Illinois Agencies Assist Formerly Incarcerated Individuals at Summit of Hope

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department Corrections (IDOC), in partnership with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Illinois Prisoner Review Board, and Illinois Treasurer's Office, is connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with services to help them reintegrate back into the community successfully. Hundreds of returning citizens attended the Summit of Hope at the Illinois State Fairgrounds Wednesday. The expo brought together local service providers to guide and assist parolees and probationers. At the one-stop event, men and women could get a free haircut, receive a health screening, learn how to secure housing, open a bank account, obtain substance abuse counseling, and more.

"Our goal is to end the cycle of incarceration by setting returning citizens up for success," said IDOC Acting Director Rob Jeffreys. "The Summit of Hope gives men and women the tools they need to be responsible, law-abiding members of our community."

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) provided attendees information to help them pursue new professional licenses or restore licenses that lapsed due to incarceration. The Department also spoke about the importance of financial literacy and provided educational materials on bank accounts, loans, and budgeting skills.

"As the principal regulator of Illinois' licensed professions, it is the Department's goal for Illinois residents to obtain their licenses and successfully practice in their chosen profession while continuing to protect the public," said IDFPR Secretary Deborah Hagan. "By communicating this through outreach and education, we hope to increase the number of licensed professionals, create an environment conducive to economic success, and to reduce recidivism."  

IDOC hosts multiple Summits of Hope across the state each year. The next event will take place in Maywood, Illinois on June 19, 2019.