Our Programs
EMPLOYMENT Assistance Program
The Employment Assistance Program works with employers that support formerly incarcerated individuals return to society.
Employment is highly related to successful re-entry and many local organizations, such as United Way of King County and The Seattle Foundation recognize the impact employment has on community stability, community safety, and an individual’s well-being.
The Employment Assistance Program provides an opportunity for formerly incarcerated individuals to reestablish their employment history, which is one of the major obstacles and challenges that the previously incarcerated encounter.
In addition to finding employment for formerly incarcerated individuals, the Employment Assistance Program facilitates the job search process by providing both social and technical support.
1. Shortly after release, I/T participants will meet with staff to receive employment services.
2. For job opportunities, participants are connected to I/T's network of second chance employers.
• Provide on-site computers for on-line job applications and connecting with employers
• Edit, update, or create resumes and cover letters for clients as necessary
• Provide insight about job search strategies and what to expect from employers
• Provide guidance about how to present oneself professionally to employers
PRISON OUTREACH
Interaction Transition draws participants mainly, though not exclusively, from the support groups it facilitates at Western Washington prison: MCC: Twin Rivers Unit.
Participants join the in-prison program voluntarily because they plan to reside in King County and they wish to address some of their practical transitional issues within a supportive, structured environment. Continuing membership in the prison support groups is contingent upon active, thoughtful participation, as judged by peers and program staff.
1. While confined, participants attend weekly group sessions with program staff or other members of the outside community.
2. Before release, transition counselors help participants develop specific strategies and identify resources critical to their successful re-entry into the community.
Availability
1st & 3rd Tuesday
Evening
Location
MCC: Twin Rivers Unit
PEER MENTORING
Hope on the Horizon peer mentoring program is a program that matches participants who have released recently with peer mentors who can help link them with logistical re-entry planning, emotional support and long-term recovery tools to facilitate their transition away from prison life.
Through collaborative partnerships, Interaction Transition has secured pre-release access to participants within state institutions. This access allows us to deliver essential pre-release services such as mentorship, reentry planning, and emotional support. Engaging with participants before their release demonstrates our commitment to a comprehensive reentry approach. In addition to our county-specific partnerships, our team actively manages referrals for individuals across Washington state, expanding our support through our network of Releasing County Reentry Support Partnerships. These partnerships form the core of our program "Hope on the Horizon," enabling us to purposefully and compassionately support a wider population.
Hunger Rescue
We provide hope and change through food deliveries. With face to face personal interactions, handing off culturally relevant fresh fruits and vegetables, along with shelf stable pantry staples, sends a message that we are a welcoming community that encourages on the short-term healthy eating habits and on the long-term self-sufficiency through economic stability.
A typical food delivery day starts at 5:00 am, to ensure that we’re the first in line at the food bank. These donations are supplemented with purchases from Grocery Outlet, GoPuff, Expidia,said purchase being funded to this point by donations from the community. Our goal is to maintain a minimum of 30 weeks of deliveries per year, making deliveries every Thursday to partners and individuals in our community.
Availability
Monday – Saturday
Morning, Afternoon or Evening
Location
Peer Mentoring is done by phone
Delivery Date
Thursday
5am -6pm
Location
King, Thurston and Skagit County
ESSENTIAL NEEDS
Interaction Transition's approach to the transition of formerly incarcerated individuals is distinguished by its emphasis on preparing and screening participants before they are released. Interaction Transition provides essential support to participants.
Welcome Backpacks, which we pack with essential items and distribute to people who have recently exited incarceration. Just having something to carry your belongings in can make a huge difference to someone who is coming home to the community.
COmmunity Events
Interaction Transition partners with multiple community organizations in an effort to support previously incarcerated persons in the community.
