Overview
What is Project Return Inc?
Project Return Inc, based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a dedicated nonprofit organization that focuses on assisting individuals returning from incarceration. For over four decades, they have been aiding these individuals in reintegrating into society by offering flexible, personalized support services. In 2022, 280 individuals participated in their Circles of Support, a program that provides a stable, supportive network to those returning from incarceration, helping them overcome social isolation and stigma. In addition to practical support, such as helping people find work or housing, Project Return also emphasizes the importance of building healthy relationships. They facilitate AODA treatment circles, refer clients to parenting classes, and organize women's support groups. Advocacy is another significant aspect of Project Return's work. They strive to reform policies within the criminal justice system to make re-entry less difficult, an effort that has resulted in raising public awareness about Milwaukee's Chaney Correctional Facility. They believe their advocacy played a role in the recent decision to allow the construction of a juvenile facility at another location in Milwaukee, enabling Chaney to continue providing its valuable services. Project Return also addresses the issue of housing insecurity, as many individuals returning from incarceration find themselves homeless. The organization has been working with landlords to create housing opportunities for their clients and plans to construct or rehab a building in Milwaukee to provide secure, affordable housing for people facing homelessness upon release from incarceration. The Project Return Board of Directors has a $1 million pledge of foundation support for this project. In summary, Project Return Inc exists to help men and women who have experienced incarceration make a positive, permanent return to family, friends, and the community.
Official website here: www.projectreturnmilwaukee.org
What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?
Charity Navigator Rating: 84% (Three-Star out of Four Star rating)
Project Return Inc has received a Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, indicating a solid performance in terms of accountability and finance. The organization boasts a high percentage of independent board members and a strong score regarding its financial oversight. Its program expense ratio is favorable, reflecting a commitment to using the majority of its funds for program services.
Despite these strengths, there are several notable limitations. The organization lacks essential policies, such as a conflict of interest policy and a whistleblower policy, which are critical for transparency and governance. Additionally, the absence of certain documents, including the tax form on its website, suggests areas for improvement in terms of public accountability and accessibility of information.
Overall, while Project Return Inc demonstrates commendable financial practices and governance with a focus on programmatic expenses, addressing the gaps in policy documentation and public transparency could enhance its credibility further.
This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.
Is Project Return Inc legitimate?
Project Return Inc is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. Project Return Inc submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.
Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:
Executive Compensation: $77,878
Professional Fundraising Fees: $10,048
Other Salaries and Wages: $232,810
For more financial information, click here
Official website here: www.projectreturnmilwaukee.org
What is the mission statement of Project Return Inc?
Project Return Inc exists to aid individuals who have experienced incarceration in making a positive, permanent return to their families, friends, and the community. Their mission is to provide flexible, individualized support to help these individuals achieve their re-entry goals. In 2022, they walked with 280 formerly incarcerated people through their Circles of Support program, a powerful tool in improving re-entry outcomes. They also trained 24 formerly incarcerated individuals to become Circle Keepers, a paid position requiring excellent facilitation skills. Project Return's critical support, particularly during the COVID-19 crisis, was crucial for maintaining the mental health and preventing relapses of their clients, who often have limited support systems. Beyond providing clear-cut services like job and housing assistance, Project Return also helps clients develop and sustain healthy relationships, crucial for successful reintegration into the community. They advocate for reform within the criminal justice system to make re-entry less difficult for those returning from incarceration. They also work towards providing stable housing for the many who return home only to find they no longer have one, as research shows that finding stable housing within a month of release significantly reduces the chances of returning to prison.
Official website here: www.projectreturnmilwaukee.org
Who is the CEO of Project Return Inc?
Wendel Hruska is the Secretary of Project Return Inc.
Official website here: www.projectreturnmilwaukee.org
What is the revenue of Project Return Inc?
Project Return Inc's revenue in 2022 was $738,281.
Official website here: www.projectreturnmilwaukee.org
Who are the executives of Project Return Inc and what are their salaries?
The average compensation at Project Return Inc during 2022 was $44,384. There are 7 employees and 13 volunteers at Project Return Inc.
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- Compensation: $68,592
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- Other: $8,187
Official website here: www.projectreturnmilwaukee.org
Where can I find the form 990 for Project Return Inc?
Project Return Inc's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.
Official website here: www.projectreturnmilwaukee.org
Learn more at the official website: www.projectreturnmilwaukee.org
Mission Statement of Project Return Inc
Project Return Inc, a long-standing organization, is dedicated to assisting individuals who have experienced incarceration in making a positive and permanent return to their families, friends, and the community. The mission of Project Return is to provide support and guidance to these individuals, helping them overcome the challenges of re-entry and reintegrate successfully into society.
In 2022, Project Return walked alongside 280 formerly incarcerated people, offering flexible, individualized support to help them achieve their goals. One of their key programs is the Circles of Support, small groups that meet regularly to provide a stable, supportive network for individuals returning from incarceration. These groups help overcome the social isolation and stigma that these individuals often encounter, enabling them to realize new possibilities in their lives.
Additionally, Project Return offers one-on-one support to their clients, a critical service during the COVID-19 crisis. The isolation caused by the pandemic led to mental health issues and recovery relapses, particularly for those returning from incarceration who often have limited support systems. Project Return's support was crucial to their clients' successful re-entry, helping them build positive relationships, both virtually and in-person.
Beyond providing clear-cut services such as helping clients find work or a place to live, Project Return also focuses on developing and sustaining the healthy relationships that are central to successful reintegration into the community. This is achieved through various means, including AODA treatment circles, referrals to parenting classes, and women's support groups.
Project Return also advocates for reform within the criminal justice system, working to make re-entry less difficult for the 2,475 people who return to Milwaukee from prison each year. In a recent case, they advocated for the preservation of Chaney Correctional Facility, a minimum-security facility offering a wide range of effective pre-release services and home to the only prison-based church in Wisconsin. Their advocacy efforts, along with those of other community organizations, were instrumental in allowing the building of a juvenile facility at another location in Milwaukee, allowing Chaney to continue providing its valuable services to the community.
Project Return is also addressing the issue of housing for those returning home from incarceration. Many individuals return to find they no longer have a stable place to live, a situation that increases the chances of returning to prison. Project Return is working to construct or rehab a building in Milwaukee that will provide secure, affordable housing for people facing homelessness upon release from incarceration. They have a $1 million pledge of foundation support and are looking for other funders interested in partnering with them on this project.
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Impact
June, 2024
Project Return Inc's impact is profound and far-reaching. By providing critical support and resources to individuals re-entering the community after incarceration, Project Return plays a crucial role in facilitating successful reintegration. Through services like counseling, job placement assistance, housing support, and advocacy for policy reforms, Project Return addresses the multifaceted challenges that formerly incarcerated individuals face. The organization's Circles of Support program, in particular, offers a stable, supportive network that helps individuals overcome social isolation and stigma, paving the way for a positive transition back into society. Additionally, Project Return's tireless advocacy efforts aim to reform the criminal justice system and improve re-entry outcomes for the thousands of individuals returning to Milwaukee from prison each year. The organization's commitment to providing holistic support, building healthy relationships, and advocating for systemic change underscores its dedication to promoting mental health and overall well-being among its clients.
This information is meant to be a general summary of Project Return Inc. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.
Financials
This financial information is from Propublica.
Other financial information:
This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.
- Gross Receipts: $755,907
Assets and Liabilities:
- Total Assets: $307,723
- Total Liabilities: $102,708
- Net Assets: $205,015
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Organization Details
Founding Year
1981
Phone
(414) 374-8029Principal Officer
Wendel Hruska
Main Address
2821 VEL R PHILLIPS AVENUE 223, MILWAUKEE, WI, 532122350
NTEE Category
Code: F60Z - Mental health
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