Maine Nonprofit Receives Huge Grant for Outstanding Work With Former Prisoners
There was some wonderful news received by a local nonprofit that is doing incredible work with Maine's former prisoners.
According to the Bangor Daily News, the U.S. Department of Justice is granting the Maine organization $750,000 to further fund their work here in the state.
The Maine Prisoner Reentry Network was founded in 2017, according to their website, and the organization's mission statement is included below:
MPRN creates and facilitates connections: connecting community organizations, connecting clients to services and supports, connecting the DOC with community orgs, connecting communities with other communities, connecting returning citizens with each other, connecting volunteers with opportunities, connecting family members of those who are incarcerated, connecting the community outside with the community inside of our prisons and jails. Blurring the lines between “inside” and “outside”, resulting in one collaborative community.
According to the Bangor Daily News, the organization helps coordinate with people who are leaving correctional facilities. They work with housing, employers and social services to ensure the best possible re-entry to society.
The organization told the newspaper that the grant is about 10 times their normal annual budget and is by far the largest donation they have ever received. The funds will go to help increase the size and capacity of the organization, the BDN added.
This is tremendous news for an organization that is doing incredible work. Along with the national attention the state prison's educational programs received it's just more great news for Maine and the amazing folks who try to make it a better place.
Numerous groups in this state continue to battle the recidivism rate here in Maine, and that is something very special.
The Maine Prisoner Reentry Program's website is loaded with guides and references. To find out more information, visit their contact page today.