Resources for Felons Ready to Turn Their Lives Around

At Automotive Mentoring Group (AMG), we believe in second chances. Many of the young men and women we work with come from challenging backgrounds—some with felony records—all determined to rewrite their stories. Reentering society after incarceration can feel overwhelming, but with the right resources and support, real transformation is possible.

Whether you're searching for work, housing, education, or simply a community that believes in you, there are tools out there designed to help. Here’s a guide to national and local resources for formerly incarcerated individuals ready to turn the page.

1. Job Training & Employment Programs

AMG – Based in Chicago, we provide hands-on training in auto repair, bodywork, painting, and upholstery. We also assist with job readiness, GED enrollment, transportation, and job placement. Our graduates find work in shops, dealerships, or even launch their own ventures. To learn more about our programs, click here!

National H.I.R.E. Network – Offers job search tools, policy updates, and a state-by-state directory of resources for people with criminal records.

Website: www.hirenetwork.org

America Works – A national employment agency that offers job readiness training and job placements for individuals with barriers to employment.

Website: www.americaworks.com

Jails to Jobs – Offers free job search tools, résumé tips, and a national directory of tattoo removal programs (a barrier to employment for many).

Website: www.jailstojobs.org

Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) – Operates in over 30 U.S. cities and provides immediate paid transitional jobs, job coaching, and placement.

Website: www.ceoworks.org

Second Chance Hiring Programs – Many national corporations (like UPS, Koch Industries, Mod Pizza, and Dave’s Killer Bread) are committed to hiring people with felony records.

2. Legal Help & Rights Advocacy

Legal Action Center – Offers legal help and advocates for policy change to protect the rights of individuals with criminal records.

Website: www.lac.org

Clean Slate Initiative – Works to expand access to automatic record clearance and expungement.

Website: www.cleanslateinitiative.org

LawHelp.org – Provides state-specific legal assistance for reentry, expungement, and navigating civil rights after incarceration.

Website: www.lawhelp.org

3. Housing Support

HUD Reentry Resources – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers guidance and housing tools for returning citizens.

Website: www.hud.gov

Hope for Prisoners (Nevada, but offers national model) – Offers housing and reintegration support, especially for those reconnecting with families.

Website: www.hopeforprisoners.org

Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree Housing Resources – Connects families and returning citizens with local churches and partners offering housing support.

Website: www.prisonfellowship.org

4. Education & Skill Development

Second Chance Pell Grants – Many colleges now offer Pell Grants to people currently or formerly incarcerated.

Learn more: www.ed.gov

College and Community Fellowship – Supports formerly incarcerated women seeking higher education.

Website: www.collegeandcommunity.org

Coursera & edX – Free or low-cost online courses in business, tech, and trades—many open to those rebuilding their resumes or switching careers.

5. Mental Health, Substance Recovery & Support Networks

SAMHSA’s Behavioral Health Reentry Resources – Offers mental health and addiction recovery programs specifically for justice-involved individuals.

Website: www.samhsa.gov

The Fortune Society – Provides housing, education, employment, and health services with a focus on compassion and dignity for returning citizens.

Website: www.fortunesociety.org

Defy Ventures – Empowers the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated through entrepreneurship, employment training, and personal development.

Website: www.defyventures.org

6. Mentorship & Community Support

AMG’s Mentorship Program – Our mentors—mechanics, teachers, counselors, and community leaders—walk alongside participants as they learn life skills and a trade. We focus on respect, responsibility, and long-term transformation.

Prison Fellowship – A Christian-based national nonprofit offering mentorship, family reunification programs, and community support for reentry.

Website: www.prisonfellowship.org

JustLeadershipUSA – National organization empowering formerly incarcerated people to become advocates and leaders.

Website: www.justleadershipusa.org

Final Thoughts

Reentry is a journey—and you don’t have to walk it alone. At AMG, we’ve seen the power of mentorship, trade training, and community support to turn lives around. Your past is part of your story, but it doesn't have to define your future.