Our Brothers Keepers of Southern Illinois

 At Our Brothers' Keepers of Southern Illinois (OBK) we strive to break the cycle of recidivism by providing comprehensive support services, including housing assistance, job training, mentorship, and mental health resources to former individuals in custody (returning citizens) as they return to their communities.

Each year, thousands of individuals are released from incarceration, often facing overwhelming barriers to employment, stable housing, and social reintegration. Without adequate support, many struggle to find a path forward, leading to high rates of recidivism. OBK aims to change that by offering personalized programs designed to empower returning citizens with the tools and opportunities they need to build productive and fulfilling lives.

Our services include:

• Employment Support: Job training, resume-building, and connections with employers willing to hire returning citizens.
• Housing Assistance: Transitional housing solutions to prevent homelessness.
• Counseling & Mentorship: Emotional, substance abuse and mental illness support through counseling, peer mentorship, and life coaching.
• Education Assistance: Literacy training including vocational and CDL assistance.
• Providing Personal Items: Bus/Metro Link passes, clothing, shoes, backpacks, wallets and personal care items.

We are VERY thankful to the businesses and agencies we partner with to refer our clients. Here are just a few:

• Sober Living & Local Landlords - returning citizens often struggle to find adequate affordable housing due to their felony backgrounds. 
• Tyson foods - Caseyville & Autospa - Fairview Heights (for employment)
• Comprehensive Behavioral Health Center of St Clair County
• SIHF (physical and mental health needs)
• Land of Lincoln
• Chestnut Health System
• Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House (food pantry)
• Catholic Urban Programs (CUP)
• Illinois Extension (cooking classes) 
• Urban League 
• St. Vincent de Paul 
• NUMEROUS churches in St. Clair County, IL

You can be a part of helping these returning citizens change their lives for the good by donating to the OBK Reentry Center. 

Donate to Our Brothers' Keepers of Southern Illinois.