Research Report Art beyond Bars: A Case Study of the People's Paper Co-Op in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sino Esthappan
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Key takeaway: Innovative arts and culture strategy enhances reentry service provision in Philadelphia

Abstract: This report describes how the People’s Paper Co-op redesigns reentry services to uniquely improve the wellbeing of formerly incarcerated individuals in Philadelphia through arts and cultural activities. Through interviews with returning women and men, People’s Paper Co-op staff, and funders, this case study finds that inviting people exiting jails and prisons to participate in and lead reform, building community around their shared experience, and employing arts and culture as vehicles for reform all hold transformative potential to enhance the design and delivery of reentry services.

Research Areas Crime, justice, and safety Education Nonprofits and philanthropy Neighborhoods, cities, and metros Families
Tags Economic well-being Corrections Arts and culture Creative placemaking
Policy Centers Justice Policy Center Metropolitan Housing and Communities Policy Center
States Pennsylvania
Cities Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD