Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently announced his proposal to dismantle reentry programs across the State, including Safer Foundation’s Crossroads Adult Transition Center in Chicago.

This action would:
- Post a public safety threat to thousands of families in Illinois.
- Cost taxpayers more than if the programs were simply maintained at current funding levels.
- Hinder hundreds of ex-offenders from becoming productive members of society. 

Crossroads has been in operation since 1983 in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood, providing 750 men each year with access to services such as substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, basic skills, GED preparation, job preparedness training, parenting and family reunification. Today, 70 percent of participants are employed.

Programs like Crossroads are proven to be effective and critical to Illinois. Safer provides cost-effective reentry services that help reduce the criminal recidivism rate.

- The most recent study conducted by Loyola University found that the recidivism rate for former prisoners who go through Safer’s programs is 20%—a marked improvement over the 51% recidivism rate for the general Department of Corrections population not using Safer.

- In fiscal year 2011, Safer provided 4,200 job starts, saving the State more than $150 million—assuming the average stay in prison of one year at the cost of $38,268, according to figures from the respected Vera Institute of Justice in New York.

Please sign this petition to show legislators you care about protecting our community and use of taxpayer money.

We must save Crossroads and make sure that the services it provides continue to be a part of Safer’s proven programs. Join us in taking a stand for smarter policy, safer streets and a stronger economy.