build a foundation for success. Within the first 14 days of incarceration, a reentry specialist meets with each individual to start the conversation about their future. As release approaches, these meetings become more frequent—typically at 18 months, 6 months, 30 days, and other key milestones—to ensure a smooth transition.

Areas of Focus:

• Stable Housing – Securing safe, supportive living arrangements that promote long-term success.
• Medical & Mental Health Care – Ensuring access to necessary treatment, prescriptions, and ongoing support.
• Employment & Job Readiness – Connecting individuals with training, job opportunities, and career development resources.
• Transportation & Daily Needs – Addressing practical challenges to ensure individuals can access work, healthcare, and community resources.

Reentry Planner

Incarcerated individuals receive access to an interactive Reentry Planner, which provides resources to help them prepare for release and set goals. From intake to release, reentry specialists work alongside individuals to develop personalized plans that highlight opportunities for growth and assist in addressing barriers to success. Through the engagement with their Reentry Planner, individuals are guided toward stable housing, medical and mental health care, job readiness, transportation, and essential daily needs. NDCS’s reentry planning framework is grounded in the 5-Key Model for Reentry and Well-Being™, ensuring individuals are equipped with the mindset and resources for a fresh start.

The planner includes information about reentry services, identification, addiction recovery, self-care, financial obligations, employment, education, transportation, housing, and many other planning topics. Reentry specialists collaborate with individuals to create a personalized roadmap for success, identifying goals and potential challenges along the way.

Click the image below to view the full Reentry Planner.

Success after incarceration depends on more than just a plan—it requires preparation. Vocational and life skills (VLS) programming equip individuals with the knowledge, competencies, and personal development necessary to sustain a productive, independent life. NDCS partners with providers across Nebraska to offer evidence-based and skill-building programs tailored to real-world success.

The Vocational Life Skills (VLS) program was initiated in 2014 after lawmakers discussed the importance of community supervision of individuals released from prison. Vocational life skills programming uses a strength-based strategy to address client needs. VLS focuses on promoting meaningful employment through a variety of case management and supervision strategies. 

• Education & Training – GED completion, college courses, and specialized certifications in high-demand fields such as skilled trades, information technology, and healthcare. NDCS collaborates with local educational institutions and industry leaders to provide hands-on learning experiences that increase employability.
• Cognitive & Life Skills Development – Courses that focus on critical thinking, emotional regulation, financial literacy, communication, problem-solving, time management, and decision-making. These programs help individuals develop resilience and adaptability in navigating daily life and workplace challenges.
• Substance Use & Mental Health Support – Access to counseling, peer support groups, and evidence-based treatment programs to help individuals manage stress, triggers, and behavioral health needs. Specialized support for co-occurring disorders ensures a comprehensive approach to mental well-being.
• Employment Preparation – Comprehensive job readiness training covering resume building, mock interviews, workplace expectations, soft skill development, communication tactics, and job retention strategies. Individuals learn how to navigate job applications, professional networking, and employer expectations to enhance their chances of long-term success.
• Family Reunification & Social Development – Programming and counseling aimed at strengthening family relationships, improving communication, and resolving conflicts.  Additionally, NDCS provides parenting classes, support groups, and mentorship opportunities to help individuals reestablish meaningful connections within their communities.

A list of VLS programs and services providers can be found below. 

50^th Street Landing

Persevere 

Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) 

B.A.M.B. 

Care Corps, Inc. (LifeHouse) 

Center for People 

Chain Breaker, LLC (Catherine Rylee House and Robert Scott House) 

Community Alliance Rehabilitation Services 

Community Justice Center 

Connecting Links 

Crossroads Center, Inc. 

Different Approach 

Fresh Start

Kearney’s Village Transitional and Sober Living 

Mental Health Association (MHA)

Metro Community College 

O.NE Mentoring Academy  

People’s City Mission (Curtis Center)

Q.U.E.E.N.S. Butterfly House 

ReConnect, Inc.

RISE

The Work Lab 

Western Alternative Corrections 

Ybor 

These programs empower individuals to take ownership of their growth and prepare for the challenges and opportunities they will face upon release.

A meaningful career is a key component of long-term stability and successful reintegration. NDCS workforce development initiatives bridge the gap between incarceration and employment by providing hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and direct connections to employers.

Career specialists work with individuals to assess their skills and interests along with their current educaiton level. Participation in education is highly encouraged as it is often a requirement for meaningful work. The career specialists work with idnividuals to identify their career pathway and to ensure they take the necessary steps to achieve their desired career.

An important component of this work is to build relationships with employers to encourage second chance hiring and to ensure NDCS is prepared to provide the skills and abilities employers are looking for. This includes skill-building, apprenticeships, and industry certifications.