Reentry support for Southern New Jersey

Your past is part of your story. It does not have to define your future.

Life After Life Returning Citizens Support Group is built around growth, support, and connection—creating space for returning citizens and families impacted by the justice system to move forward with dignity and hope.

Prefer to talk first? Call the main line at (856) 526-8472.

Who we are

Life After Life is a New Jersey reentry, recovery and community empowerment initiative. We believe every person deserves a fair opportunity to rebuild their life, reconnect with family, find stable work and contribute to their community—regardless of past mistakes.

Through structured reentry programming, life skills, workforce readiness, mentorship and community-based services, we help people and families impacted by incarceration restore dignity and build lasting independence.

Read our mission and meet the team

Who we walk with

  • Returning citizens recently released from jail or prison
  • People on probation, parole or community supervision
  • Justice-involved youth and young adults
  • People at risk of homelessness or housing instability
  • People affected by substance use, trauma or poverty
  • Families impacted by incarceration and reentry
  • Community members looking for life skills and support

What guides us

Three words carry everything we do.

Growth

Building a new chapter through life skills, job readiness, learning and goals you set for yourself.

Support

Encouragement and structure from people who understand—case planning, mentorship and connection to the resources you need.

Connect

Reconnecting with family, peers and community, so no one has to face reentry alone.

Growth is possible. Support matters. Connection creates new possibilities.

Life After Life program flyer: Empowering Returning Citizens and Support Group — Growth, Support, Connect. Serving justice-involved and justice-impacted individuals and families. Contacts: Darlene Bunch, Manager, (856) 526-8472; Jay Rutherford, Director, (856) 526-8472; Hassan Shakur, Assistant Director, (856) 536-2615; Ricky Haywood, Community Development, (856) 776-6516.
The Life After Life program flyer. Open the full-size flyer to save, print or share.

The program

Life After Life: empowering returning citizens and families.

A New Jersey reentry, recovery and community empowerment program led by a local team you can call directly. Every participant is connected to individualized case planning, then to the support that fits their goals.

The first 90 days home matter most.

Reentry transition support adds structure and lowers stress during the stretch that counts:

  • Reentry orientation and goal setting
  • Help getting ID documents — birth certificate, state ID, Social Security card
  • Support staying on track with parole or probation
  • Help navigating court obligations and supervision requirements
  • Referrals to legal aid and expungement resources
  • Crisis intervention and stabilization planning
Ask about reentry transition support

What we believe

Accountability and compassion work together. These beliefs shape every conversation, workshop and plan.

  • People deserve a second chance.
  • Accountability is necessary for growth.
  • Support and structure lead to success.
  • Employment and stability reduce recidivism.
  • Communities improve when individuals are empowered.
  • Transformation is possible with the right tools and guidance.

Find your way to get involved.

Reentry works best when a whole community shows up. There’s a place for mentors, employers, congregations and service providers.

  • Mentor or volunteer

    Offer encouragement, guidance and a positive example to someone rebuilding their life.

    Learn about mentoring
  • Hire second-chance talent

    Partner with us to connect job-ready participants with employment in New Jersey.

    Partner as an employer
  • Refer someone

    Probation and parole staff, shelters, treatment centers and families can connect someone with support.

    Make a referral

Connect with us

Reaching out is a strong first step.

Main line

(856) 526-8472

Ricky Haywood, Community Development

(856) 776-6516

Growth · Support · Connect

Stay connected. Keep moving forward.

Receive occasional updates, community news, and information about opportunities to connect with Life After Life Returning Citizens Support Group.