Through the Safe Return program, VOADV professionals assist individuals in obtaining the necessary structure, support and additional opportunities that are fundamental for successful reintegration into their communities. The program offers the following key services:

• Case management and family reunification
• Housing assistance
• Employment services – job readiness, employment training, job placement
• Education assistance
• Legal assistance and advocacy
• Benefits assessment and reinstatement assistance
• Substance abuse and mental health linkage
• Treatment referral and linkage
• Assistance with State Identification & Driver’s license

Operating within established VOADV offices and embedded satellite offices, the program is a one-stop program for reentry needs and services, covering the entirety of the organization’s footprint across Southern New Jersey. The program currently provides services to individuals in the following regions/counties:

• Atlantic and Cape May Counties
• Burlington County
• Camden County
• Tri-County – Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem
• Mercer County

Since 2015, Safe Return has operated successfully in the community with the assistance of a number of valuable partnerships. Staff work collaboratively with state correctional facilities, county jails, local and regional law enforcement and other agencies to engage thousands of individuals each year. The program relies on the collaborative relationship between VOADV, the County Justice Facilities, and the Department of Corrections Facilities throughout the State. This allows for discharge planning efforts up to six months prior to an individual maxing out.

Office Locations

Safe Return in the News

New Jersey 101.5: No parole, no family — how NJ’s ‘max outs’ survive after prison

KYW: Pine Hill police and Volunteers of America form collaborative effort to help the needy