WHAT WE DO.
Returning citizens face a difficult road after serving time in prison, but Friends of Returning Citizens (FORC) is here to help. We make the path back to freedom smoother for men and women released from incarceration in Michigan. Our peer-led program, based in Detroit, provides critical reentry services and support, giving those in need the opportunity to successfully reintegrate into society.
Clothing, Toiletries & Housewares
Clothing essentials, including new coats, shirts, pants and more, personal hygiene products and basic household items to get you started.
Monthly Bus Passes
31-day DDOT (Detroit Department of Transportation) bus passes to help you get around town to job interviews, employment, appointments and more.
Weekly Support Group
Weekly meetings led by peers and professionals that provide emotional support to help you achieve personal growth and realize you're not alone in the struggle.
Workforce Development
Job referrals, computer training, resume development and other life skills guidance to help you secure employment.
RETURNING CITIZENS FACE MANY BARRIERS.
It's a steep uphill battle. After many years behind bars, returning citizens often reenter society lacking the current skills, education and resources to find a job, secure housing and acclimate to life outside prison. They are stigmatized and penalized for past crimes. Their fears and lack of support often lead them down a bad path and cause them to re-offend.
68%
Average Rearrest Rate for State Prisoners Within
3 Years of Release
75%
Returning Citizens in Michigan Who Are Out of Work Within
3 Years of Release
10X
The Formerly Incarcerated Are 10X More Likely to Be Unhoused Than the General Public
OUR IMPACT.

"Friends of Returning Citizens has been an invaluable resource in my journey toward rebuilding my life. Thanks to their assistance, I’ve been able to focus on regaining my independence and building a better future. I am so grateful for all the help they have given me – it’s truly made a difference in my life.​"
S.C.
"After I was paroled, FORC became my safe place to focus on personal growth. They provided me with the opportunity to take care of basic necessities such as clothing, hygiene products, employment searching and resume writing help. I'm now a FORC volunteer."
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A.L.G.
