Top Re entry Grants For Felons In Nebraska

Are There Re entry Grants For Felons In Nebraska?  Yes, Nebraska offers several verified programs that provide housing, education, and financial support to help individuals rebuild stable lives through popular programs like 180 Re-entry Assistance Program, Federal Pell Grant, Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG), RISE Reentry Program. Additionally, essential benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, and TANF provide food, healthcare, and financial assistance. Explore the top grants and programs for felons in Nebraska, how they work, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

Reentry Programs For Felons in Nebraska

Reentry grants in Nebraska help felons with job training, life skills, and support services to rebuild stability and successfully reintegrate into society after incarceration.

VLS Partner Programs in Nebraska

VLS Partner Programs (Vocational and Life Skills) in Nebraska are state-funded reentry initiatives designed to help incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals connect to community-based organizations that offer job training, education, housing support, and life skills development. This program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) and some of the key services include resume building, vocational training, mental health support, and assistance with housing.

Eligibility For VLS Partner Programs in Nebraska

To be eligible for VLS Partner Programs in Nebraska, individuals are currently incarcerated, on parole/probation, or recently released, must be within approximately 18 months of release or already reentering the community, willing to participate in job training, education, or life skills programs and have a goal of improving employment, housing, or personal stability.

How To Apply For VLS Partner Programs in Nebraska?

VLS Partner Programs do not have any dedicated application, individuals need to get referred through Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) by parole office or community partner organizations. The referred participant gets matched with a local VLS provider that offers help with employment training, housing assistance, and case management. For any queries related to the VLS Partner Program call at (402) 471-2654.

RISE Reentry Program

The RISE Reentry Program in Nebraska is a leading nonprofit initiative that offers assistance to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals through character development, job readiness training, and post-release support. The program begins inside the Nebraska corrections facility offering an intensive 6-month in-prison course that helps participants to learn communication, goal setting, and employment skills. The participants continue getting support even after release to build long-term stability.

Eligibility For RISE Reentry Program

To be eligible for the RISE Reentry Program, individuals must be currently incarcerated in a Nebraska Department of Correctional Services facility, must be within approximately 1–5 years of release, willing to complete a 6-month in-prison training program and stay committed to personal development.

How To Apply For A RISE Reentry Program?

RISE does not have any dedicated application portal for felons, the eligible participants are enrolled in prison facilities through program staff and correctional partners. To get access to RISE reentry services, participants need to complete graduation in the RISE in-prison program. For general queries related to the program call on 402-999-8063 or email them at [email protected].

The Clean Slate Project (Legal Aid of Nebraska)

The Clean Slate Project by Legal Aid of Nebraska is a free legal assistance program that allows individuals with criminal records to clear or improve their record that helps in eliminating barriers to jobs, housing, and education. The Clean Slate Project gives the eligible individuals a fresh start through record sealing, conviction set-asides, and pardons.

Eligibility For The Clean Slate Project in Nebraska

To be eligible for The Clean Slate Project in Nebraska, individuals must have a criminal record in Nebraska, must be seeking help with record sealing, set-asides, or pardons, have completed sentencing requirements and do not have any active legal cases related to criminal defense.

How To Apply For The Clean Slate Project in Nebraska?

To apply, visit the official website of Legal Aid of Nebraska and search for “Get Help or Clean Slate Section”. You can apply online or call their intake line to get help with assistance. A staff will be assigned who will help you with record sealing, set-asides, or pardons. For any other queries call on (402) 348-1069.

The Black Men United (BMU)

The Black Men United (BMU), BAMB program in Nebraska is a community-based reentry initiative that provides assistance to the formerly incarcerated individuals who are black through readiness, mentoring, and life stabilization service. The main focus of the program is to help individuals overcome barriers to employment through workforce development, counseling, housing support referrals, and case management.

Eligibility For Black Men United (BMU)

To be eligible for Black Men United (BMU), individual must be formerly incarcerated or justice-involved, making transition back into Omaha area, willing to participate in mentoring, job training, and support services, have a goal of improving employment, housing, or life stability and must be referred through reentry programs, parole officers, or community partners.

How To Apply For Black Men United (BMU)?

To apply, visit the official website of Black Men United or call on (402) 707-3115 to contact the organisation directly. You can ask for referral through correctional staff, parole officers, or reentry service providers. BMU is located at 4200 N 30th St, Omaha, NE 68111.

Housing Programs For Felons in Nebraska

Housing programs provide safe shelter, case management, and support services to help felons avoid homelessness and build a stable foundation after release.

LifeHouse (Care Corps, Inc)

LifeHouse (Care Corps, Inc.) in Nebraska is a nonprofit organization that provides assistance with housing, shelter and other supportive services specially for those individuals who are facing homelessness. The participants can get access to services including case management, mental health and substance abuse counseling, employment training, and life skills education. These programs can be highly beneficial for returning citizens in the Fremont area.

Eligibility For LifeHouse Programs

To be eligible for LifeHouse Programs, individuals must be homeless or at risk of homelessness, recently released or transitioning back into the community, willing to participate in case management and support programs, meet income or program-specific requirements and stay committed to improve employment, housing, or life stability.

How To Apply For LifeHouse Programs?

LifeHouse does not have a dedicated online application system. To apply directly visit the Fremont location at 723 N Broad St, Fremont, Nebraska to begin your intake procedure. The staff will assess your housing needs and will assign you a manager who will further guide you. You can also call on (402) 721-3125 to request assistance or schedule an intake appointment. To stay updated with their programs follow Care Corps, Inc. on Facebook.

MHA Nebraska Housing Programs

MHA Nebraska Housing Programs is administered and operated by the Mental Health Association of Nebraska (MHA-NE) offering safe, supportive, and structured housing to formerly incarcerated individuals. The program offers 24/7 support, case management, employment assistance, and connections to community resources. The MHA Nebraska Housing Programs gives high priority to individuals dealing with mental health challenges, substance use, or trauma.

Eligibility For MHA Nebraska Housing Programs

To be eligible for MHA Nebraska Housing Programs, individuals must be released from incarceration or preparing for release, be on parole, probation, or within 18 months of release, have felony background, and willing to participate in peer support and case management services.

How To Apply For MHA Nebraska Housing Programs?

To apply, visit the official website of MHA Nebraska Housing Programs and navigate towards the housing program section. You can also work with your parole officer or reentry counselor and request a referral. For general queries about their eligibility and application call them at 402-975-2032.

Never Give Up Transitional Living

Never Give Up Transitional Living (NGU) in Omaha, Nebraska runs a structured reentry housing program designed to help the formerly incarcerated men to successfully reintegrate into the society. The program offers an 84-day residential program combining safe housing with employment support, therapy, and life skills training. Returning citizens in Nebraska can highly benefit from NGU as it provides services including job placement assistance, mental health counseling (DBT), substance abuse treatment, and financial literacy training.

Eligibility For Never Give Up Transitional Living

To be eligible for Never Give Up Transitional Living, individuals must be released from prison in Nebraska, approved for parole or community supervision, motivated to participate in a structured reentry program and must not have a sex offense conviction.

How To Apply For Never Give Up Transitional Living?

To apply visit the official website of Never Give Up Transitional Living and contact their team directly to start your application process. Incarcerated or on parole need to request for a referral through parole officers or correctional staff. The NGU program runs a screening-based application process. For general queries about the program call on (402) 359-7404 or email them at [email protected].

Bridges to Hope

Bridges to Hope is a nonprofit reentry program that operates in Lincoln, Nebraska, offers assistance to formerly incarcerated individuals rebuilding their lives by providing them with essential resources and housing services. Eligible individuals can get access to resources like clothing, furniture, household goods, and hygiene products. Additionally, the non-profit program also educates participants through job training, mentoring, and housing programs.

Eligibility For Bridges to Hope

To be eligible for Bridges to Hope for felons, individuals recently released or preparing for release from incarceration, referred by a reentry agency, parole/probation officer, or correctional facility, demonstrate need of basic necessities and are willing to work towards stable housing and reentry.

How To Apply For Bridges to Hope?

Bridges to Hope do not have any dedicated application, eligible individuals need to get referred by correctional staff, parole officers, or partner organizations. Once eligible, the participants can visit the facility to receive essential resources and services. To get more information visit the official website of Bridges to Hope. For general queries related to their program and services call on (402) 420-5696 or email them at [email protected].

Education Grants and Financial Aid in Nebraska

Educational grants help felons access college and training programs by covering tuition and expenses, improving employment opportunities and long-term reintegration success.

180 Re-entry Assistance Program (180 RAP)

The 180 Re-entry Assistance Program (180 RAP) in Nebraska is one of the most popular college-based reentry programs that offers support to the formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into society. The 180 Re-entry Assistance Program is administered by Metropolitan Community College offering comprehensive support such as job training, education, housing assistance referrals, and basic needs services.

Eligibility For 180 Re-entry Assistance Program

To be eligible for 180 Re-entry Assistance Program, individuals who are currently incarcerated, recently released, or transitioning from jail/prison or a treatment facility, must be willing to attend an orientation session and complete an intake assessment, open to participating in training, coaching, or support services and must reside in or returning in Nebraska.

How To Apply For 180 Re-entry Assistance Program?

To apply for the 180 Re-entry Assistance Program (180 RAP), individuals need to visit the official Metropolitan Community College website and navigate towards the “180 RAP” section. You can either register online or simply visit the Fort Omaha Campus in person. You need to attend a short orientation to begin your application process, the staff will further guide you with enrollment. For any program related queries call on 531-622-2639.

Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG)

The Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG) is a state-funded, need-based financial aid program offering help to low-income students including justice-impacted individuals by covering tuition and educational expenses. The grant is awarded to the participating colleges and universities to help students who are struggling financially. It is not a dedicated grant for felons but justice-impacted individuals can qualify if they meet standard requirements such as FAFSA eligibility and enrollment in an approved institution.

Eligibility For Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG)

To be eligible for Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG), an individual must be a resident of Nebraska, enrolled in an eligible Nebraska college or university, not have a bachelor’s or professional degree, and must demonstrate financial need.

How To Apply For Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG)?

To apply for Nebraska Opportunity Grant (NOG), individuals must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Once FAFSA is submitted, apply to a Nebraska college or university. If you are eligible the institution’s financial aid office will automatically consider you for the NOG award. For general queries students can contact Education Quest or call at 402-471-2847.

TRAC Program (University of Nebraska Omaha)

The TRAC Program stands for Transforming, Renewing, Achieving, and Connecting, it is a higher education initiative at the University of Nebraska Omaha designed to support the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated by providing them with college-level education. The program offers a free-credit course inside the Omaha Correctional Center to build academic skills, confidence, and a pathway to employment after release.

Eligibility For TRAC Program (University of Nebraska Omaha)

To be eligible for TRAC Program, individuals must be currently incarcerated at the Omaha Correctional Center, have a high school diploma or GED, interest in pursuing college-level education, willing to complete coursework and participate in structured classes and plan to continue education after release.

How To Apply For TRAC Program (University of Nebraska Omaha)?

The TRAC program does not have any dedicated online application. The eligible individuals need to apply internally through the correctional facility. You need to work with your case manager or probation officer to get enrolled in the classes and get guidance through course selection. To learn more about the TRAC program visit the official website of University of Nebraska at Omaha. For any program related queries email them at [email protected].

Nebraska VR (Vocational Rehabilitation)

Nebraska VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) is a state-run employment program that offers assistance to the disabled individuals, including felons with job preparation services. The program is mainly designed to help out individuals who face barriers to employment due to physical, mental, emotional or learning disabilities.

Nebraska VR runs personalised supportive services that includes career counseling, job training, resume assistance, education support, assistive technology, and job placement services. If justice-impacted individuals in Nebraska meet the qualifying disabilities can benefit through the program.

Eligibility For Nebraska VR (Vocational Rehabilitation)

To be eligible for Nebraska VR services, individuals must have a documented physical, mental, or emotional disability, demonstrate disability creates a barrier to employment, able to benefit from vocational rehabilitation services to get or keep a job, must be a Nebraska resident, have legal authorization to work in the U.S and willing to work with a counselor to create an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).

How To Apply For Nebraska VR (Vocational Rehabilitation)?

To apply, visit the official website of Nebraska VR and navigate towards the “Job Seekers” section. You can fill up an online inquiry or contact a local Nebraska VR office to schedule an appointment. You will be assigned a counsellor who will further guide you through eligibility and application for enrollment. For any queries related to Nebraska VR services call on (402) 471-3644 or 877-637-3422.

Job Training Grants For Felons in Nebraska

Job training programs in Nebraska help felons gain skills, career readiness, and employment opportunities through workshops, vocational training, and reentry support services.

Nebraska Employer Tax Credit

The Nebraska Employer Tax Credit is a state incentive program for employing convicted felons, it encourages businesses to hire individuals with felony convictions. Under the program, the employer can receive a nonrefundable tax credit equal to 10% of wages paid to an eligible employee for the first year.

The credit can be applied on to wages that are earned for the first 12 months and is capped at around $20,000. The main focus of the program is to provide second-chance job opportunities to the felons to get employed and become financially independent.

Eligibility For Nebraska Employer Tax Credit

To be eligible for Nebraska Employer Tax Credit, employees must be convicted of a felony, individuals newly hired by an employer, wages must be paid during the first 12 months of employment, employers must comply with the Nebraska tax laws and credit will be applied to eligible businesses that file state taxes.

How To Apply For Nebraska Employer Tax Credit?

To apply, visit the Nebraska Department of Revenue website and navigate to the Tax Credits section. Download the application form for the Employer Tax Credit for Employing Convicted Felons and make submission by following the instructions. Employers should consult a tax professional for proper filing. For general queries about the program (800) 742-7474. 

ReConnect, Inc. for Felons

ReConnect, Inc. is a community-based nonprofit in Omaha, Nebraska offers reentry support services for formerly incarcerated individuals. ReConnect2Success (R2S) is a flagship program focused on removing barriers to reintegration through job readiness training, education support, life skills development, and family reunification services. Furthermore the applicants can also get access to mentoring, case management, and limited financial or transportation assistance.

Eligibility For ReConnect, Inc. for Felons

To be eligible for ReConnect, Inc, individuals must be formerly incarcerated or justice-involved, referred by parole/probation officers, correctional facilities, or community partners, willing to participate in job training, workshops, and life skills programs, have a goal to improve employment, education, or personal stability and must comply with program rules.

How To Apply For ReConnect, Inc. for Felons?

To apply, visit the official website of ReConnect, Inc. and fill up the contact form to schedule an appointment. You can also talk to your parole/probation officers or reentry organizations for requesting a referral. Once you get connected, a case manager will be assigned who will guide you with enrollment. For general queries about program eligibility and application call on (402) 934-4933 or email them at [email protected]

Opening Doors Reentry Program

The Opening Doors Reentry Program in Nebraska is a community-based initiative that is administered by the Center for People in Need to offer support to the formerly incarcerated individuals to reintegrate back into the community. The program offers a wide range of services including career readiness, life skills training, and employment support, providing participants with essential tools like communication skills, workplace etiquette, computer literacy, and job preparation. One of their key programs is the CORE class, where individuals are offered a short-term training program building practical skills needed for employment

Eligibility For Opening Doors Reentry Program

To be eligible for the Opening Doors Reentry Program, individuals must be formerly incarcerated, on work release, parole, or recently released,  must be residing or returning back in Nebraska, willing to participate in career readiness and life skills training and have a goal towards improving employment and personal growth.

How To Apply For Opening Doors Reentry Program?

To apply, visit the official website of Center for People in Need and navigate towards the “Opening Doors” section. You can also try getting a referral from correctional staff, parole officers, or local reentry organizations to get enrolled in the reentry program. For general queries related to the program call on (402) 476-4357 or drop an email at [email protected].

Jump Start Culinary Program

The Jump Start Culinary Program in Nebraska is a short-term workforce training initiative designed to help formerly incarcerated individuals to develop a career in the culinary and hospitality industry. This initiative is a collaboration between Metropolitan Community College (MCC), the 180 Re-entry Assistance Program (180 RAP), and a nonprofit restaurant offering hands-on training in prep cooking, line cooking, and restaurant service. Participants can acquire MCC Restaurant Basics Certificate and can use it to gain direct employment in the hospitality industry.

Eligibility For Jump Start Culinary Program

To be eligible for Jump Start Culinary Program, you must be formerly incarcerated or transitioning from the Nebraska prison system, enrolled or connected with the 180 RAP program, show interest in culinary, food service, or hospitality careers, willing to complete short-term training and ready to pursue employment in this industry.

How To Apply For Jump Start Culinary Program?

To apply visit the official website of Metropolitan Community College and register for a 180 RAP orientation session. Once enrolled, you can apply for the Jump Start Culinary Program by informing the staff and the remaining procedure will be guided by the assigned staff. For any queries related to the program call on 531-622-7368 or email them at [email protected].

Federal Programs For Felons in Nebraska

Federal grants in Nebraska provide financial aid for education, food, healthcare, and basic needs, helping felons rebuild stability and achieve long-term independence.

Federal Pell Grant For Felons in Nebraska

The Federal Pell Grant is a powerful education grant for justice-impacted individuals in Nebraska. Individuals with felony convictions can apply for the Federal Pell Grant through the Second Chance Pell initiative, which expands access to college education for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Applicants must submit a FAFSA application through Federal Student Aid to determine eligibility. The Pell Grant can be used to cover essential educational expenses, including tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, and supplies. To apply for a Pell Grant, visit StudentAid.gov.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is one of the valuable education grants for felons in Nebraska offering up to $4,000 per year, depending on financial need. The funds can be used to cover tuition, fees, and other educational expenses. To apply, individuals need to complete FAFSA through Federal Student Aid and contact your college’s financial aid office to confirm participation.

SNAP Benefits in Nebraska

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is an essential food support program for felons in Nebraska offering monthly benefits to purchase groceries such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and other essentials. Felons in Nebraska are eligible for SNAP after modified restrictions, if they meet the specific requirements. Applicants can apply for SNAP through ACCESSNebraska or visit the local Department of Health and Human Services office nearby.

TANF For Felons in Nebraska

The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program offers cash assistance for returning citizens in Nebraska for raising children or to deal with economic hardship. Nebraska allows felons to apply, if they meet program conditions and comply with state guidelines. The monthly cash assistance from TANF can be used to cover basic living expenses such as housing, utilities, food, and childcare. Applicants can apply for TANF through ACCESSNebraska or visit the local Department of Health and Human Services office nearby.

Medicaid for Felons in Nebraska

Medicaid is a vital healthcare program offering low-cost or free medical coverage to the formerly incarcerated felons in Nebraska. Medicaid covers a wide range of essential health services, including doctor visits, hospital care, mental health treatment, prescription medications, and preventive services. Felons cannot get access to Medicaid while incarcerated; upon release they can get access to the services. Applicants can apply for Medicaid through ACCESSNebraska or visit the local Department of Health and Human Services office nearby.

The Federal Bonding Program in Nebraska

The Federal Bonding Program in Nebraska offers help to job seekers with criminal records by offering free fidelity bonds to employers in Nebraska to recruit them. The fidelity bond is like insurance ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, protects the employers for any kind of theft or dishonesty caused by employees for the first six months of employment. Due to this bond employers do not hesitate to hire job seekers with felony convictions. Find an American Job Center and submit your application.

Bottom Line

Nebraska offers a wide range of grants and reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals to rebuild their lives. By combining educational grants, reentry services, healthcare support, and employment initiatives will help justice-impacted individuals in Nebraska make a successful reintegration. The key elements for a successful grant application is to stay engaged, make consistent efforts and seek multiple grants. It is recommended to act faster and smarter, with the right approach. Individuals can overcome the barriers and move towards a secure future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current program guidelines or eligibility requirements. Grant availability, application processes, and benefits can change without notice. Always verify details through official program websites or authorized agencies before applying. We do not guarantee approval or outcomes for any program.