This guide is intended to help with the reentry process, regardless of the amount of time someone may have spent inside or how long they have until release. Although we wrote this with YPEI students in mind, much of the information found here is applicable to anyone incarcerated or formerly incarcerated. You may also find this guide helpful if you are the family member, friend, or service provider for someone who is coming home. While all the information found within is publicly available, none of it is all in one place. Hundreds of hours have gone into researching and compiling this information so you do not have to. While some of the resources in this guide are specific to Connecticut, most of the information found here will be helpful no matter where you are. The following sections will provide general information on employment, housing, education, healthcare, networking, and more. We hope this knowledge is helpful in supporting your needs.
We recognize that getting used to life on the outside is hard. It may feel like there are so many barriers in this journey, and the question arises, "How on Earth will I succeed?" In this guide, you will find quotes and phrases from people just like you who went through the re-entry process. Many will be alumni of the program. They, and many others, have successfully reentered the outside world. And you can, too!
Zelda Roland Founding Director
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Zelda coordinates YPEI's partnership with the Connecticut Department of Corrections and its facilities; relationships with other national and statewide prison education programs and criminal justice organizations; and a passionate and broad assembly of Yale faculty, administrators, staff, and students who believe that our program represents the best of Yale's values and visions for the future.
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Emme Magliato
Program Assistant
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Emme Magliato is the Program Coordinator for YPEI. They graduated from Yale in 2023 where she studied both the History of Science and Evolutionary Biology. Emme first started with YPEI as an Academic Strategies Mentor through the Yale Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning. Emme has also worked in harm reduction and community organizing for people who use drugs and unhoused people in New Haven.
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Vanessa Estimé
Assistant Director
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Vanessa serves as Deputy Director for the YPEI. She has worked in higher education, focusing on student retention, academic advising, coaching, and mentoring. Her undergraduate studies were completed at the University of New Haven, and graduate studies at Simmons College School of Social Work. Vanessa is also a licensed social worker dedicated to supporting under-resourced communities and fostering well-being.
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Tracy Westmoreland
Transfer Counselor
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Tracy is the Site Director for YPEI’s Danbury campus and also serves as the Reentry/Transfer coordinator for returning students. Tracy completed his Master’s in political science at the University of Connecticut, and is currently pursuing his EdD in Social Justice in Higher Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Previously Tracy worked for the Missouri Department of Higher Education expanding prison education programming in the Midwest and was part of the Vera Correctional Education Leadership Academy’s 2022 Cohort.
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Every life transition requires preparation. Reentry can be difficult. It may be hard to find a great first job, reconnect with communities and loved ones, or decipher changes that have occurred during your absence. You may feel confused by how much things have changed since you’ve been away. Go slow. Breathe. It is perfectly normal to feel stressed at times, but don’t forget your support systems!
Think about the people you know. Who are the people you are counting on to be there for you? Stay connected to positive friends and family members. Be honest about what you need from them, whether it’s housing, help with money, or just support and love. Lean on the YPEI staff to help you with education, your job hunt, or just current events.
Reentry looks different for everyone and should be tailored to your needs. Below you will find the YPEI Reentry Survey. We want you to succeed on the outside just as you have in your classes. Don’t feel pressured to complete this right away or be compelled to answer every question. Just let us know what you need and how we can help, the more detail the better! Your goals may change as well before and after release. Consider the version in this guide your draft copy. If you need a new survey, ask a YPEI Staff member!
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Identifying documents, like IDs, birth certificates, and Social Security cards, are essential for accessing housing, employment, healthcare, and financial services.
This page will cover housing options in varying duration. Housing is an essential foundation on which you can build employment, access to medical care and public benefits, and more.
Public assistance refers to a range of state-sponsored programs designed to support lower-income people. Sometimes the extra support available through these programs can make a huge difference.
This page is a non-exhaustive list of food pantries and places to receive a hot meal or other basic needs. Please note that hours and days of service change constantly. The list is current as of January 2025.
Opening a bank account can be one of the most important steps to take to reach your financial goals, as putting your money in an FDIC insured bank account can give you financial safety, easy access to your funds, and overall financial peace of mind.
Networking is the name of the game, and you’ll need an email to participate. It is vital that you have one, otherwise you might miss out on some great opportunities. Having a phone is a way to keep in contact with your family, friends, employer and probation officer.