FULL CIRCLE
Full Circle is a reentry program supporting people returning home after federal incarceration as they rebuild a stable life in the community. We operate as a partnership between Federal Defender Services of Eastern TN and the United States Probation Office.
WHY FULL CIRCLE EXISTS
When someone is navigating the justice system and working toward a fresh start, barriers can pile up fast. A person may be ready to work but cannot get hired without a photo ID, may have an interview but no ride, or may be trying to do everything right while also juggling housing stress, health needs, and other personal challenges.
Full Circle is built for that reality. In our group meetings, we talk openly about the social, economic, health, and mental health barriers participants sometimes face, and volunteer mentors respond with steady, prosocial support. Mentors help participants set goals, break them into achievable steps, and keep moving when setbacks happen. Just as important, the group becomes a positive community where people encourage each other and are reminded they are not doing this alone.
When someone is navigating the justice system and working toward a fresh start, barriers can pile up fast. A person may be ready to work but cannot get hired without a photo ID, may have an interview but no ride, or may be trying to do everything right while also juggling housing stress, health needs, and other personal challenges.
Full Circle is built for that reality. In our group meetings, we talk openly about the social, economic, health, and mental health barriers participants sometimes face, and volunteer mentors respond with steady, prosocial support. Mentors help participants set goals, break them into achievable steps, and keep moving when setbacks happen. Just as important, the group becomes a positive community where people encourage each other and are reminded they are not doing this alone.
WHAT WE WORK ON WITH PARTICIPANTS
• A sense of belonging and support in a community that cares
• Transportation planning for interviews, appointments, and everyday responsibilities
• Employment steps like applications, interviews, and workplace expectations
• Replacing IDs and key documents needed for work and housing
• Connecting to community resources for food support, health care, and recovery services
• Building healthy routines, celebrating personal wins, and strengthening positive relationships
• A sense of belonging and support in a community that cares
• Transportation planning for interviews, appointments, and everyday responsibilities
• Employment steps like applications, interviews, and workplace expectations
• Replacing IDs and key documents needed for work and housing
• Connecting to community resources for food support, health care, and recovery services
• Building healthy routines, celebrating personal wins, and strengthening positive relationships
MENTORING
A mentor is a steady, supportive person who shows up, listens, and helps a participant work through practical questions and next steps. For participants, especially those who have been away a long time, that kind of consistent support can make the transition home feel a lot more manageable.
A mentor is a steady, supportive person who shows up, listens, and helps a participant work through practical questions and next steps. For participants, especially those who have been away a long time, that kind of consistent support can make the transition home feel a lot more manageable.
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What are the qualifications?
● An ability to listen ● A passion to help What training is available? ● Introduction to mentoring ● Talking to those with mental illness ● Substance abuse primer ● Mentor “support group” What is the time commitment? ● Regular contact by phone, email, or in person with one participant ● Monthly group meetings (1 to 1 1/2 hours each) ● Programming continues for a year |
How Does One Learn More?
Informational meetings are held at the office of the Federal Defender, 800 S. Gay Street, Suite 2400, Knoxville, Tennessee. Contact Us Call or Email for More Information: Jack Dennis [email protected] 865-637-7979 Bobby Hutson [email protected] (865)637-7979 |