Community reentry services are crucial for several reasons:

• Support and Resources: These programs provide essential support and resources, such as job training, housing assistance, and mental health services, which are vital for individuals reentering society after incarceration. 

• Reducing Recidivism: By addressing the root causes of criminal behavior and promoting positive change, community reentry services help reduce recidivism rates, contributing to a safer and more stable community. 

• Social Integration: These programs facilitate social integration, reducing stigma and fostering understanding between community members and those who have been incarcerated. 

• Community Health: Community reentry services address health issues, homelessness, and economic decline, which can be exacerbated by incarceration.

• Empowerment and Accountability: By providing mentorship and support networks, community reentry services empower individuals to take control of their lives and make positive changes.

Project Ready – the Office of Reentry for Muskingum, Perry, and Morgan Counties – was created to reduce repeated incarceration of our returning citizens, especially among those with issues of poverty, mental illness, and substance use. Project Ready staff assist incarcerated and formerly incarcerated clients from our local jails and Ohio prisons by coordinating services to help with their successful transition back to the community. The program operates to fill service and communication gaps for clients pre- and post-release by working to identify a reentry plan including housing, treatment, education/training opportunities, job readiness, employment, and social integration. Project Ready staff works with returning citizens to establish an action plan, to overcome barriers, and to access the services and supports needed for their successful reintegration home.

The Mission of Project Ready is to build a stronger, safer, and more productive community and reduce recidivism by improving the quality of life of our returning citizens through a collaborative effort of case management, services, and resources.

Please note this information is from the Project Ready website, and is reviewed once a year for accuracy for the Muskingum County Community Health Improvement Plan (10/14/2025-M. Shroyer: Community Health Planner for ZMCHD)

Project Ready and their community partners offer mentoring, counseling, and guidance along with other local resources to help you reach your goals and overcome barriers to your success.

Please note this information is from the Project Ready website, and is reviewed once a year for accuracy for the Muskingum County Community Health Improvement Plan (10/14/2025-M. Shroyer: Community Health Planner for ZMCHD)