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Returning Citizens Network (RCN)

Since February 2018, Restore Justice has hosted monthly meetings for returning citizens. These meetings are led by Restore Justice’s impacted staff and attended by individuals who have been impacted by the Illinois criminal legal system.

Send us an email to join or learn more Learn about our family support group

About

RCN meetings have become a safe space for system-impacted individuals to network, and to share personal stories, experiences, coping strategies, peer support, and re-entry resources. Most of the people who attend these meetings are directly involved in community organizing, criminal legal system reform, or youth mentoring programs.

Often, we partner with other organizations such as Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation and Chicago Torture Justice Center to help host these meetings, as well as expand the network. These RCN meetings, which were once all men, have grown to include women and some system-impacted children. The most meaningful aspect of these meetings is that they help returning citizens develop a sense of togetherness–when returning to society after serving a long sentence, it is important to have a safe space to deal with the stressors of life after incarceration.

Examples of resources and events RCN offers:

Financial Literacy Fairs

We bring in organizations to teach returning citizens about banking, credit, budgeting, etc.

Technology Fairs

We bring in one of our partner organizations to teach returning citizens how to navigate technology, including laptops, tablets, cell phones (iPhone/Android), and Google Workspace.

Group Outings

We host outings that allow our returning citizens to have fun and strengthen their bonds with one another. We have organized gatherings at Top Golf, Kings Bowling Alley, as well as an annual Returning Citizens Softball Game. These meetings are a great pathway to healing after incarceration.

What RCN Members Say

RCN meetings are very much needed. You are able to talk to people who can relate to your struggles and not be judgemental. It is rare to find a group of people who challenge and inspire you to be great.

Charles Johnson

What RCN Members Say

Teamwork makes the dream work!

Dyanna Winchester

What RCN Members Say

The biggest thing for us is support: having individuals in prison be able to see that there is support out here is VERY important. Individuals inside need to know that they are not alone.

Maurice Hughes