CLF is dedicated to developing and implementing new programs for people who are incarcerated to reduce recidivism. We believe in educating and empowering others. Nothing changes, if nothing changes.

CHAD — Carrying Hope and Direction

Helping people move from reentry barriers to real stability.

Returning home after incarceration can be overwhelming. Many people are released with little more than the clothes they are wearing and are immediately expected to find housing, employment, transportation, identification, treatment, and a way to meet basic needs.

CHAD — Carrying Hope and Direction is The Chad Lake Foundation’s reentry stabilization program created to help individuals overcome those barriers and build a stronger foundation for the future.

CHAD is designed around a simple belief: a referral is not enough if someone does not have the resources necessary to act on it. We work alongside individuals returning to the community to identify their most urgent needs, connect them with trusted resources, and provide practical support that can help prevent homelessness and instability.

Through CHAD, eligible participants may receive assistance with:

• Rent, sober-living, and short-term housing stabilization

• Transportation to employment, treatment, appointments, and supervision requirements

• Identification and essential documents

• Employment and workforce resources

• Connections to substance use disorder treatment and recovery support

• Health, behavioral health, and community resource navigation

• Individualized reentry planning and follow-up

• Other critical barriers that can stand between a person and successful reentry

More Than Paying a Bill

CHAD is not simply an emergency assistance program.

Our goal is to help participants move toward stable housing, employment, recovery, independence, and long-term self-sufficiency. When someone receives assistance, we also work to understand what caused the crisis and what supports can help prevent another one.

By addressing immediate needs while helping individuals create a plan for the future, CHAD provides something many people need during reentry:

Hope. Direction. Opportunity.

Why CHAD Matters

Stable housing and access to basic resources can make the difference between moving forward and falling back into crisis.

When people have a safe place to live, transportation, identification, recovery support, and someone helping them navigate the system, they are better positioned to obtain employment, remain connected to treatment, rebuild family relationships, and become stable members of their communities.

Successful reentry strengthens more than one life. It strengthens families and creates safer, healthier communities.

Carrying Hope. Creating Direction.

At The Chad Lake Foundation, we believe people are more than the worst chapter of their lives.

CHAD — Carrying Hope and Direction exists to help individuals take the next step toward a life of stability, recovery, purpose, and possibility.

Need reentry assistance?
Contact The Chad Lake Foundation to learn more about CHAD and available resources.

Want to help?
Your donation can help provide housing assistance, transportation, identification, and other critical resources to someone working to rebuild their life.