Road Home

Program Description

We believe in second chances and the strength people bring when given the opportunity to rebuild. The Road Home serves Chicago and suburban Cook County, addressing the holistic needs of those who are justice-impacted, by connecting them with Reentry Navigators who offer guidance and support before they return home.

This initiative provides personalized support, including navigation, career coaching, training, support services, and paid work experience. With a focus on workforce development, occupational training, and permanent, unsubsidized job placement, The Road Home helps returning residents step confidently into new opportunities and a brighter future.

Created in early 2022, in partnership with Cook County’s Justice Advisory Council, The Partnership launched the Reentry Navigation Initiative: The Road Home, a 34-month project supporting individuals returning to Cook County from Illinois’ correctional facilities. Through Cook County’s ARPA funds, the program expanded to assist more returning citizens facing employment challenges. In April 2023, during Second Chance Month, County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced the program’s growth, with federal funding increasing from $450,000 to $1 million in 2024. This expansion helps participants in suburban Cook County by offering navigation, career coaching, training, support services, and paid work experience, with a focus on workforce development, training, and permanent job placement.

Success Stories

Lakeshia A. was enrolled in Safer Foundation’s Road Home Program, a member of The Partnership’s network, for assistance with training and wrap-around services in May of 2024. She chose to attend CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) training. Though she faced challenges, she was determined to finish her class so she could provide for her and her three children. When childcare issues threatened to derail her plans, Safer was able to assist by finding childcare and other supports. She completed her training in September of 2024 and began working at Schneider Trucking. Since then, Ms. Adell now obtained her own LLC, Noel-Adell Trucking.

In September 2024, Juan A. connected with SERCO to enroll in the Road Home Program at the American Job Center in North Riverside, a member of The Partnership’s network. Initially, Juan’s goal was to obtain his CDL, but as he worked with his career coach, he realized that he had valuable experience in the construction industry. He discovered Tesla Training Center, where he enrolled in an electrical certification course. Through the Road Home program he was able to receive support to with this training. Juan is currently 41% complete with his training is schedule to receive his certification in March 2025. Determined to enhance his skills further, Juan also decided to pursue his OSHA 30 certification. Through the Road Home Program, he was able to receive support for this certification, which was provided by Squared Away Construction. In addition to his certifications, Juan participated in the Paid Work Experience (PWE) program, which gave him hands-on experience in both the construction and electrical fields. His efforts paid off when he was hired by Fast Action Services as an Electrician in Training.

Sectors Where Returning Residents Often Find Careers

Finding a meaningful career is critical to a successful road home.
Returning residents with whom The Partnership has assisted have found careers in the following sectors: