The Life After Justice Center is the idea of Antoine Day and Jarrett Adams. Their goal is to start a re-entry home for men released from prison, with preference given to men that were wrongfully convicted of crimes, referred to as “exonerees.” These men have a special interest in starting this re-entry home, because they’re both exonerees themselves. Both men suffered grave injustices by the criminal justice system and spent years of their lives in prison for crimes they didn’t commit. Now they want to help others that have suffered through similar experiences.
Because of gaps in the system, exonerees aren’t afforded the same re-entry services that parolees receive and this is especially true for housing. Despite being innocent, these men are typically given nothing more than a pair of clothes and a bus pass when they’re released back onto the streets. Some of them end up on their mom’s couch, others in a homeless shelter. That’s where the Life After Justice Center wants to step in. The home will not only provide these men with a place to live, but it will also include a variety of services the men need to successfully re-enter society, like: job training, computer skills, finance classes, mentoring, etc.
The Center’s Mission Statement is: ”To assist exonerees and parolees successfully reenter society. To provide clean, stable housing that acts as a transitional platform through a structured, mentored living environment. To facilitate job training, employment, counseling and other services through the use of outside providers. To connect with the local community and to be a positive contribution to improving the community’s image.”
Currently the Center is raising funds and looking for a building in the near-West Chicago neighborhoods. The Center hopes to open its doors in the near future. For more information about the Center or to find out how you can help, please email the Center at: lifeafterjustice@gmail.com
