Thomasville L.I.F.E. Tech

ALABAMA BOARD OF PARDONS & PAROLES Male Transition Center

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Reentry Resources
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Once you've made the transition--from LIFE Tech or from a correctional facility--you may need to locate resources in your home community to help you during those first few critical weeks.

This page contains links to other agencies and programs that may be able to help you and your family with those needs.

2-1-1

 

2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects people with important community services and volunteer opportunities.  While services that are offered through 2-1-1 vary from community to community, 2-1-1 provides callers with information about, and referrals to, human service organizations for every day needs and in times of crisis.

 

 

Camellia Program

 

The Camellia Program is a computer tool to help you  gather information about Alabama’s resources and your eligibility for those services.  Anyone with access to a computer connected to the internet can complete the questionnaire 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  It will take you about 10 minutes.  Just go to the website, click on the “Click to get started” icon and you’ll see the tool.  Click the box to indicate that you agree and understand that this is not actually applying for the programs but only gives you contact and location information of where you go next for assistance.  Then, answer each of the questions. After you have finished, the tool will give you details that you can print on a printer about services that might be available to assist you and your family. There are a variety of services provided in Alabama that can assist you and your family – and you might not even be aware of them! The goal is for you to have as much information as  possible about programs you may be eligible for.

 

  

 

Restorative Justice Community

Restorative Justice Community is a continually evolving suite of integrated web-based tools that you can use to build community capacity for prisoner reentry and restorative justice.

 

 

CPR Network

The Alabama Community Partnership for Recovery and Reentry offers assistance for those reentering Alabama cities and towns from the faith-based community.  It is coordinated by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and Governor Bob Riley’s office.

Identification Documents

 

Social Security Card

 

Your social security card is an important item of identification.  If you do not have a social security card, it is very important that you obtain one from the United States Social Security administration.  You can go to the website by clicking the link above or visit your local Social Security office.  To get a replacement card you will need to:

  • Show documents proving:
    • U.S. citizenship (if you have not already established your citizenship with us); and
    • Identity.
  • Take your completed application and documents to your local Social Security office.

Citizenship

The Social Security Administration can accept only certain documents as proof of U.S. citizenship. These include a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. consular report of birth, U.S. passport, Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.

Identity

They can accept only certain documents as proof of identity. An acceptable document must be current (not expired) and show your name, identifying information (date of birth or age) and preferably a recent photograph. For example, as proof of identity Social Security must see your:

  • U.S. driver’s license;
  • State-issued nondriver identification card; or
  • U.S. passport.

If you do not have one of these specific documents or you cannot get a replacement for one of them within 10 days, we will ask to see other documents, including:

  • Employee ID card;
  • School ID card;
  • Health insurance card (not a Medicare card); or
  • U.S. military ID card.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. Social Security cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.

 

 

Birth Certificates in Alabama

 

If you need an in-state birth certificate, you may obtain one at your local public health department; the cost as of October will be $15. You may also obtain one over the internet through VitalChek by visiting the website through this link.

 

Birth certificates must be requested from the state where you were born.  If you were born in a state other than Alabama, the following link will assist you in locating the correct agency for the state in which you were born.  

 

Out of State Birth Certificate

 

 

 

Driver's License

 

This link to the Department of Public Safety contains the Alabama Driver's Manual as well as information on how to pay traffic tickets online. 

 

 

Veterans Identification

 

Another form of personal identification is your DD-214 form.  This document is issued when a member of the United States armed forces retires, separates or discharges from active-duty military.  The form is also referred to as "discharge papers". If you have been discharged from military service, your personnel files are stored at NARA, the official repository for records of military personnel who have been discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard.

To get to the NARA Web site, you will need to leave the VA website and here.

 

 

Assistance for Veterans

 

Incarcerated Veterans Reentry Guides

These guides contain information on resources and how to plan a successful reentry. This website allows you to select a state to view local re-entry resources for incarcerated Veterans.

 

 

Vocational Rehabilitation

 

The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services provides vocational counseling, career planning, education assistance, job placement and assistive technology for eligible clients (those with a documented disability who nevertheless want to work.

 

 

Employment

 

Application/Interview/Resume Building 

 

This link provides helpful tips for finding the right job.

 

Career Centers

You may use the services of the Alabama Career Centers either online or by going to the office in your area.  There you can:

  • Conduct a Job Search.

  • Build an on-line Resume.

  • Register with Job Service.

  • Receive emails on new job openings.

Access additional details and Jobseeker services

 

 

Computers and the Internet

 

Basic Computer/Internet

 

Computer literacy is an essential attribute of the work force of the 21st century.  To fill the

need for computer knowledge, many libraries offer internet access and are expanding their resources to include services designed to develop keyboarding skills and other computer familiarity. The Anniston, Alabama library also offers an excellent introductory site that includes tutorials for a number of software programs here.

 

Glossary of Computer Terms  

Provides an easy to navigate site provide basic computer and internet terms.

 

 

Sheriff's Department

 

If you need a felony identification card or to register as a felony offender, be sure to do so at the sheriff's office in your county.  They may also be able to provide information on driving laws and ex-felon laws. A list of all of the county sheriff's departments is available through the link above.

 

Food

 

Assistance in obtaining food may be possible for you upon release through your local Department of Human Services agency.  There are county offices in each county, and some counties have more than one office.  For the office location and information in your county, you may visit the state DHR web site by following the link above.

Food Stamp Eligibility

The Alabama Food Stamp program exists to help those in need. It allows low-income households to obtain important, nutritional food items from authorized grocery stores at no cost.  

If you committed a drug felony, you are not eligible. If you think you are eligible, you need to begin the application process. You can obtain an application:

 

DHR is also the place to go for modifications of child support payments, termination of parental rights, family assistance, food stamps, childcare subsidy programs

 

 

Financial Responsibilities

 

A budget is a money plan.  Personal budgeting allows you to know exactly how much money you have, or have to have to meet known expenses for each month.  Budgeting is about planning, and planning is crucial to produce a desired result.  An example of a budgeting worksheet can be found .  here

 

 

Prescription Drug Savings Programs

 

Qualifying low-income Alabamians may receive free or deeply discounted prescription drugs.  This service is provided through participating pharmaceutical manufacturers to qualifying low-income individuals.  

 

FREEDRUGCARD.US

This free drug card program is being sponsored by a non-profit organization to help all Americans cut their prescription drug costs.  You and your family have access to a free Prescription Drug Card program.  Simply download your Prescription Drug Card and receive savings of up to 75% at more than 50,000 national and regional pharmacies.

 

FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Card

This is a free resource from the FamilyWize community service partnership.  Use this FamilyWize card to start saving money on your prescription drugs today.

 

Prescription Cards are not insurance!

 

Healthcare     

The Alabama Department of Public Health is where you’ll go when applying for a birth certificate.  Other services include health screenings, STD treatment, clinic and primary health care referrals, WIC, family planning services.  Some clinics offer more basic services, while larger clinics in metropolitan areas are often Federally Qualified Health Centers, offering a wider range of healthcare.  A directory of all healthcare facilities, public and private, is available here.

 

 

 

Treatment and Mental Health

 

Substance Abuse Treatment and Mental Health Services  

Follow this link to the Alabama Department of Mental Health website where you’ll be able to find a complete listing of mental health and substance abuse services in your area.

 

Support Groups

 

Alcoholics Anonymous  

Narcotics Anonymous

Celebrate Recovery 

FORMLL

 

 

Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles

 

Look to this website for information on community supervision, applying for a pardon, restoration of voting rights, and felony gun laws.

 

 

Voting Registration

 

You must fill out a voter registration application form to be eligible to vote.  Voter registration applications are available at your County Election Board, post offices, tag agencies, libraries and many other public locations.  Eligibility and registration information can be found at the link above

 

 

Other Important Links

 

There are other organizations and private charities that may also be of some assistance.  Your local church, for instance, may have a food pantry or a clothes closet.  They may offering a mentoring program that would help you keep on the right track.  Other sources of possible help include:

 

Salvation Army

Food, clothing, and emergency shelter services.  Visit the Salvation Army in your area for assistance.  They may require that you make an appointment; call them for details. 

 

American Red Cross

Community referrals for clothing and social services may be available.

 

AIDS Service Organizational Network of Alabama

HIV specific medical and dental care, social services, case management and treatment services for persons living with the virus.

 

Alabama Department of Industrial Relations

Information on tax incentives and credits for employers that hire ex-offenders. There is also a federal bonding program..

 

Alabama Department of Senior Services

Medicaid information, caregiver resources and services available to seniors.

 

United Way of Alabama

Special need services including food, clothing, shelter and social services throughout Alabama.

 

Community Action Agency

Community Action Agencies are private non-profit or public organizations that were created by the federal government in 1964 to combat poverty in geographically designated areas. They provide a broad range of direct services that may include heating and cooling assistance, food distribution, and assistance with prescription drug costs. 

 

Catholic Social Services

Many families struggle because of losing jobs, fires, and other hardships.  Catholic Social Services may be able to assist them with payment on utility bills, food, clothing, and medications with the following major illness categories: Asthma, Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Mental Illness, Seizures, and Cholesterol. Services are limited to available funding. Clients may call for an appointment on Tuesday or Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m.