The Plainfield Re-entry Educational Facility in Indiana is believed to be the first prison facility dedicated to re-entry into the community, reported the South Bend Tribune on July 20. 

The program provides occupational training, behavioral rehabilitation, a post-release job, an on-site Bureau of Motor Vehicles to issue IDs, and support from regional banks.  Collectively, these services are offered in hopes of reducing recidivism. 

Launched in January of this year with 17 inmates, there are already 179 enrollees.  With an annual budget of $15.7 million and a full capacity of 400 inmates, the Facility wants to "improve public safety by…creating opportunities for offenders that have used poor judgment and have ultimately paid their debt by being incarcerated," says J. David Donahue, state correction commissioner.