Examining Congregational Capacity to Support Reintegration of Female Ex-Offenders in Chicago

1. Examining Congregational Capacity to Support Reintegration of Female Ex-Offenders in Chicago Tumaria Mcdaniel University of Illinois-Chicago Advisor: Dr. Cynthia Boyd

2. Background Increase of women in correctional facilities Demographics present unique health challenges Insufficient support Federal: Decentralization of social welfare State: Emphasis placed on male, violent offenders Local: Economically depressed areas with high rates of crime

3. Background Churches and social welfare Benefits Trust Time in community Challenges Separation of church and state Controversial

4. Importance of Research Identifies key services for female ex-offenders Assesses congregational capacity Opportunities for collaboration Highlights capacity building opportunities Contributes to capacity assessment tools

5. Research Question & Purpose ResearchQuestion • What is the capacity of congregational health ministries to provide services that address the “expressed” needs of female ex-offenders in urban communities in Chicago? Purpose • Small part of larger, planned study • Develop a reliable and valid survey tool that will sufficiently answer the research question

6. Hypotheses • Congregational health ministries will focus more on male ex-offenders than female ex-offenders. • Financial burdens and inadequate professional resources will attenuate the scope of services offered by health ministries.

7. Methodology Survey Design Extensive literature review Capacity assessed by four “expressed” needs: Finding shelter Obtaining employment/legal income Reconstructing connections with others Developing community membership Developed indicators based on barriers to needs Mock interviews

8. Methodology Developing Indicators Employment/Legal Income Barriers mentioned Potential barriers Does your church offer any other types of support? Gift cards/food coupons Family counseling Clothing Free meals/food pantry Daycare Shelter Gender-spec. supp. groups Mentor program

9. Methodology Population • A convenience sample of churches in four communities on the West Side of Chicago Research Design: • N=80 • Structured survey instrument • Mostly closed-ended • Telephone interview • Aimed for ten completions

10. Methodology

11. Limitations • Limited time frame • African American churches • West Side of Chicago

12. Results 10 completed surveys 2 refusals 4 wrong numbers 2 did not offer any of the listed programs and services

13. Results Hypothesis 1: Partially Supported 4/8 had ex-offender programs All served ex-offenders 2 served no female ex-offenders 1 served only females Hypothesis 2: Supported Working and middle class Financed through tithes; minimal outside support Additional support needed Strong emphasis on careers services and health Less emphasis on education and mentorship

14. Results

15. Discussion/Conclusion Survey was quick and efficient Need to address potential gaps in questions Develop more indicators Acutely define program and services Address barriers faced by churches Send early notification Used mixed methods

16. Future Studies Measure the impact of services offered Identify service gaps Evaluate perceptions of value

17. Acknowledgements Special Thanks to: Dr. Cynthia Boyd, Mr. Charles Williams, and Ms. Susan Hobson UIC Neighborhood Initiative Staff SROP Staff

18. Thank You! Any Questions?