The First 72
The first 72 hours at RISS are designed to help residents settle in, get oriented, and begin building a practical plan for moving forward.
After arrival, residents are encouraged to take time to decompress. For many, the transition from incarceration, a halfway house, homelessness, or another unstable living situation can be overwhelming. The first day is intentionally structured to provide stability, rest, and an opportunity to become comfortable in their new environment.
The following morning, residents will begin a series of conversations and planning sessions that take place over several days.
One of the first people they will meet with is another resident. During breakfast or shortly afterward, they will have the opportunity to sit down with someone who has already gone through the transition process. That resident can answer questions, provide practical guidance, offer a campus tour, and help them become familiar with the community and resources available to them.
Throughout the next several days, residents will also meet with staff members and appropriate professionals to begin identifying immediate needs and priorities.
Some of the first conversations focus on practical matters. Staff will help determine whether there are urgent appointments that need immediate attention, such as parole reporting requirements, law enforcement registration requirements, court obligations, or other time-sensitive responsibilities. Residents will also receive assistance obtaining essential documents such as a birth certificate, Social Security card, state identification card, or driver's license if needed.
Financial needs are addressed early as well. Staff can assist residents with cashing release checks, opening bank accounts, establishing direct deposit, and taking other steps necessary to begin rebuilding financial stability.
Residents will also meet with the Medical Services Director to discuss healthcare needs. Every resident is offered a free physical examination and medical consultation, and additional healthcare services can be coordinated as needed.
Mental and emotional wellness is treated with the same importance as physical health. Residents are offered a free mental health evaluation and will have the opportunity to discuss counseling, therapy, addiction recovery, stress management, anger management, impulse control, and other areas they may wish to address during their time at RISS.
Educational and professional development planning begins during this period as well. Residents will discuss their educational background, career goals, vocational interests, and areas where they would like to grow. Whether someone needs to complete a GED, pursue vocational certifications, attend college, develop professional skills, or simply explore new opportunities, these conversations help identify possible paths forward.
Employment planning is also part of the process. Residents will discuss previous work experience, existing skills, career interests, and available employment opportunities both on and off campus.
These conversations do not take place in one large meeting. They occur over several days and are intended to be collaborative rather than overwhelming.
The goal of the first 72 hours is the development of a Resident Action Plan.
This plan is not created for the resident. It is created with the resident. The resident identifies priorities, establishes goals, and determines the areas where they wish to focus their efforts. Staff members, educators, healthcare professionals, counselors, chaplains, and other support personnel help provide information, guidance, and recommendations, but the resident remains in control of the process.
Once established, the Resident Action Plan becomes a roadmap for forward progress. It is not an aspirational document designed to sit on a shelf. It is a practical working plan that identifies concrete next steps and measurable goals.
By the end of the first 72 hours, residents should have a clear understanding of their immediate responsibilities, available opportunities, and the path they intend to pursue. From that point forward, the expectation is simple: continue moving forward.
If you believe reintegration should be built intentionally, not reactively, we invite you to explore how you can help bring the RISS model to life.
