The Boost Re-entry program enrolls participants ages 18+ who are currently incarcerated in, or, returning to, Woodbury County, and are set for release in 180-20 days. Participants being released will come from Woodbury County Jail, Woodbury County Electronic Monitoring, and Iowa Department of Corrections 3rd Judicial (RTF).  The goal of this program is to help these participants gain employability, and, in turn, reduce recidivism.

What We Do:

Reducing Recidivism| Increasing Employability

We are helping to remove barriers to employment and offering opportunities for education and training to people returning to the Siouxland community, after incarceration.

Pre-release services assist participants prior to release, to prepare for returning to our community. Services include job preparation (EMERGE training-Gainful Employment. Taught by our partner IowaWORKS), pre-release module completion, developing individual development plans (IDPs), identifying barriers, career exploration and planning, and linkage to needed resources to include mental health, substance use, medical/dental, legal, housing, and more.

Post-release services provided by our partners include skill-building services (C.A.R.E.S. course) from St. Luke’s College, career services from IowaWORKS, and credential attainment (Forklift, scissor lift, skid loader, etc.), offered by IBC. These services will help participants get Siouxland high-demand jobs/careers that are in collaboration with 1700 employers in the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce network. In addition, ongoing wraparound services customized to each individual, will continue to occur through follow up.

Outcomes will include reduced recidivism, job attainment, job retention, and improved quality of life for those returning from incarceration, to Woodbury County. With hope, these participants will become an asset to our community and will be the reminder for us all, second chances matter.  

Why is Boost Reentry important for our community?

In 2021, it cost the state of Iowa $103,857,914 to incarcerate people (on parole and/or probation) for supervision violations (technical violations and new offenses) and revocations.

Improving reentry outcomes for people on supervision can lower costs, reduce prison/jail populations, and increase community safety.

Why hire job seekers with a record?

• They’ve already served their time.
  Many people forget that job candidates with records have already served their sentence. Now most want to live a normal life.

• You’ll genuinely help someone.
  People re-entering the workforce after serving time are in a difficult place that most of us may never understand. Every day, they face rejection in all facets of their life. Looking for a job? Looking for a place to live? They face many barriers, but by providing them with a chance to work, you are giving them a rare positive moment and opportunity.

• You’ll help reduce crime.
  Getting a job is crucial for an individual to re-integrate into our community after serving time and to reduce their chances of committing another crime.

• You’ll build a loyal workforce.
  People with a record tend to be loyal to employers who are willing to hire them. They have a much greater chance of succeeding on the outside when society is willing to accept them.

• You could benefit from community services.
  Most recent formerly incarcerated individuals are under the supervision of a parole or probation officer who can also be a contact person and resource for an employer. There are also community organizations who may be assisting people just released from prison and these can help address obstacles to employment, such as transportation and counseling.

• They aren’t as dangerous as you think.
  When most of us hear the word “felony”, we think of heinous acts committed by hardened criminals, thanks in part, to popular culture depictions. Many of whom have nonviolent convictions are just looking for a second chance.

• You could receive incentives.
  There are incentives to employers who hire people with a record. Substantial tax credits are available for hiring persons with a record, such as the Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Employers are also eligible to obtain a free fidelity bond funded by the federal government to protect them against employee dishonesty or theft.

Care to Make a Referral? Download the Form Today!

Contact Us

Sioux City BOOST Re-entry is an Official Grant of the U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance