A Guide for the Journey Home
Leaving prison is just the beginning. The first months after release are filled with challenges; housing, transportation, job searches, and reconnecting with family. That’s where a reentry coach comes in.
A reentry coach is a mentor, guide, and accountability partner for someone transitioning back into society. At PEP, they are often graduates of the program who understand the journey firsthand.
What Reentry Coaches Do
Reentry coaches help navigate:
- Goal-setting and time management
- Employment and entrepreneurship readiness
- Transportation and budgeting
- Relationship rebuilding
- Encouragement during setbacks
They provide weekly check-ins, realistic advice, and a connection to community resources. Their role is not to do the work for someone, but to walk beside them as they do it themselves.
Why It Matters
Reentry can be isolating. Having someone who’s been through the process helps reduce anxiety, build confidence, and avoid old pitfalls. Many participants say their reentry coach was the key to staying on track during that critical window after release.
It’s not just practical, it’s relational. And that makes the difference.
A Model of Peer Leadership
At PEP, reentry coaches are often alumni who have walked the path successfully. This peer-to-peer model reinforces the message: transformation is real, and you’re not alone.
It also gives the coach a chance to grow, give back, and continue leading by example.
Final Thought:
A reentry coach offers more than advice. They offer a reminder that no one has to do this alone, and that a second chance is stronger when it’s shared.
