The New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJDOC) has awarded nearly $7 million through the 2026 New Jersey Locally Empowered, Accountable, and Determined (NJLEAD) grants to 41 community organizations across the state. These investments expand community access to critical resources that promote long-term stability and opportunity for returning citizens.
“Successful reentry strengthens public safety and creates stronger communities,” said Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn, Esq. “These investments support local organizations that help individuals secure housing, find employment, access treatment and build stable lives after release. Their work is an important part of New Jersey’s continued progress in reducing recidivism.”
As a vital component of the Department’s reintegration strategy, the NJLEAD initiative bridges the gap for individuals returning home from incarceration. By investing directly in grassroots and community organizations, NJLEAD empowers trusted local providers to reduce institutional barriers to successful reentry – combining immediate stability resources like housing assistance with long-term programs like vocational training.
These comprehensive community investments directly support New Jersey’s proven track record of success; according to the Department’s most recent Recidivism Outcome Report, only 6 percent of individuals released from NJDOC custody in 2021 were reincarcerated for a new conviction within three years, continuing a long-term decline in recidivism across the state.
“Community organizations are essential partners in successful reentry,” said Dr. Darcella Patterson Sessomes, Chief of Programs and Reintegration Services. “These grants expand access to evidence-based services and strengthen the local networks that help individuals succeed after release.
Real Impact by the Numbers (Calendar Year 2025)
The NJLEAD initiative continues to deliver measurable, life-changing support across New Jersey’s communities. Over the course of calendar year 2025, NJLEAD partners achieved the following milestones:
- 7,335 prerelease contacts made through targeted reentry outreach events to prepare individuals for release.
- 13,882 community contacts established to support individuals already navigating their reintegration.
- Over 300 individuals recently released from incarceration provided with vital emergency housing.
Reintegration Service Coordination in Urban Communities
Supports municipalities in coordinating local reentry strategies, building partnerships, and ensuring services are accessible to residents returning home by hiring a Reentry Coordinator for the municipality who can direct residents to local supports.
| Organization | Award Amount |
| City of Paterson | $152,000 |
| Neptune Township | $143,000 |
Reentry Supportive Services
Funds community-based organizations that provide direct case management, housing assistance, mental health services, and other wraparound supports for people leaving incarceration.
| Organization | Award Amount |
| Urban League of Union County | $400,000 |
| Isaiah House | $375,000 |
| Habakkuk’s Vision Charitable Ministries, Inc. | $350,000 |
| The Kintock Group | $350,000 |
| Communities in Cooperation, Inc | $350,000 |
| Reformed Church of Highland Park – AHC | $350,000 |
| Salvation and Social Justice | $350,000 |
| Helping Arms | $280,000 |
| Greater Bergen Community Action | $250,000 |
| Education & Health Centers of America | $225,000 |
| New Beginnings Behavioral Health | $200,000 |
| Returning Citizens Support Group | $200,000 |
| SCORES Reentry, Inc. | $200,000 |
| Pyramid House Foundation | $180,000 |
| Joseph’s House of Camden | $175,000 |
| Camden Council on Economic Opportunity | $175,000 |
| Kommunity Kares, Inc. | $175,000 |
| Most Excellent Way of Life | $175,000 |
| The WOW Center | $150,000 |
| Trinity Episcopal Church | $110,000 |
| TEAM Resurrection | $110,000 |
Innovative Reentry Cooperative Economic Empowerment
Supports programs that build career pathways, entrepreneurship opportunities, and job readiness so that people leaving prison can earn stable wages and contribute to their local economies.
| Organization | Award Amount |
| AACCNJ Reentry Ventures | $200,000 |
| Urban League of Essex County | $145,000 |
| The Workwell Partnership | $125,000 |
| Associated Humane Societies | $100,000 |
| YWCA-Northern NJ | $80,000 |
| Cathedral Community Development Center | $75,000 |
| Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship (WCEC) | $75,000 |
| Union County Economic Development Corp. (UCEDC) | $50,000 |
| The Father Center of NJ | $50,000 |
| Strong Ones LLC dba New Entry | $25,000 |
| Enosis The Leadership Network | $25,000 |
Innovative Prerelease Preparation and Vocational Training
Provides prerelease life coaching, certifications, and vocational training so that individuals leave correctional facilities with skills and credentials that can translate directly into work.
| Organization | Award Amount |
| DRCW | $125,000 |
| NAN Newark Tech World | $100,000 |
| NJPAC | $100,000 |
| The THINK Group | $75,000 |
| Sojourn Institute LLC | $50,000 |
| Ladies of Hope Ministries | $50,000 |
| Union County Fatherhood Initiative Coalition, Inc. | $50,000 |