illi News - Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Mayor's Office of Community Safety Announce the Launch of the Office of Re-entry Led by Director Joseph Mapp

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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, along with aldermen and community partners, gathered today to celebrate the launch of the City's Office of Re-entry and announce the appointment of Joseph Mapp as its Director. This new office, which falls under the Mayor's Office of Community Safety, will work towards supporting Chicago residents as they return to their communities after being detained or incarcerated.

Mapp brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his new role as Director of Re-entry. With a background in restorative justice and managing community violence intervention programs, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication throughout his career.

"Joseph's extensive experience makes him the perfect candidate to lead our efforts in removing barriers to re-entry, empowering residents to break the cycle of recidivism, and implementing policies that reflect the needs of this population," said Mayor Johnson.

Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood also expressed confidence in Mapp's abilities, stating that he "knows first-hand the many barriers that make it difficult to successfully return home after incarceration." Gatewood believes that Mapp will be able to develop and implement policies, programs, and practices that eliminate these barriers and create opportunities for returning residents in areas such as community safety, mental health, housing, education, employment, economic vitality, and other support systems.

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The Office of Re-entry was established as part of Mayor Johnson's commitment to investing in people. It is staffed by a growing team with sustainable funding from the City's Cannabis Regulation Tax fund. Each year, over 10,000 individuals return to Chicago after serving time in jail or prison. The majority of these individuals come from four historically disinvested communities on the South and West sides. The Office of Re-entry aims to provide holistic support for these returning residents and their families by ensuring they have access to necessary resources.

Alderman Walter Burnett expressed his support for Mapp's appointment as Director of Re-entry. "As a long-time advocate for second chances, I am proud to support the appointment of Joseph Mapp," said Burnett. "His deep understanding of the challenges faced by returning citizens, combined with his commitment to restorative justice, will play a critical role in helping our community members successfully transition back into society."

Mapp himself is honored to serve as Director of Re-entry for an administration that is dedicated to investing in opportunities for returning residents. "I am committed to creating restorative re-entry opportunities that enhance supportive services for returning residents holistically," said Mapp.

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He firmly believes in the power of communities and actively participates in initiatives such as the Illinois Re-entry Council and the Continuum of Care Re-entry Line of Action. Through these efforts, he fights tirelessly for human dignity and the restoration of rights for individuals who have been impacted by incarceration. Mapp holds a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Northeastern Illinois University and is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Social Work at the University of Chicago.

The launch of the Office of Re-entry and the appointment of Joseph Mapp as its Director marks a significant step towards reducing recidivism rates and creating a more inclusive and supportive community for returning residents in Chicago. With dedicated funding and a passionate leader at its helm, this office has the potential to make a positive impact on countless lives.

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