Connecting Maine’s
Re-Entry Community
The Maine Reentry Network exists to liaison between Maine’s communities and those who have been separated from them for any reason, most commonly incarceration or substance use disorder. We believe that reconciliation and reintegration of all living within Maine’s borders into full community membership inevitably leads to reduced relapse and recidivism, collective rededication to one another and our shared values, and ultimately a more vibrant and prosperous Maine.
The Network
MERN employs a community by community approach drawing organizations together around the mission of supporting citizens returning from prison & jail. MERN travels the state, convening monthly community meetings, developing relationships between non-profits, community leaders, faith-based organizations, Department of Corrections, mental health & substance use professionals, County jails, recovery advocates, formerly incarcerated, family, and all interested in assisting returning citizens. Currently MERN has held dozens of monthly meetings in Lewiston-Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Rockland, Maine State Prison, So. Portland, Westbrook, Somerset County Jail with plans for Kennebec Sheriff’s Office, York County, Belfast, Aroostook County, and Downeast. MERN is proud of the 100’s of Network members, working together to address re-entry challenges, with participation from MDOC and Sheriff’s Departments from the start.
Re-Entry Housing Initiative
One of the most difficult parts of establishing an early pattern of success for people reintegrating into society is making sure that they have enough stability to succeed. More than anything, that means making sure they have stable housing on those first nights of freedom to give them time to become self-sufficient.
With the help of charitable donations, MERN attempts to identify people with the greatest need that have little to no external familial support and place them in a suitable, beneficial housing situation. Please consider clicking the button on the left and donating to help us in this endeavor.
Comprehensive Re-Entry
Means Making Connections
Above all, MERN 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.
Re-Entry Maine Team
Rose’s Room
R4R Re-Entry Coach Training
Make a Donation
Thank you for your donation to MERN! Please note that we are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. As such, donations to MERN are tax-deductible.
Featured Partner
MERN and it’s Team develops relationships, and none more important than our strong relationship with the Maine Department of Corrections. Thanks to MDOC Commissioner Randall “Randy” Liberty, and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Ryan Thornell, Maine Prisoner Re-Entry Network is welcomed and encouraged to engage returning citizens while still residing in MDOC facilities and after release.
Stay Connected
Sign up to receive our MERN Newsletter and related community announcements. Remember to send us your event flyers and important meeting dates via email to info@re-entrymaine.org so we can share it with the thousands of MERN friends statewide.
Get In Touch
Address
P.O. Box 7157
Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone
(207) 330-1446
info@re-entrymaine.org