Building a Collaborative Network for Reentry
The Birmingham Re-Entry Alliance was formed in 2024 when Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice joined forces with eight other nonprofits to create something new — a woven network of support for people returning home.
The Challenge
Every year, hundreds of individuals return from Alabama Department of Corrections custody to Jefferson County. Many are released with nothing more than a bus ticket and a $30 debit card. They face homelessness, lack of identification, no healthcare, and limited employment prospects.
The vast majority of program participants are reentering society after serving sentences related to crimes committed during active addiction. Oftentimes, little or no treatment options were available during incarceration. Research shows that overdoses are more than 50 times higher for those leaving incarceration or enforced abstinence.
Without coordinated support, the cycle continues. The Birmingham Re-Entry Alliance was created to break that cycle.
Many return to Birmingham with nothing but the clothes on their back
Our Approach
Rather than creating a new organization, the Alliance harnesses the strengths of existing nonprofits and weaves their services together into a collaborative support system. Each partner brings specialized expertise — from healthcare to housing, employment to peer support.
At the center of this network is a dedicated case manager who serves as the initial point of contact for all program participants. Working closely with each individual, the case manager develops personalized reentry plans and provides warm introductions — not cold referrals — to partner organizations.
The case manager coordinates services chronologically, ensuring participants receive the right support at the right time. From securing housing in the first two weeks to connecting with healthcare, employment training, and ongoing recovery support, every step is planned and supported.
"We believe our community cannot separate reentry from recovery."
Alliance partners at the BRA launch event
What Guides Us
Our work is built on evidence-based practices and a deep commitment to treating every individual with dignity and respect.
Collaborative Model
Ten organizations working together under a shared Memorandum of Understanding, combining strengths rather than duplicating services.
Evidence-Based Care
All participants with substance use history receive ASAM assessments and individualized treatment plans. We use science-driven approaches at every step.
Warm Introductions
Our case manager personally connects participants with each partner organization — building relationships, not just making referrals.
Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice
The Birmingham Re-Entry Alliance is a program of Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, a nonprofit organization dedicated to achieving justice and equity for all Alabamians. Building upon Appleseed's reentry program, the Alliance was formed to scale the impact through collaboration.
Carla Crowder, Executive Director
Ready to Learn More?
Explore our services, meet our partners, or apply for support today.