Criminal Justice Ministry

Program Overview

Criminal Justice Ministry (CJM) provides trauma-informed reentry stabilization and housing support services for justice-involved young adults. The program serves individuals returning from incarceration, probation, or parole who are at risk of homelessness, housing instability, and reoffending.

Through the Foundations First Housing (FFH) program, participants receive immediate access to safe, fully furnished housing along with individualized stabilization services designed to support successful community reintegration. Services include trauma-informed case management, housing stabilization planning, regular home visits, individualized goal setting, life-skills coaching, behavioral health and wellness referrals, workforce development and employment navigation, transportation assistance, and essential reentry supplies. Life-skills coaching focuses on areas such as budgeting, communication, conflict resolution, and independent living skills.

The program also operates the FIRST Services resource hub, which provides reentry stabilization services including intake and assessment, identification and recovery of vital documents, referrals to healthcare, employment, benefits, and behavioral health services, coordination with community providers, and transportation support. CJM works collaboratively with the Missouri Department of Corrections, probation and parole offices, community organizations, Continuums of Care, housing providers, and social service agencies to coordinate referrals and supportive services for participants.

Outreach and engagement efforts focus on collaboration with justice-involved youth organizations, neighborhood leaders, reentry providers, and corrections agencies to ensure eligible young adults are connected to safe housing and supportive services upon release and throughout the reentry process. Follow-up services include ongoing case management, home visits, check-ins, and outcome tracking to support long-term housing stability and successful reintegration.

The program is funded by Prop S for 2026.

The program is operated by the Criminal Justice Ministry.

Program Eligibility

Services provided by the Criminal Justice Ministry are available to the following individuals:

• Young adults ages 18–24 residing in the City of St. Louis
• Individuals who are justice-involved and returning from incarceration, probation, or parole
• Individuals at risk of homelessness, housing instability, or reoffending
• Individuals in need of housing stabilization, reentry support, workforce navigation, or behavioral health referrals
• Individuals referred through the Missouri Department of Corrections, probation and parole offices, community organizations, or self-referral pathways

There are no exclusionary criteria based on offense history. Participants must be willing and able to engage in case management and stabilization services.

Program Contact Information

For more information about the program, please contact the Criminal Justice Ministry at 314-652-8062 or info@cjmstlouis.org.