Life Changes New Beginnings
Prisoner Reentry Project
When prisoners in Nevada are released, they face a myriad of challenges that can deter them from a successful and long-term transition to society. The months prior to release can be stressful and filled with uncertainty as they attempt to navigate their release plans from behind bars. The problems that await former offenders are often overwhelming. They are not returning to the same world they left behind, things have changed. Their families have adjusted to their absence and spouses and children have learned to live without them. The workforce has changed, neighborhoods have grown, prices have increased, and technology often leave them feeling left behind. For years, decision have been made for them. The Department of Corrections has told them what and when to eat, what to wear, even when they can shower. If they are lucky, they are assigned a prison job. Now, suddenly, the released offender is faced with a myriad of decisions about life in the free word - a place that no longer feels like home. Often, without an approved release plan, they are left to sit in prison until they expire their sentence at a taxpayer cost in excess of $30,000 annually.
Unless the offender has managed to save a few dollars or have family support, they are released with $25 gate money to begin their new life. This creates an immediate need for a safe place to lay their head and something to eat. Without a strong support plan,more than 70% of released offenders return to prison within
two years in the United States. Life Changes has opened the New Beginnings Prisoner Reentry program to address these obstacles. With limited bed space, Life Changes has collaborated with the Pre-Release staff at NDOC to streamline the admission process.
You can help relieve some of the uncertainty your loved one faces by sharing the process for admission with them. Bed space is limited so timely submission of the application is vital. Individuals with crimes that are sexual in nature, arson, or crimes against minors or seniors are ineligible for Life Changes services. Life Changes is a fee-based organization and a full month of service fees plus a nonrefundable deposit is required for entry. In many cases, offenders are eligible for indigent funding from NDOC. After the first 29 days, the resident is responsible to pay their own fees.
If you have questions or concerns about the application or reentry process, please feel free to contact us Please be aware, communication with you via phone calls will delay the process – please simply send an email and we will respond quickly. Without a signed release of information from the applicant with your name on it, we can only release general information about the process. Please see the boxes below for specific information.