The city of Chicago has announced the inauguration of its fifth Community Reentry Support Center (CRSC). The new center, designed to assist residents returning to Chicago's West Side, is a significant addition to the city's infrastructure.

Operated by the Safer Foundation, this latest Community Reentry Support Center is located in the North Lawndale neighborhood at 808 S. Kedzie Avenue. According to a press release by the city of Chicago, these centers provide a range of services including employment assistance, education and training, mentoring, housing support, emergency assistance, mental health counseling, criminal background presentation strategies, guidance on record sealing or expungement, and family reunification and child support assistance.

Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the importance of such initiatives in a press release by the city of Chicago. "As part of our comprehensive community safety plan, reducing recidivism rates is a significant move towards creating an alternative vision of community safety while disrupting the cycle of incarceration," said Johnson. "Providing pathways to returning residents is a critical step in supporting that plan and those who have progressed through the system and are facing enormous hurdles as they return to their communities."

Victor B. Dickson, President & CEO of Safer Foundation also expressed his enthusiasm for this project in another press release by the city of Chicago. "Safer Foundation is delighted to provide the newest City of Chicago Reentry Services Center at the Safer Foundation - Danny K. Davis - Second Chance Center," said Dickson. "We share the City of Chicago’s commitment to provide holistic services to Returning Residents in a safe and welcoming environment."

Brandie Knazze, Commissioner of the Department of Family and Support Services also weighed in on this development according to another press release by the city of Chicago. "By fostering connections and partnerships between returning residents, community members, and service providers," Knazze said "the center will work towards breaking down barriers to ensure successful reentry and promote healing to help individuals chart the next phase of their lives."

The Safer Foundation, a Chicago-based organization for 50 years since its inception, provides stabilizing support, employment, education, and advocacy to empower justice-involved individuals. It serves over 5,300 clients annually according to the About webpage provided by the Safer Foundation.