Winnebago’s innovative reentry program gets funding boost | News

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) — Winnebago County is taking significant steps to aid individuals returning from incarceration, thanks to a new grant from the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA). This grant will support the Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders for People Involved in the Justice System initiative, focusing on those managing mental health and substance use disorders.

The program, in collaboration with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, will deploy Peer Reentry Navigators—individuals with firsthand experience in the justice system—into the community during evening and weekend hours. This approach ensures support when traditional services are often unavailable.

“Our community must ensure that support systems are accessible when people need them the most—not just during normal business hours,” Marlana Dokken, Director of the Chairman’s Office of Criminal Justice Initiatives, said. “This funding allows us to meet people where they are, with peer navigators who understand the challenges of reentry and can offer guidance rooted in real-life experience.”

Dokken emphasized the importance of peer support in the program. “All of our case managers are valuable, but when somebody is a peer who’s actually recovered and has some stability behind them, the trust factor is big,” she said. “So they trust and have the respect, they know what it was like when they were incarcerated, and that’s kind of a big deal to some people.”

Winnebago County Board Chairman Joe Chiarelli also highlighted the initiative’s significance. “We’re proud to support forward-thinking solutions that address both mental health and addiction among returning citizens. This grant reinforces our commitment to rehabilitation, public safety, and giving people a real second chance,” he said.

This program expands on the existing partnership with Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois, specifically addressing housing instability, mental illness, and substance use among justice-involved individuals. Offering evening and weekend access to services, including housing referrals, aims to bridge critical service gaps and build sustainable pathways for successful reentry.

Dokken explained how individuals can connect with the program. “Individuals can enter the program through certain different avenues. Now there are eligibility criteria. You do need to be high-risk individuals, and that’s by an assessment,” she said. “We’re trying to reach them as soon as their feet hit the street.”

The initiative will receive an annual appropriation of $199,862, funding two Peer Reentry Navigators as well as program management and administrative support.