More Than a Job: The Reentry and Work Experiences of Formerly Incarcerated Illinois Women

• In Event: Challenges Facing Those Reentering Communities

Abstract

According to the Annual Report of the Illinois Department of Corrections close to 49,000 persons were incarcerated in Illinois prisons as of June 30, 2014. Further, in fiscal year 2014, Illinois’ prison exits (30, 083) and prison admissions (30,048) were virtually equal. Eight percent (2,600) of prisoners released were women. National studies of neighborhoods show that the majority of released prisoners return to the same disadvantaged communities and conditions they left—areas with high concentrations of poverty, violence, unemployment, crime and large numbers of female-headed households (Austin, 2001;Clear, Rose & Ryder; Richie, 2001;Travis, 2005).

Too often, women returning from prison are confronted with the triple threats of family and community stigma, surviving domestic violence and finding work. Little is known about the work experiences of female ex-prisoners who succeed at securing jobs that provide purpose and a living wage. Findings from a Chicago-based, qualitative, phenomenological study that explored the experience of successful employment among seven formerly incarcerated African American women will be presented. This session will provide critical insights into increasing opportunities for stable employment and reentry success among populations of female ex-prisoners.

Author

• Vickii P. Coffey, University of Illinois at Chicago