Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of incarceration in the country and one of the lowest rates of recidivism (22%). Yet in 2021, Oklahomans paid $73.4M to incarcerate individuals for technical violations alone.(CSGJ). As of Apr 3, 2024, the average annual cost for an Inmate in Oklahoma is $45,961 a year. While Policy makers are working diligently to overcome these costly challenges the system remains badly underfunded, supervisors are burdened with enormous caseloads, and there are few reentry programs willing to take on this high needs population. Job stability and housing, lead to successful reentry and lower crime. Without supportive aftercare reintegration is often doomed to fail. Hand Up Ministries addresses both the employment and housing needs of over 300+ justice involved men, married couples with children. For over 27 years we have bridged the gap in services and worked to reduce recidivism in Oklahoma and help our clients successfully reintegrate into society.