Workforce and Mental Wellness Support for Justice-Impacted Individuals

For justice-impacted individuals, job readiness programs are essential, but they often miss a crucial piece—mental health and emotional wellness. Addressing mental health needs is key to improving job search success and retention. From managing depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress to navigating issues like institutional racism and stigma, peer mentorship offers practical coping strategies and a sustainable support system. This no-cost, virtual group empowers individuals to build resilience, helping them overcome challenges and thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

Start your path to stability and success with mental health support designed for you.

Peer Mentorship Groups

Peer mentorship guides and supports you on your journey back into the workforce.
It is a safe and supportive space to hear stories, share challenges, and learn strategies to overcome obstacles.
Sessions are virtual and led by someone with lived experience who understands the unique challenges faced by justice-impacted persons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are Justice-Impacted Individuals?

Justice-impacted individuals are people who have been affected by the criminal justice system, whether through arrest, conviction, incarceration, probation, or parole. This term recognizes the lasting challenges they may face, such as barriers to employment, housing, education, and healthcare, and highlights the importance of support for their reintegration into society.

If I join the virtual group, what should I expect?

There is no cost and no commitment you need to make in order to join this group. Meetings take place via zoom with others in your same situation and a trained facilitator, who is also justice impacted, will share information and guide discussions.

Why would I want to join this group?

Joining a peer mentorship group as someone who has been affected by the justice system gives you a chance to connect with people who understand what you’re going through. It’s a safe place where you can talk about your challenges, share advice, and get support from others who have faced similar struggles, like finding a job or rebuilding relationships. Being part of this kind of group can help you feel less alone, build your confidence, and give you the support you need to keep moving forward in your life.

Does it matter where I live?

Nope! This is a virtual group, so all locations are welcome!

Do I have to be Justice-Impacted to join the group?

Yes. The value of Peer Mentorship is joining a group of others who understand, as much as they can, what you have gone through in the justice system and the challenges that you face now. If you are looking for a group and this doesn’t fit your experience, check to see if Give an Hour has another peer support group that will work.

On the ground in Montgomery County, MD

2024-2027

The Workforce Re-entry and Wellness Project in Montgomery County, MD is a 3-year grant where Give an Hour is providing tailored support for justice-impacted individuals seeking employment by addressing the unique challenges they face after incarceration.