Who We Are

We're the Inside Out Network, a nonprofit birthed in Chicago and now based in Tucson, AZ. We're helping reshape reentry for people leaving incarceration (as well as those on probation) with our ground-breaking, invisibility-busting ION online platform that allows returning citizens and service providers to see and be seen and to communicate directly with each other. Think of us as "eHarmony for reentry." Starting pre-release and continuing when you're out, ION makes it easy for both you and service providers to search, find relevant matches, connect with, and even reach out proactively and message each other on our platform—beginning pre-release. Our powerful but easy-to-use platform empowers you to take charge of your reentry experience by seeking and finding the help you need and want and exchanging messages with reentry service providers.

Note: The term "returning citizen" refers to a person who is returning home after being in jail or prison. The term "service provider" refers to organizations that want to work with returning citizens.

Watch the Video

Click on the video for a quick overview so you can see how it actually works in real time. We'll look at things from the perspective of Danny Newman, a character we've created to show you some highlights of the returning citizen user experience so that you can see how Danny benefits from being part of the network.

How It Works

We have recruited a growing statewide network of service providers who are motivated and eager to work with people with felony convictions like yourself. Providers create organizational profiles that detail where they operate, the services they offer, and other helpful information. They are also notified (up to 11 months prior to release) of who will be returning to their service area looking for the services they offer. Providers can preview the profiles of relevant returning citizens like yourself, and reach out proactively to welcome and connect with you. Based on requests from inmates and returning citizens, we provide access to relevant providers according to nine crucial "service provider categories."

1. Shelters & Housing
2. Support Groups (peer, family, etc.)
3. Multiservice Agencies (counseling, food, clothing, case management, etc.)
4. Churches & Ministries
5. Substance Abuse Treatment & Recovery
6. Health Care (includes behavior health and dental)
7. Legal Matters
8. Employment & Job Training
9. Education

Your role: Register, Search, Message

1. Register yourself in the system. Create a personal profile to share with relevant providers. Share something about who you are, the area you're looking to be released to, and the categories of help you're interested in. Up to 11 months before you're scheduled to be released, your profile will go live in the system and automatically be sent to relevant matching service providers within 100 miles of where you anticipate you'll be released. Upon seeing your profile, those service providers can then take the initiative and reach out to you by sending a message to your ION message inbox. Click here for info on frequently asked questions about registration.
   
2. Search for relevant help. Once you're registered, you can immediately start searching for relevant help by category, or by name. The results show for a distance of 15 miles in all directions from the address listed in your profile. Providers are listed based on how close they are to the address in your profile. If there are no service providers located close to your release address, or if you want to widen your search, you can expand the search results by clicking on the "Distance" box, choosing a different number of miles, and then clicking on the "Search" box to the right of the "Distance" box. You can also change the address in the location box, if needed. Feel free to search, but please remember that arrangements (especially housing) often need be approved by DOC staff. Click here for info on frequently asked questions about searching.
   
3. Exchange messages with providers. Not only can you search for and discover relevant reentry providers, you can also directly connect with them and exchange messages - at NO COST - using our built-in messaging feature. This empowers you to take a truly active role in planning your own reentry.
   
   
   Please note that all messages exchanged between those who are still incarcerated and service providers are monitored by correctional staff. Once sent, messages cannot be edited or deleted. Remember that the intent of the messaging feature is limited to (a) establishing a good fit between you and providers and (b) coordinating the reentry process between you. Message responsibly. Once you find a provider you like and want to initiate contact with, you can click on “Message.” Note that the “Website” and “Call” links are disabled during incarceration, but will function for you after release. A message box will pop up. Type in your text-only message, and click on the “Send Message” button. Click here for info on frequently asked questions about messaging.

What's in it for you

You're empowered to lean into your own reentry and future. No more waiting for others to plan your future.

Designed with the needs of inmates and returning citizens in mind. Our list of service provider categories was created by interviewing lots of justice-involved people. This is not a tool that's designed for a case worker or a parole supervisor. This is an evolving too designed with you in mind.

You remain in control. Customize your own personal profile. Share as much or as little about yourself with service providers as you want. Choose the kinds of help you're looking for, the zip codes you want to search, the providers you wish to message, and unsubscribe at any time.

Overcome invisibility. Because of poor communication, constantly changing service providers, and out-of-date or incomplete information, most returning citizens simply cannot see the path to the help that is out there for them, especially pre-release. And they can't see you coming, either. That's why we built this invisibility buster.

Reentry help pre- and post-release. Get started now on working your reentry. It often takes time to find the right fit and work out the logistics. But remember that this tool doesn't end at the gate. Upon release, simply login with your same username and password to the fuller, public version of the ION website (insideoutnetwork.net) and continue to search for help and exchange messages with service providers. Just grab a smart phone or a computer with internet access and you're good to keep on using ION.

Works great on all smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

Completely free. Yeah, you read that right. We never charge you and never will.

Trustworthy. Reliable, useful, up-to-date information. It's not always perfect, but we work hard to make sure that our list of providers continues to be accurate and current. We delete providers who are unresponsive or who discontinue their operations.

Independent. Though we work cooperatively with correctional officials to ensure safe and secure communications, we are completely independent. Once you're released to the community, you have an expectation of privacy on our platform, so your messages will no longer be monitored.

24/7 access to your personal online dashboard where you can find helpful reentry tips, read informational and inspirational material on how to work your reentry, save your favorite service providers, keep track of all of your online messages, and more.