We strive to help returning citizens succeed by providing access to vital resources to make their transition back into the community easier.

Contact Us 
1901 E Street, SE Washington, DC 20003
Located behind the Correctional Treatment Facility (CTF)
Monday - Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Phone Number: 202-790-6790
For more information visit: doc.dc.gov/service/ready-center
Visits to the READY Center should be made within 24 hours of release or on the following business day.

About Us 
The Resources to Empower and Develop You (READY) Center is a consolidated location where formerly incarcerated District of Columbia residents can access services from Community Based Organizations (CBO), the Department of Corrections (DOC), Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Department of Employment Services (DOES), Department of Human Services (DHS), Department of Behavioral Health (DBH), and The Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (MORCA), to ensure successful reintegration into the community. We serve District residents released from the Central Detention Facility (DC Jail) and Correctional Treatment Facility (within 24 hours of release or the next business day) and Federal Bureau of Prison (FBOP) (within 45 days of release).

How It Works 

• The READY Center engages participants within 30-days, prior to release from DOC custody, to share information about available services.
• Soon-to-be released participants complete interest forms and a screening is conducted to determine their needs.
• Within 30 days of release, interests and needs of participant engagement with Government agency partners is prioritized by release date.
• The READY Center connects participants with MORCA, CBOs and other District of Columbia Government agencies for ongoing case management of READY Center participants. 

 

Agency Partners
 
Community Based Organizations (CBO)
Participants can receive resource referrals for clothing, food, educational and work readiness and family reunification programs.

Department of Corrections (DOC)
Conducts screening of DOC participants prior to release from custody, triages DOC and FBOP participants at the READY Center, and assesses participant needs to provide linkage to community resources and/or services.

Department of Human Services (DHS)
Participants may apply for Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), employment and educational programs and family support services.

Department of Employment Services (DOES)
Participants can receive information on DOES work readiness programs such as Project Empowerment and Career Connections. Participants will be referred to appropriate programs.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
Participants may apply for identification cards and arrange payment plans to resolve any outstanding parking or traffic tickets.

Department of Behavioral Health (DBH)
Provides linkage and referrals for participants, including emergency psychiatric care and residential services.

The Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs (MORCA)
Provides case management and referrals for resources such as birth certificates, social security cards, ticket adjustments and various training programs.