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.

Maine Re-entry Network

MERN employs a community by community approach drawing communities together around the mission of supporting those re-entering our communities from prison/jail. MERN travels the state, conducting monthly community meetings, developing a “One Team” atmosphere around these issues, and taking advantage of the strengths these organizations, churches, Department of Corrections, leaders, and non-profits bring to the table.

Currently MERN has held dozens of monthly meetings in Lewiston, Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, and Rockland, Greater Portland, Franklin & Somerset Counties, and next targets Hancock & Washington, Aroostook & Piscataquis counties, Belfast, and Biddeford/Sanford. MERN is proud of the 100’s of Network members willing to work together and face these challenges, TOGETHER, with participation from MDOC and Sheriff’s Departments, from the start.

Re-Entry Maine

Re-Entry Maine is a unique direct care re-entry program started in the Lewiston-Auburn area and growing to other Maine communities. Re-Entry Maine contacts those being released while still in prison/jail and develops a release plan in coordination with DOC caseworkers.

Re-Entry Maine meets these folks when released and supports them with hygiene products, emergency food kit, and information packet. Re-Entry Maine connects clients with transportation, housing, employment, mental health & substance use resources, faith connections, and any other needs.

Rose’s Room

Rose’s Room is a monthly support group for family and loved ones of incarcerated individuals. Rose’s Room motto is, “Individuals don’t go to prison, whole families go to prison.” These meetings act as a support to loved ones and the person inside of corrections. Formerly incarcerated, community support groups, faith based organizations, and loved ones share the Rose’s Room space, providing insight and hope that can only come from someone who has been incarcerated and/or helps those when they are released.

Below are Rose’s Room meeting locations and times.

Auburn – Third Wednesday of Month, 7:00-8:30 PM
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church
78 Pleasant Street, Auburn
(207) 998-2547 – Rose

Alfred – Second Wednesday of Month, 6:00-7:00 PM
Parson’s Memorial Library
27 Saco Road, Alfred
(207) 468-3729 – Dave

Winslow – Last Thursday of Month, 6:30-8:00 PM
St. Joseph Center
80 Garland Road, Winslow
(207) 314-4730 – Lyn

Monthly Virtual ZOOM Meetings – First Wednesday, 7:00-8:30 PM
Register: brunoskis317@gmail.com

For more information or to find how you can start your very own Rose’s Room Meeting, contact Rose at 207-998-2547 or Bruce at 207-330-1446

Ready For Reentry

Recidivism rates are greatly reduced when returning citizens are paired with well trained mentors(Re-Entry Coaches) MERN is committed to training an army of mentors, armed with knowledge and skills to support citizens returning from corrections facilities.

MERN pairs appropriate Re-Entry Coaches before release and supports the client in their own community. R4R mentors work together with Re-Entry Maine navigators to provide wrap around services and ongoing consultation. R4R Re-Entry Coaches are encouraged to take additional training like Recovery Coach Training.

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