IDOC, IDPH, and IDJJ Join to Host a Summer "Summit of Hope" in Decatur to Support Returning Citizens

(Decatur, IL) - The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), and the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) are partnering on July 1 in Decatur to sponsor a "Summit of Hope" resource fair, a community expo dedicated to supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration back into society. 

The event at the Decatur Civic Center, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., is by invitation and will feature dozens of service providers. The Summit of Hope serves as a one-stop resource fair, connecting formerly incarcerated individuals with vital services, including health screenings, job opportunities, housing assistance, educational programs, and legal aid. In addition to IDOC, IDPH, and IDJJ, the event is also sponsored by Fifth Street Renaissance/Springfield AIDS Resource Association (SARA Center). This community organization provides resources, transitional housing, opportunities to develop job skills and acquire education, and aids in securing employment along with work to reduce the spread of HIV/AIDs through education, awareness, and prevention.

The summit will feature a diverse range of service providers, employers, community organizations, and government agencies collaborating to address barriers to reentry. Attendees will have opportunities to obtain identification documents, enroll in healthcare programs, and receive support for mental health and substance abuse recovery.

Illinois remains committed to promoting successful reentry and reducing recidivism through education, employment, and access to healthcare. Events like the "Summit of Hope" align with broader state efforts to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for returning citizens.

For more information about the Summit of Hope or to participate as a service provider, please get in touch with Michael Gaines at Michael.Gaines@Illinois.gov or register online here.