About Us

Development, Change, Advancement, Growth, Rise, Progress & Unity

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Bringing the inside to the outside...
one woman at a time, one family at a time,
one community at a time, one step at a time.

Founded in 2016 by Jacqueline Purcell (Polverari), Evolution Reentry Services is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit comprehensive Criminal Justice services organization that is committed to the evolution of the legal system by breaking barriers related to the stigma of incarceration.

Evolution Reentry Services, through its unique and nationally unduplicated programs and its coordinated and collaborative partnerships with numerous nationwide agencies/community service providers and organizations, is dedicated to rebuilding community-based reentry platforms. We provide for a smooth and seamless transition into society for women and their families. We walk alongside women and their families from the onset of the conviction and stay by their side throughout their journey through the system.

Evolution Reentry Services is the only organization in the country that helps justice-involved women and their family members with support through every phase of the legal system eliminating the fear of the unknown. Our weekly support groups allow us to get to know each woman and their family intimately so we can provide what they need to be successful. We accompany them to their sentencing, working alongside their attorney helping ease the emotional anguishes of facing prison. We often speak in their behalf at sentencing and prepare women and their family members for what prison will look and feel like while incarcerated. Due to our extensive network, we have the ability to provide a mentor inside prison waiting to help each woman navigate their first few weeks, so they are never alone. We work family members during their loved one’s incarceration and help break barriers when they return to their families and communities to help them with basic human dignity and pride.

ERS understands the need to focus on the well-being of family members who have a loved one incarcerated. We have weekly family support groups and mentors for individual family members who have been in the shoes, knowing how they feel and helping them navigate their own emotions.

We are not like every other transactional reentry organization…ERS is a family that wraps our arms around every other family in their darkest moments and holds them up while never walking away.

By pulling together all resources, organizations, and programs into one coordinated effort, ERS is re-inventing reentry with a stronger service model for those with criminal backgrounds.  Through this model, we are dedicated to helping returning citizens rebuild their lives through support with employment, education, finances, and homeownership…breaking down the stigma related to having a flawed background.

Headquartered in Connecticut, with an office in Branford, Evolution Reentry Services is dedicated to continuing to expand its vast network for returning citizens throughout the country every year.  This reentry initiative encourages service providers and State stakeholders to focus on providing long-term solutions to complex issues related to successful community reintegration for a unique returning citizen that otherwise would not have any support network.

A key to the success of Evolution is change, development, growth, rise and progress.  We are dedicated to that personal Evolution by educating the community on how to help women successfully reenter society.  In particular, Evolution Reentry Services stresses the importance of helping women returning from incarceration in rebuilding all aspects of their lives working toward ultimate freedom.

ImpaCTful women award Finalist

FOX61 and United Way joined forces to recognize and honor individuals, groups and organizations who make a significant contribution to health care, housing, financial empowerment and/or the education sector in Connecticut. This black-tie event aimed to raise awareness and resources to benefit the well-being of children, adults and families in the communities where we live and work. Jacqueline Purcell, Executive Director of Evolution Reentry Services was a finalist in the Impactful woman Award
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