Programs & Services

Support for every part of coming home.

Life After Life offers comprehensive reentry and community assistance through a structured program model. Every participant is connected to individualized case planning, then to the program areas that address their biggest barriers.

Reentry Transition Support

For people coming home from jail or prison. We help you transition back into the community and bring structure to the critical first 90 days after release.

Ask about reentry support

What’s included

  • Reentry orientation and goal setting
  • Help getting identification documents — birth certificate, ID, Social Security card
  • Connection to parole and probation compliance support
  • Help navigating court obligations and community supervision requirements
  • Referrals to legal aid and expungement resources
  • Crisis intervention and stabilization planning

Goal: reduce the stress of reentry and provide structure during the first 90 days home.

Case Management & Personal Success Plans

For every participant. You receive a customized support plan based on your needs, risks and goals.

Ask about case management

What’s included

  • Intake assessment and needs evaluation
  • Development of your Personal Success Plan
  • One-on-one coaching and progress monitoring
  • Resource coordination and referral services
  • Monthly check-ins and documentation support
  • Family reunification support when appropriate

Goal: give each participant a clear roadmap toward independence and stability.

Workforce Development & Job Readiness

For anyone preparing to find work or keep a job. Employment is one of the most important tools for building a stable life after incarceration.

Ask about job readiness

What’s included

  • Resume writing and employment applications
  • Interview preparation and mock interviews
  • Soft skills training — communication, punctuality, professionalism
  • Work ethic development and job retention strategies
  • Connections to second-chance employers
  • Trade and vocational training referrals
  • Workforce certification support, such as OSHA, forklift and ServSafe

Goal: prepare participants to gain and keep stable employment.

Life Skills & Personal Development

Structured workshops that promote independence and responsible decision-making—for participants and community members alike.

Ask about workshops

Workshop topics

  • Financial literacy and budgeting
  • Conflict resolution and anger management
  • Healthy relationships and family rebuilding
  • Time management and goal planning
  • Parenting skills and co-parenting support
  • Emotional regulation and trauma-informed education
  • Community responsibility and leadership development

Goal: equip participants with the everyday skills they need to thrive.

Mentorship & Peer Support

So no one faces reentry alone. Connect with mentors and peers who understand the road you’re on.

Ask about mentorship

What’s included

  • One-on-one mentorship from trained volunteers and leaders
  • Peer-led support circles
  • Community accountability meetings
  • Motivational coaching and guidance
  • Positive role models who have successfully reentered society

Goal: build long-term support networks and reduce isolation.

Housing Stability & Resource Navigation

Housing insecurity is one of the biggest barriers after release. We help you find, apply for and keep a stable place to live.

Ask about housing help

What’s included

  • Transitional housing referrals
  • Shelter placement support
  • Help with housing applications and eligibility requirements
  • Connection to supportive housing agencies
  • Budget planning for rent and utilities
  • Support rebuilding rental history

Goal: reduce homelessness and stabilize living conditions.

Recovery Support & Wellness

For people working to overcome addiction or mental health challenges, with connections to the care that fits.

Ask about recovery support

What’s included

  • Recovery support and referrals to treatment centers
  • Relapse prevention planning
  • Wellness coaching
  • Mental health resource connection
  • Support group referrals
  • Crisis stabilization referrals

Goal: improve overall health, sobriety and emotional wellness.

In an emergency, call 911. For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time.

Community Assistance & Emergency Support

For individuals and families in the wider community going through hardship—immediate relief, plus a path to long-term independence.

Ask about assistance

Services may include

  • Food assistance and pantry referrals
  • Clothing and hygiene kits
  • Transportation support, such as bus passes and ride assistance
  • Help accessing public benefits — SNAP, Medicaid, General Assistance
  • Utility assistance referrals
  • Seasonal community outreach events

Goal: provide immediate relief while helping people work toward long-term independence.

How support is delivered

  • In-person workshops and group sessions
  • Individual coaching and case management
  • Community-based outreach and street engagement
  • Partnerships with New Jersey employers and workforce agencies
  • Faith-based and community collaborations
  • Referral partnerships with reentry providers, shelters and treatment centers

Who can take part

  • Returning citizens recently released from jail or prison
  • People on probation, parole or supervision
  • Justice-involved youth and young adults
  • People at risk of homelessness or housing instability
  • People impacted by substance use, trauma or poverty
  • Families impacted by incarceration and reentry
  • Community members seeking life skills and support

Not sure where to start?

You don’t need to know which program you need. Call us or send a short message and we’ll talk it through with you. Services and availability can change, so we’ll let you know what’s open right now.

Life After Life program flyer listing the leadership team and phone numbers: Darlene Bunch and Jay Rutherford at (856) 526-8472, Hassan Shakur at (856) 536-2615, and Ricky Haywood at (856) 776-6516.
Share the program flyer: open full size.

Common questions

Who can take part in Life After Life?

Returning citizens recently released from jail or prison, people on probation, parole or supervision, justice-involved youth and young adults, people facing housing instability, substance use, trauma or poverty, families impacted by incarceration, and community members looking for life skills and support.

What happens when I reach out?

We start with a conversation. Participants are connected to individualized case planning: an intake assessment and needs evaluation, then a Personal Success Plan built around your goals, with one-on-one coaching and regular check-ins.

Can family members contact you?

Yes. Families impacted by incarceration and reentry are part of who we serve, and case management includes family reunification support when appropriate.

Do you help with legal issues or expungement?

We help people navigate court obligations and community supervision requirements, and we make referrals to legal aid and expungement resources. Legal advice and representation come through those legal aid providers.

Do you provide housing?

Our housing support focuses on transitional housing and shelter referrals, help with applications and eligibility, connection to supportive housing agencies, and budgeting for rent and utilities.

Where are programs held?

Life After Life is based in Clementon, New Jersey and serves Southern New Jersey. Programs may be offered at community centers, transitional housing programs, probation and parole–referred locations, partner nonprofit locations, and local churches and outreach sites.

Do I need to share my record online?

No. Please don’t send case details, criminal history or ID numbers through this website. Share only what you’re comfortable with when you speak with our team.

Ready to talk about your next step?

Growth · Support · Connect

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Receive occasional updates, community news, and information about opportunities to connect with Life After Life Returning Citizens Support Group.