Gulf Coast Community Foundation provide $156,000 grant to support inmate reintegration

VENICE — In response to the ongoing challenges of identifying and securing housing and supports for individuals returning to the community after incarceration, the Gulf Coast Community Foundation recently provided a $156,000 grant to Community Assisted and Supported Living.

In February 2020, Gulf Coast partnered with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office to launch the inaugural Re-entry Navigator Program to reintegrate individuals into the community upon their release from a correctional facility. With funding from Gulf Coast, the Sheriff’s Office hired two full-time “re-entry navigators” who connect inmates to reintegration programs. Since inception the navigators have connected with 222 inmates in correction facilities; about 40 individuals annually continue to receive support in the community.

The collaboration between Gulf Coast Community Foundation, the Sheriff’s Office, and CASL was groundbreaking from the start.

“Formerly incarcerated individuals are 10 times more likely to fall into homelessness than the general public,” said Mark Pritchett, president and CEO of the Gulf Coast Community Foundation. “This unique collaboration has given individuals a successful reintroduction to the community with the critical supports they need now and in the future.”

Using the $156,000 grant, CASL was able to dedicate five beds for the project. CASL case managers worked with individuals to develop plans for success within five days of admission, coordinating food access, transportation services, assistance in applying for benefits, and more.

“The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the value of community partnerships when it comes to reducing recidivism and finding solutions to incarceration," Sarasota County Sheriff Kurt Hoffman said. "Through our collaboration with CASL and assistance from our re-entry navigators, nine former inmates were placed in housing, along with a strong support system, to help with their transition back into the community.”

CASL’s mission is to provide safe, affordable, and supportive housing for adults with disabilities. For more information, visit CASLinc.org.

Submitted by Rachel Denton

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Gulf Coast Foundation provide $156,000 grant to help inmate transition