Rebuilding Lives. Restoring Hope. Reducing Recidivism.

Since 2013, Journey to New Life (JTNL) has served as a beacon of hope for individuals reentering the Kansas City community after incarceration. Rooted in compassion, dignity, and proven practices, JTNL is a nonprofit organization committed to addressing the complex challenges faced by justice-involved individuals—particularly women living with substance use disorders (SUD), including opioid use disorder (OUD), and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Through housing, recovery support, peer mentoring, case management, and employment assistance, JTNL provides the tools and structure necessary for women to rebuild their lives and successfully reintegrate into society.

A First-Stop Reentry Program For Women

At the heart of JTNL’s work is the Women’s Reentry Residential Program, the only one of its kind in the Greater Kansas City area exclusively serving women returning from incarceration. This highly structured 4–6-month residential program offers a safe, sober living environment through two recovery houses—Journey House and Peace House—both located in Jackson County, Missouri.

These homes serve women aged 18 and older who have been released within the last three years and are living with SUD or co-occurring disorders. JTNL is committed to breaking the cycle of relapse and recidivism by providing a trauma-informed, holistic recovery experience that meets women where they are.

Support Rooted In Lived Experience

Central to JTNL’s success is its use of the peer support model, an evidence-based approach that builds trust and connection. Staff members who have personal experience with incarceration, addiction, or homelessness serve as mentors and role models. Weekly peer-led meetings, one-on-one check-ins with a Peer Support Specialist, and a strong sense of community provide a safe and nonjudgmental space where participants feel seen, heard, and supported.

These relationships are essential in helping women regain confidence, make healthy choices, and navigate life after prison.

Comprehensive Case Management

Every woman in the program works with a dedicated case manager to identify personal goals and address practical needs such as:

• Obtaining identification and legal documents

• Accessing healthcare and behavioral health treatment

• Securing stable housing and reliable transportation

• Managing finances and navigating public systems

Case managers meet individually with participants each week and remain a consistent source of advocacy and support throughout their stay.

Employment Assistance & Skill-Building

Stable employment is a crucial foundation for independence. JTNL’s Employment Specialist offers personalized services, including:

• Resume and cover letter development

• Interview preparation

• Job search strategies

• Access to training programs and high school equivalency resources

By helping participants gain the confidence and skills they need to enter the workforce, JTNL promotes long-term financial stability and self-sufficiency.

Ongoing Recovery & Mental Health Support

In addition to peer and case management support, JTNL provides weekly recovery groups that focus on mental wellness and sobriety. These peer-facilitated sessions give women a safe, supportive space to process experiences, share triumphs and setbacks, and access continuing resources for behavioral health and recovery.

A Safe Transition Forward

At the end of the program, JTNL works closely with each participant to determine the next best housing step—whether it's moving into their own rental, reuniting with family, or transferring to another transitional living environment. The organization offers financial support for housing when needed and remains a partner in the client’s journey.

Measurable Outcomes That Matter

Journey to New Life measures its success through both data and impact. During the program, JTNL expects:

• 85% of participants to be employed, enrolled in training, or pursuing education within 60 days of entry

• 95% of participants to set and achieve at least two personal goals

• 80% of participants to complete the program without relapse

These outcomes are supported by recovery residence best practices and JTNL’s Level II Monitored accreditation through the National Alliance for Recovery Residences (NARR).

Understanding The Need

The need for JTNL’s services is urgent and growing:

• The number of women entering prison has increased dramatically, yet reentry services have not kept pace.

• Justice-involved women are more likely to be survivors of trauma and live with behavioral health and substance use disorders.

• Upon release, many face severe stigma, homelessness, unemployment, and a lack of medical and mental health care.

• Within the first few weeks after release, women are at significantly increased risk of opioid overdose.

In Jackson County alone, over 1,100 drug overdose deaths occurred between 2017 and 2022, with a dramatic increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Women leaving incarceration are among the most vulnerable populations affected by these trends.

Risk & Protective Factors

Barriers (Risk Factors):

•    Stigma from incarceration

•    Unstable housing

•    Poor access to jobs and training

•    Lack of community or family support

Strengths (Protective Factors):

•    Peer mentoring and support

•    Trauma-informed case management

•    Job readiness training and placement

•    Recovery-focused community groups

A Proven, Person-Centered Approach

Evidence shows that reentry programs that begin within institutions and continue after release—particularly those with peer recovery specialists—are more effective, especially for women. JTNL’s approach addresses the full spectrum of client needs and empowers each participant to reclaim autonomy, dignity, and purpose.

By reducing barriers to employment, housing, recovery, and social connection, JTNL is changing lives—and strengthening the Kansas City community.

Looking Ahead

In the coming year, JTNL expects to serve at least 100 women returning from incarceration. Through compassionate care, structured support, and unwavering belief in each individual’s potential, Journey to New Life remains committed to its mission: helping women build brighter futures after incarceration—one life, one journey at a time.

Locations

Click on the window icon (upper right corner) of the map below to expand. List of all program locations is included with expanded view of map. Locations are also listed on this page below the map.