Catholic Charities Kansas City- St. Joseph TurnAround Program

TurnAround, a program of Catholic Charities of Kansas City- St. Joseph, began in 1999 in St. Joseph, Missouri as a small office staffed with one person. Because of the great need to assist our ex-offender community in the Kansas City metropolitan area, Turnaround opened an office in Kansas City in 2003.

Combined emergency assistance and case management services are provided to a growing number of clients each year. TurnAround was one of the first local agencies to incorporate mentoring into the services available to assist ex-offenders as they re-enter society.

A successful re-entry from prison to community is imperative to public safety. Having served their sentences, 97% of former offenders will return to their communities. It is important to stop Â"the revolving doorÂ" and ultimately, save taxpayers millions of dollars spent on housing offenders and building new prisons.

Many ex-offenders truly want to live a productive life and make amends for their past behavior. The obstacles faced upon release, however, are difficult. Many of these men and women do not have family support or resources. They are without clothes, shoes, hygiene products, state identification, transportation or funds to obtain these necessities. Without guidance and assistance they are at much greater risk to return to prison.

TurnAround offers a new start for persons leaving prison including: • case management • emergency assistance such as food and clothing • treatment referrals • mental health counseling • mentoring • employment resources • support obtaining birth certificate/ID cards

To Get Involved:

• Volunteer to be a mentor • Donate gently used or new clothing and household goods • Make a financial donation to support this important work • Donate food or organize a food drive • Sponsor bus passes for transportation to employment