Data@Work

How Funding Flexibility Is Changing Chicago's Approach to Reentry Programming

Kelsey speaks with Trenity Dobbey about the challenges and successes of launching an innovative re-entry and employment navigation program in Chicago for residents returning from incarceration. The program, called SPRING Forward, was funded by the American Rescue Plan which provided unique flexibility, allowing Chicago to break traditional workforce development molds and provide crucial wraparound housing services to program participants. Trenity is the Supervisor of Family and Support Programs for Workforce Development at Chicago’s Department of Family and Support Services