A Pioneer in Correctional Services

For 111 years, Volunteers of America has championed the humane treatment of prisoners and provided services to help offenders successfully transition from prison to productive life in the community.  Backed by its previous legacy of services, Volunteers of America’s correctional professionals of today continue to develop innovative evidence based service models to serve the disconnected and socially disadvantaged persons re-entering society after periods of incarceration. Our unique partnerships within local communities represents one of the nation’s best opportunities to engage citizens in the process of offering acceptance, service and guidance to formerly incarcerated citizens. These efforts not only provide life-changing benefits for the formerly incarcerated but also make a direct impact on the health and vitality of the local community.

Volunteers of America's Northern New England office operates the innovative and award-winning Community Corrections Transition and Reunification Program.  The Windham, Maine program has reduced its recidivism rate to 20 percent, significantly less than the national average of 67 percent.  The successful program was awarded an $800,000 grant from the Maine Department of Corrections to develop a similar program for female prisoners in Bangor.  In addition, the Northern New England office recently received a $20,000 award of excellence for the Windham program through the Volunteers of America/Annie E. Casey Foundation Family Strengthening Award Program.

Watch a 7-minute video about the Maine corrections program.

Other successful Volunteers of America corrections programs include Hope Hall in Camden, New Jersey, and Theodora House in Indiana.