Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson, Office Of Reentry Announce New Microgrant Program To Support Returning Residents
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CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson, Mayor's Office of Reentry Director Joseph Mapp, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige, and United Way of Metro Chicago announced a $600,000 investment in reentry service providers which will allow organizations to expand support programs and mental health services for returning residents. The Returning with Hope Microgrant program is designed to strengthen Chicago's reentry support network by investing in the work of smaller organizations while promoting collaboration between service providers.

"Creating opportunities for every Chicagoan is central to our work building a safer city," said Mayor Brandon Johnson. "Returning residents face a unique set of challenges that they must navigate all at once while dealing with systems which, too often, are designed to shut them out. We know that our city succeeds when Chicagoans returning from incarceration are given the chance to turn their lives around. These microgrants will expand support programs, and, crucially, mental health care for Chicagoans returning to their communities."

The grant awards will allow partner organizations to increase their mental health offerings. With a focus on small organizations that are not always eligible for larger grant opportunities through the City, the grants will allow service providers to maintain or expand programming which aims to increase participants' self-confidence, connect individuals with peer mentors, and help returning residents access safe and stable housing.

"Today we acknowledge, lift up, and celebrate the Reentry service providers who stand on the frontlines of hope and possibility," said Director of Reentry Joseph Mapp. "Their work reminds us that, when met with dignity, opportunity, and unwavering support, every returning resident carries the potential for transformation. This funding is more than an investment in programs, it is an investment in people, in healing, and in the belief that communities thrive when everyone has a path forward. As these partners navigate rising needs and complex challenges, we are committed to walking with them, ensuring they have the resources necessary to continue opening doors, rebuilding lives, and strengthening the future of our city."

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The initiative was made possible through collaboration by United Way of Metro Chicago and CDPH who helped to develop and coordinate the funding opportunity alongside the Office of Reentry.

"United Way of Metro Chicago is proud to have partnered with the Office of Reentry and the Chicago Department of Public Health to support the grant administration process for the Returning with Hope Microgrants," said Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives at United Way Caitlin Closser Peart. "This collaboration ensures community organizations receive essential funding to bolster their critical work supporting returning residents – and building stronger communities across the Chicago region."

"When returning residents have access to mental health care, stable housing, employment pathways, and strong community support, our entire city becomes healthier and more resilient, said CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige. "This investment reflects our shared commitment to breaking cycles of incarceration and expanding opportunity for every Chicagoan. We are inspired by the organizations leading this work, and are proud to support the innovative, community-rooted solutions they deliver."

32 organizations, comprised of both individual applications and collaboratives, have been selected as grantees. Individual awardees will receive between $10,000 and $20,000 while collaboratives will receive between $50,000 and $60,000 to split amongst each other.

The inaugural Returning with Hope Microgrant recipients include:
  • Monarch Ministries;
  • Cannabis Equity Illinois Coalition;
  • EXxperts Chicago;
  • The Mac Effect;
  • NextGen Visionary Leaders;
  • Returning Citizens in Memory of Henry Dee;
  • Change Your Life Ministries;
  • Mighty Man of God Ministries;
  • KNA Empowerment Outreach;
  • NAFS Healing Collective;
  • Next Steps NFP;
  • Women Initiating New Directions (WIND);
  • Table of Hope Chicago;
  • Hinda Institute;
  • MADD Talent Outreach;
  • Federal Problem Solving Courts Foundation;
  • Walls Turned Sideways;
  • Mud Theatre Project;
  • Saving Lives Inc;
  • Urban Tech Academy;
  • Anderson's Enterprise Management Corporation (AEMC);
  • Beauty Project Justice;
  • Mission: Women Charged Up;
  • Circles and Ciphers;
  • The Final 5 Campaign;
  • The Rock Enterprises and Development Corp (T.R.E.A.D);
  • Transforming Education and Empowering Children's Humanity;
  • Barbara Jean Foundation;
  • Bridging the Gap;
  • Mildred Franks Community Development Corporation;
  • Bethel Deliverance Center;
  • Sonya Foundation.

The Office of Re-entry, which was first established by Mayor Johnson, leads initiatives aimed at providing holistic support to returning residents and their families, ensuring impacted individuals can access the resources they need to thrive. Each year, more than 10,000 individuals return to Chicago following detention or incarceration. The majority return to communities on the South and West Sides.

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