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Homeless & ReEntry Helpers, Inc.
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Jan10

Dec09
A Great Article on: Helping ExOffenders The environment Transition program teaches job skills to ex-offenders while recycling computers Click here to view article
MCCOY Hires Staff to Focus on Early Intervention & Prevention Initiative - Great New Youth Program,
Get more info
The Mayor's First Day Out Program is starting another Mentoring Class October 5th, interested persons -
Please View Flyer
The Indiana Chapter of the NAACP is looking for remarkable women - they can recognize at their annual event on the 1st of August of this year | Women in Indiana who are just like Ida B Wells, Mary Ovington and Mary Ellen Cable, which have made personal commitments without ever expecting anything in return | For more information, please  contact: Natalie Brooks | Download Flyer
Read Mayor Greg Ballard's latest Newsletter - View Newsletter
View Interview between Coach Dungy & Olgen Williams - on the Mayor's ReEntry Program - Great One-on-One interview - View Interview
New web site for returning Military Personnel - dedicated to helping returning service members for their service.  - Hire A Hero.com
McCoy's 2009 Youth Activity Directory is now available - Over 20 pages of summer camp information - Visit: www.mccoyouth.org
Charitable Advisors, LLC publishes a great weekly Newsletter for the "Not-For-Profit Community" - If you are involved in any spectrum of a non-profit organization I strongly suggest you sign up for Bryan Orander's newsletter, it is a great source of information.  Charitable Advisors LLC is a local firm focused on Strategic Planning, Board Development and Capacity Building. www.CharitableAdvisorsLLC.com - Bryan Orander 317-577-4692.
Meet ROY! a/k/a Resources Online for Youth - is central Indiana's new online, searchable database of youth activities and opportunities.  Youth and families will be able to perform targeted searches by age, location, keyword and program type.  MCCOY will use ROY's data to identify strengths, pinpoint gaps and find barriers to participation in youth programs and services. | It's FAST, EASY and FREE - Visit the ROY page on MCCOY's website by clicking on www.roymccoy.org.  Have questions? Contact Amelia at 317-921-1266.  MCCOY has published this annual Youth Activity Directory (YAD), a comprehensive list of youth services and programs for several years. Over 25,000 directories are distributed through our network of youth agencies and at community events throughout the year.
Government Grants:
Mentoring Children of Prisoners - Department of Health & Human Services - Administration for Children and Families | Link to Full Announcement
Solicitation for Second Chance Act Mentoring Grants to Nonprofit Organizations Just Released - The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice, released the solicitation for Second Chance Act grants to nonprofit organizations for mentoring (Section 211). Funding under this section is available to help nonprofit organizations and federally recognized Indian tribes implement mentoring projects to promote the safe and successful reintegration into the community of individuals who have been incarcerated. | Click here to download the solicitation.
Service Providers, don't forget to register for the Mayor's Ex-Offender Re-Entry Resource Fair - May 12 - 13, 2009; 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Indiana State Fairgrounds | Local service providers are invited to participate in the 2009 Mayor’s Re-Entry Resource Fair where you will have an opportunity to talk with ex-offenders about services your organization has to offer. | Service Providers will have the opportunity to talk with ex-offenders on May 12 and 13 about resources they have available.  Click here to Register | For priority consideration, please register by May 5, 2009.
Charitable Advisors, LLC publishes a great weekly Newsletter for the "Not-For-Profit Community" - If you are involved in any spectrum of a non-profit organization I strongly suggest you sign up for Bryan Orander's newsletter, it is a great source of information.  Charitable Advisors LLC is a local firm focused on Strategic Planning, Board Development and Capacity Building. www.CharitableAdvisorsLLC.com - Bryan Orander 317-577-4692.
Meet ROY! a/k/a Resources Online for Youth - is central Indiana's new online, searchable database of youth activities and opportunities.  Youth and families will be able to perform targeted searches by age, location, keyword and program type.  MCCOY will use ROY's data to identify strengths, pinpoint gaps and find barriers to participation in youth programs and services. | It's FAST, EASY and FREE - Visit the ROY page on MCCOY's website by clicking on www.roymccoy.org.  Have questions? Contact Amelia at 317-921-1266.  MCCOY has published this annual Youth Activity Directory (YAD), a comprehensive list of youth services and programs for several years. Over 25,000 directories are distributed through our network of youth agencies and at community events throughout the year.
If you are in the ReEntry Industry you should consider participating in - The Mayor’s Re-Entry Service Provider Forum | April 28, 2009; 12 - 3 p.m. 12 - 1 p.m. | Registration and Lunch 1 p.m. | Mayor Greg Ballard will open the Forum | The Indianapolis Training Center (First floor dining room), 2820 N. Meridian St. Indianapolis, IN 46208 | Click here to download Flyer for the Service Provider Forum. | For more information please contact: Khadijah Muhammad, Director, Mayor's Office Ex-Offender Re-Entry, , or sign up thru the internet at her web site.
Please Join Mayor Greg Ballard in partnership with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful and Pledge to Pitch In! - The Great Indy Cleanup is a national cleanup effort founded by Keep America Beautiful, Inc., involving over 200 communities and more than 2 million volunteers annually, and is the largest litter cleanup program in Indianapolis. KIB’s Great Indy Cleanup runs from April 4th through October 31. | To learn more about the Great Indy Cleanup program, and how to get involved, visit www.kibi.org/programs, or contact Tammy at Keep Indianapolis Beautiful: | Mayor Ballard is asking all citizens to “Pledge to Pitch In” in April by recruiting friends and family to pick up litter and beautify your area. | Download Flyer
Indiana Department of Correction - Reducing returns to prison by Kevin Lilly, Pharos-Tribune news editor, BUNKER HILL March 28, 2009 — Although some offenders end up back in prison a second, third or even fourth time, the Indiana Department of Correction is making headway in reducing that frequency.  According to a recent study, Indiana’s recidivism rates have declined for the third consecutive year. The number of offenders incarcerated within three years of their release from a state correctional institution has dropped to 37.4 percent from 37.8 percent the previous year. | Click here to view the rest of the article.
Congratulations C.H.I.P. - HRH would like to thank C.H.I.P. and all the volunteers that helped put on their 4th Annual Indy Homeless Connect program.  They served over 900 homeless persons this year.  Congratulations to the C.H.I.P. staff and to all that helped!  To view their short video, click here.
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development's Federal Bonding Program - Purpose: This Bulletin establishes the instructions and procedures for the appropriate use of Fidelity Bonds purchased by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. | Content: The Federal Bonding Program (FBP) provides fidelity bonding insurance to employers for coverage of job applicants who are qualified for employment but who fail to secure jobs because regular commercial bonding is denied. Nationally, since 1966, about 40,000 applicants have obtained jobs due to being bonded through the FBP, and 99% have proven to be honest employees. | Download Technical Assistance Bulletin TAB 2008-07, Change 1
Frequently Asked Questions About the Home Buyer Tax Credit - The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 authorizes a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.  The attached questions and answers provide basic information about the tax credit. If you have more specific questions, we strongly encourage you to consult a qualified tax advisor or legal professional about your unique situation. | Attached questions and answers
Solicitation for Funding Opportunity - Department of Health & Human Services, Khadijah Muhammad, Director of the Mayors ReEntry Program has forwarded me the following information on - Demonstration Grants in Support of the Prisoner Reentry Initiative | Date Due: 05/04/2009 | Executive Summary: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) invites a limited number of State IV-D agencies to submit proposals for the jurisdictions in their States that are sites for Prisoner Reentry Initiative (PRI) projects funded through the United States Department of Justice and United States Department of Labor. Eligibility information can be found in Section III.1 of this announcement.
The PRI, authorized by 42 U.S.C. Section 3797 w (a), strengthens communities characterized by large numbers of returning prisoners. With the support of several Federal agencies, PRI is designed to reduce recidivism by helping returning offenders find work and access other critical services in their communities. | Download the PDF Flyer
Solicitation for Second Chance Act Grants to State and Local Governments Released - On February 27, 2009, the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), U.S. Department of Justice, released the solicitation for Second Chance Act grants to state and local governments for adult reentry demonstration projects (Section 101). Funding under this section is available to help state and local agencies implement programs and strategies to reduce recidivism and ensure the safe and successful reentry of adults released from prisons and jails. | To download the solicitation, or find out more about the grant program, click here | The deadline for applications is 8:00 p.m. EST on April 20, 2009. | To download newsletter, visit: www.reentrypolicy.org/newsletters
School on Wheels needs Volunteers - Help give homeless children an education!  School on Wheels is seeking volunteers for the "Tutors in Action" program.  Tutors must be at least 14 years old and willing to commit one hour a week to tutoring.  Tutors are required to attend a training session and undergo a criminal history background check before getting started. | For more information, contact Volunteer Manager Leah Gillock at 317-202-9100 or email he at:
Flanner House of Indianapolis has a new brochure listing their services - To view their new brochure, click on Flanner House Brochure
The Indianapolis D.M.D. EXTENDS DEADLINE TO SUBMIT REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS - RFQS TO HELP DETERMINE HOW TO SPEND NEIGHBORHOOD STABILIZATION FUNDS - Due to very high interest in the use of $29 million in Neighborhood Stabilization Plan funds, The Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) for the City of Indianapolis is extending the deadline for submitting responses to DMD’s Requests for Qualifications (RFQ). The original deadline was March 2nd. The new deadline is March 16th, 2009.  From the submissions the city will choose teams to partner with neighborhoods and other stakeholders to develop and implement specific projects. The City encourages partnerships with minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses. RFQs are available at the City’s website www.Indy.gov, go to the DMD home page, click on community development and scroll down for the plan and RFQ.
Department of Correction Adds New Leader to ReEntry Division - Commissioner Edwin G. Buss announced yesterday, that beginning Monday, February 16, Mike Lloyd will be promoted from his position as Superintendent of the Plainfield Re-entry Educational Facility (PREF) to take on a new role as Director of Transition Facilities and Community-based Programs with the Indiana Department of Correction.  In his new role, Mr. Lloyd will direct the Department’s special transition facilities, including PREF, the South Bend Community Re-entry Center, and the Indianapolis Men’s and Women’s Community Re-entry Centers. Director Lloyd will also direct statewide community corrections grant programs. | Congratulations Mike!  Great Job at PREF.  You will be missed.
Tax Service for Low Income Residents - Interested in a new volunteer experience?  Contact Indy's Campaign for Financial Fitness and learn how to prepare taxes and help families work towards financial stability. | It’s not just the free tax preparation; it is entry into a city wide network of financial education and financial literacy resources.  Nine tax sites located in Indy neighborhoods are providing free tax preparation, referral to low and no cost banking, free credit reports, credit repair, home ownership stability, and working family support systems.  Help low to moderate income families (individuals) avoid tax prep charges and high interest loans.  Tax filers should call 211 for locations and times. | For additional information, contact: Joni Albright at 317-962-5766 | Download a Flyer
CELL PHONES ARE GOING PUBLIC - You might all ready know this, but all Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this week - All cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you may start to receive sales calls.  YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS | To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222 and register your phone. | It is the National DO NOT CALL list. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked.  You cannot call from a different phone number.  HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.
Shonna Majors, Apollo 13 Re-Entry Program Manager - We are ramping up referrals for the New Year!  Please send any and all clients that you have or anyone you know to us for help with employment, housing, transportation, GED, job training, etc. | WorkOne - East, 2525 N. Shadeland Ave. C-3, Indianapolis, IN 46219 | 317- 358-4503 email address . | Requirements for the Apollo 13 Program
WorkOne to pay for G.E.D. Testing - The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) will pay for the test - Clients must be “REGISTERED” in the WorkOne Database in Indianapolis.  to take the class so that we have a valid PRE TEST to authorize payment for the actual test – Classes held every week - & they can take the pretest at the class – they just have to come in & get registered & take the pretest - AT NO COST – if grades are high enough they will be registered for the next test date - if grades are not high enough – they will be given the study materials to get them there!
Congratulations to those 50 Indy organizations - that have been recommended for Mayor Ballard's Community Crime Prevention Grants - See press release for the full list.
Whitney Lee of the The Indianapolis Business Journal - has written a good article on Pen Products and The Indiana Department of Correction - A captive work force $40M prison work program helps inmates, businesses | To view the article, click here
Connect2Help (Dial 2-1-1) - has put together two important lists for people needing help during the upcoming Holidays.  Please download and distribute to your appropriate clients. | For November & Thanksgiving | For December & Christmas
30Aug08 Mayor's Employment Fair - The numbers for the Mayor Ballard's First ExOffender Employment Fair are in, and again we would like to take this opportunity to applaud Mayor Ballard and his ReEntry Team of Organ Williams, Khadijah  Muhammad, and the Members of the Mayor's Task Force on ReEntry, for their past efforts and more importantly, their plans for future Employment Fairs.  The Mayor has indicated that he would like to have Employment Fairs for ExOffenders at least four times per year.  If this turns out to be the case, he and his Team can definitely make a difference in helping to cut down on recidivism for productive members our community.  And yes, it was their first job fair, and a yes it was a learning experience, but I truly believe that the job fairs for ExOffenders in the future, will be very rewarding and very productive for everyone involved.   
Results: 1) Total ExOffenders that pre-registered 448; 2) Total Walk-ins that did not pre-register 630 (419 on Monday and 211 on Tuesday); 3) Total that took advantage of the Workshops 517; 4) Total that visited with a potential employers 477; Total that have been employed as a result of the Employment Fair 50 so far.  Not bad for the first, and the limited amount of time they had to work with.  Don Hawkins
8Aug08 Mayor's Employment Job Fair on ReEntry - I would like to take this time to congratulate Mayor Gregory Ballard, Khadijah Muhammad the Mayor's Director of ReEntry, Thomas Darling the Executive Director of Ivy Tech, Sarah Nichols Rossier the Business Advocacy Manager of the Chamber of Commerce, and the rest of the Mayor's Task Force on ReEntry for putting together their first successful Job Fair at Ivy Tech last week.
4Aug08 Grants - Request for Proposals - 1st Deadline is 18Agu08 - The City of Indianapolis Purchasing Division for the City Community Crime Prevention Task Force requests grant proposals from qualified non-profit organizations to participate in A Community Crime Prevention Grant for The City of Indianapolis – Community Crime Prevention Task Force | Click here for RFP/Additional Information | Mayor's Press Release
21Jul08 Mayor Greg Ballard announced today that Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Tony Dungy will serve as the Chairperson of the City’s ex-offender re-entry effort. Dungy’s role will include working with ex-offenders and potential employers.  Click on: Press Release
1Jul08 - Councilor Pfisterer Sponsors Ex-offenders Re-entry Proposal - Indianapolis – Councilor Marilyn Pfisterer has initiated a proposal intended to help find gainful employment for the 500 ex-offenders that are released in Marion County every month. "This proposal is a bi-partisan effort that is intended to help impact the crime rate in Marion County by helping previously incarcerated people find jobs instead of turning back to a life of crime." says Councilor Pfisterer - Click on Press Release
24Jun08 Governor Mitch Daniels - has accepted the resignation of Indiana Department of Correction Commissioner J. David Donahue, who plans to return to his home state of Kentucky later this summer. Click on Press Release 24Jun08 Department of Correction Commissioner Donahue to depart
26Jun08 Governor Mitch Daniels - today named the superintendent of the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City as the new Department of Correction Commissioner. LaPorte native Edwin Buss will succeed Dave Donahue, who has resigned effective August 1.  Click on Press Release 26Jun08 Governor selects new Correction commissioner
1Jul08 - WorkOne Notice - The CS3 system has been shut down permanently in the anticipation of the new job matching system www.IndianaCareerConnect.com.  If you need assistance while the system is down please contact your local WorkOne representative.  The new system will be active starting on July 1, 2008.  This will not delay benefit payments for UI claimants.
18Jun08 DOC Town Hall Meeting - was held tonight at Martin University.  Commissioner David Donahue and David Burch, Director of ReEntry addressed the meeting pertaining to the 18,000 men and women that are returning to our communities from the Indiana Department Correction this year.  Several topics were discussed, followed up by a brief question and answer session.  Click on: Pictures of the Event
5Jun08 - Judy Helms is Retiring - As most of you know, Judy Helms the Community Services Director is retiring the end of this month.  Sixteen of her present and past office clerks (PREF Residents) put on a Goodbye Luncheon for her today.  Apparently Kentucky Fried Chicken is one of her favorite lunch foods so they had some flown in from the KFC in Plainfield.  Some of them had to keep her busy while while the rest of them set things up in the Deli area.  They were all very grateful for the time she has spent with them over the last few months and they told her so.  It was a very touching event for a lady that deserves a successful retirement.  She has been a great asset to Superintendent Lloyd, the staff at PREF, and especially the PREF Residents.  She will be missed by us all.  Don Hawkins - Click here to view pictures
31May08 - PREF Appreciation Day - The Plainfield ReEntry Educational Facility (PREF) took the time today to thank some of the many volunteers that are helping to make PREF a success. Superintendent Michael Lloyd, Community Service Coordinator Judy Helms, and their staff of Residents hosted their first Volunteer Appreciation Day. The day started with a great breakfast prepared by Dennis Brady, Culinary Arts Instructor, and the Residents that are taking his class. Great job guys. We then had the opportunity to hear many of the Residents that took the time to thank the Volunteers for all they have been doing for them since PREF got started. As a volunteer, it is a great feeling, knowing that you are appreciated for the time you take to help out, and the Residents really let us know how we are appreciated. It makes it all worth the long drives, knowing you are making a difference in someone life, even considering their circumstances. Again, Mr. Lloyd and PREF put on a great event. Thank you.  Picture available at: Appreciation Day Pictures
28May08 - Mayor Selects New Task Force on ReEntry - We would like to thank our new Mayor, Gregory Ballard, his new Deputy Mayor, Olgen Williams and the new Director of ReEntry Khadijah Muhammad for forming the first of its kind "Task Force on ReEntry" for the City of Indianapolis.  I was asked to be part of this new Task Force that was formed to develop collaborative partnerships among government, businesses, service providers, faith based organization and community members to reduce recidivism by leveraging resources, ensuring sustainability and enhancing crime prevention strategies in both a measurable and long range fashion.   The Mayor's Office has put together a very impressive and diverse group of persons and organizations from every level of our community.  I believe we had a very good first meeting, and am looking forward to working with this new Task Force on this very important matter over the coming months. Thank you Mayor Ballard, Olgen & Khadijah.  Don Hawkins.
22Apr08 - Hiring Fair at PREF - We would like to take this opportunity to thank Michael Lloyd, Superintendent of the Plainfield ReEntry Educational Facility, and his staff for hosting a very successful "Hiring Fair" last week.  We hope there are many more to come.  It is a great idea.  Click on: Pictures of the Hiring Fair
Form #4 (Revised 7Jan10 at 2355)
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