Reentry Teams
are support circles of 3–5 community volunteers in mutually supportive
community with a Partner (a person newly released from prison).
are support circles of 3–5 community volunteers in mutually supportive
community with a Partner (a person newly released from prison).
How are team partnerships built?
RF Durham's reentry teams capitalize on our dual connections
within Durham's reentry community and our broader community.
We meet Partners through collaborative relationships with City, County, and non-profit reentry programs,
who help us identify folks in need of companionship on their reentry journey.
Our RF Durham Coordinator meets regularly with potential Partners
to build the foundation for a successful team.
We develop Volunteers from the community, often within a local congregation or organization.
Our two-part training introduces the challenges of prison reentry and RF Durham's unique approach.
We create Reentry Teams by thoughtfully pairing partners with 3–5 volunteers.
They agree to walk together in covenantal relationship for at least one year.
RF Durham leadership then provides ongoing support as each team
develops relationships and becomes a self-sustaining community.
within Durham's reentry community and our broader community.
We meet Partners through collaborative relationships with City, County, and non-profit reentry programs,
who help us identify folks in need of companionship on their reentry journey.
Our RF Durham Coordinator meets regularly with potential Partners
to build the foundation for a successful team.
We develop Volunteers from the community, often within a local congregation or organization.
Our two-part training introduces the challenges of prison reentry and RF Durham's unique approach.
We create Reentry Teams by thoughtfully pairing partners with 3–5 volunteers.
They agree to walk together in covenantal relationship for at least one year.
RF Durham leadership then provides ongoing support as each team
develops relationships and becomes a self-sustaining community.
How does a reentry team work?
1) A circle of mutual support, committed to being with one another.
We are not trying to fix one another.
We are only seeking to walk together in openness, friendship, and accountability.
2) Confidentiality
What happens in the circle stays in the circle.
(Exceptions include: imminent danger to self or others; breach of legal conditions.)
3) Inner Circle
3–5 community volunteers with one partner (person returning from prison).
Regular meetings (i.e. twice monthly) to share life together (e.g. shared meal, community event).
Maintains friendly, mutual contact between meetings.
4) Outer Circle
Includes required supervision (probation/parole) or
service providers in housing, employment/training,
mental health, and/or substance abuse services.
This extended network of support allows each inner circle
to operate in mutual, non-transactional relationship.
We are not trying to fix one another.
We are only seeking to walk together in openness, friendship, and accountability.
2) Confidentiality
What happens in the circle stays in the circle.
(Exceptions include: imminent danger to self or others; breach of legal conditions.)
3) Inner Circle
3–5 community volunteers with one partner (person returning from prison).
Regular meetings (i.e. twice monthly) to share life together (e.g. shared meal, community event).
Maintains friendly, mutual contact between meetings.
4) Outer Circle
Includes required supervision (probation/parole) or
service providers in housing, employment/training,
mental health, and/or substance abuse services.
This extended network of support allows each inner circle
to operate in mutual, non-transactional relationship.
What happens over the course of a year?
Very simply--life together. First jobs. Next jobs. Relational conflicts.
Birthdays. Illness. Holidays. Grief. Recovery.
Courage. Trust. So many stories.
After a year together, each team finds a right time to close out their covenantal relationship.
Many maintain enduring friendships. Volunteers often decide to begin again with a new Partner.
Partners regularly return to their team as volunteers.
Whatever the "outcome"—loneliness meets community, and experience bends toward understanding.
Birthdays. Illness. Holidays. Grief. Recovery.
Courage. Trust. So many stories.
After a year together, each team finds a right time to close out their covenantal relationship.
Many maintain enduring friendships. Volunteers often decide to begin again with a new Partner.
Partners regularly return to their team as volunteers.
Whatever the "outcome"—loneliness meets community, and experience bends toward understanding.