About

About Safer Foundation

Safer Foundation is one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit providers of services designed exclusively for people with criminal records. We focus on helping our clients secure and maintain jobs because we understand that employment offers the best chance at successful re-entry.

A Model That Works

Safer Foundation’s evidence-based programs are geared toward addressing barriers to employment and providing services that support our clients’ re-entry efforts. Safer has pioneered innovative programs designed specifically for youth and adults with criminal records based on their learning styles, current education levels and past education experiences. Safer also offers intensive case management and prevention education. That includes help recognizing abusive behavior; problem-solving assistance; supportive services; and other ancillary services.

Reducing Recidivism

With our focused approach, Safer Foundation has a long history of helping reduce recidivism in Illinois. The recidivism rate* for Safer clients is significantly lower than the Illinois Department of Corrections rate of 47 percent. The recidivism rate for Safer clients who achieve employment is 24.3 percent. For those achieving 30-day employment retention, the rate is 17.5 percent. By keeping people from returning to prison, Safer Foundation provides considerable relief to the state’s economy, saving taxpayers millions of dollars. When our clients find employment, they are no longer a drain on the economy. They become valuable contributors.

*Safer Foundation’s 2011 Recidivism Study conducted by Loyola University tracked clients from FY2008 to FY2011.

  • Watch and Listen

    • Safer Hiring for CRC-1 Positions: Applicants for Corrections Residence Counselors should… MORE >

    • Bernie and Gus: Their Vision: From a 2014 interview with Safer co-founders Raymond… MORE >

  • Headlines

    • Grim prospects for inmates who traveled on bus to freedom months ago: As he rode home on a Greyhound bus earlier this… MORE >

    • State expands ‘certificates of good conduct’ for former offenders: New law gives former offenders the chance to… MORE >

  • Reentry Resources

    • Safer Foundation Policy PapersMORE >

    • Safer Foundation DocumentsMORE >

    • Safer Foundation Fact SheetsMORE >

  • Public Policy

    • The Statistics: Below are data, gathered from independent sources, showing a breakdown of individuals affected by… MORE >

    • Council of Advisors to Reduce Recidivism through Employment (CARRE): In order to make… MORE >

  • Success Stories

    • Nadeja Beasley: Nadeja Beasley had 10 long years to think about some costly choices she… MORE >

    • Jay Borchert: Jay Borchert can proudly say he’s been clean for ten years. Earlier in… MORE >

    • Juan Cruz: Juan Cruz once lived the life of a gangbanger on the streets of Chicago. The… MORE >

  • Follow Us
    • Twitter Twitter Twitter