Founded in 1979, Project Return, Inc. (PRI)
is a Nashville-based, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
dedicated to the rehabilitation of Middle Tennessee's
prison population. Through employment placement,
direct aid and other support services, PRI offers
ex-offenders new beginnings. Since its inception,
the agency has helped probationers, parolees and
their family members to become self-sustaining,
law- abiding members of the community. PRI provides
training and assistance designed to increase employ-
ability, improve life skills, and reduce ever-rising
return-to-prison rates. The agency provided 8,979 direct services
to 4,080 adult clients in calendar year 2006.
How does the program work?
PRI has developed a comprehensive series of
workshops, exercises, job placement services and
follow-up that have proven to be effective in
matching former offenders with jobs that provide
adequate pay and opportunity for advancement.
Because the agency recognizes that an ex-offender's
needs may often far exceed just locating suitable
employment, assistance is offered with securing
proper identification (i.e., birth certificates,
ID cards, and social security cards). Upon release,
clients participate in PRI's Jobs and Futures
Program. Case management counselors assess the
specific needs of each client and an Offender
Reentry Plan is developed to help them successfully
transition from incarceration to self-sufficiency
in the community.
Where does PRI operate?
PRI currently serves the Davidson County and
surrounding Middle Tennessee area, while offering
referral assistance services statewide.
How are people selected to participate?
Services are free to anyone with a juvenile or criminal
record who has been incarcerated or is currently
imprisoned and planning for his or her release.
It is the policy of PRI to provide equal opportunities
to all persons served by the agency. No person
will be discriminated against because of race,
religion, creed, color, sex, age, national origin,
veteran status or disability.
How are donations used?
Donations are used as designated by the donor.
Gifts received and earmarked for a specific campaign
are restricted and assigned to that program. Unrestricted
funds are utilized where needed and for administrative
expenses. PRI's most recent financial statement
is available upon request.
Who controls and manages PRI?
A board of directors from the Middle Tennessee
area determines policy and guides the mission
of the agency. Board members are dedicated volunteers
concerned about social justice issues and genuinely
committed to finding ways to strengthen public
safety while assisting those returning to the
community from incarceration.
What challenges face released offenders?
Upon release, ex-offenders face many obstacles.
A report from the State of Tennessee,
Office of Research reports: "Those released
from prison receive virtually no transition assistance
as they reenter the local community. Not only
must ex-offenders cope with social ostracism,
they must also adjust to life without the structure
found in prison." Moreover, the majority
of ex-offenders will be released into the community
unskilled. PRI seeks to combat these negative outcomes and reduce re-arrest rates among clients through direct assistance and training, and by empowering them to make positive life decisions. The agency's staff is commited to making a difference, one person at a time.
