Safer Foundation
Safer Foundation is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing comprehensive reentry services—job placement, education, housing, wellness, and advocacy—to justice-involved individuals across Illinois and the Quad Cities region since 1972.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1970
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount251–500
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Safer Foundation does
Safer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, providing comprehensive reentry services to justice-involved individuals across Illinois and the Quad Cities region. Founded in 1970 as Operation DARE and renamed in 1972, the organization operates four core service lines—Job Placement, Training & Education, Reentry Support & Wellness, and Advocacy—delivered through eight physical locations including two Adult Transition Centers (Crossroads and North Lawndale) operated under partnership with the Illinois Department of Corrections since 1983. Its technology surface is minimal: a web-based client platform (Safer Return / saferreturn.org) and a Salesforce-based intake portal, with no proprietary AI, patents, or APIs disclosed.
The organization's business model is donation- and grant-driven rather than fee-based. All client services are provided free of charge; funding flows from individual donations, corporate and foundation grants (Centene Foundation, Meridian Health Plan, Google, Microsoft, Doris & Victor Day Foundation, Nicor Gas), federal Second Chance Act allocations, and a tiered Social Impact Investment Fund accepting one-time $25,000 gifts through multi-year $1M+ commitments. Distribution is anchored in physical-site service delivery with embedded correctional-facility intake (PACE Institute at Cook County Jail) and government partnerships (City of Chicago Community Reentry Support Centers, Illinois Secretary of State ID initiative). Annually, Safer supports more than 5,000 individuals in gaining employment, and its ATCs report an 18% recidivism rate, against a 43% statewide three-year recidivism baseline.
Safer Foundation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Safer Foundation
- Legal name
- Safer Foundation
- Website
- https://saferfoundation.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1970
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 251–500 employees
- Short description
- Safer Foundation is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing comprehensive reentry services—job placement, education, housing, wellness, and advocacy—to justice-involved individuals across Illinois and the Quad Cities region since 1972.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Safer Foundation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Reentry Services
- NAICS
- Individual and Family Services (6241), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Reentry & Justice-Involved Support Services (BPAGAEAN)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Reentry, Rehabilitation & Reintegration Programs (Education, Vocational, Case Management) (BPAKANAH), Workforce Reentry Programs (Justice-Involved) (EDAAAOAG)
Keywords
Where Safer Foundation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices8 records
Markets served
Safer Foundation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: Safer Foundation operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization relying on charitable donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. The organization runs annual fundraising campaigns including a Season of Giving Campaign and accepts donations through Give Lively platform.
- Grants and Government Funding: The organization receives grants from government agencies and foundations including the Centene Foundation, Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, and participates in programs like the Catalyst Grant Program. Federal grants through the Second Chance Act have provided over $1 billion in grants to programs across 49 states.
- Social Impact Investment Fund: A dedicated investment fund offering multiple investment levels from one-time gifts of $25,000 to multi-year commitments over $1 million, providing unrestricted funding for program development and new service offerings.
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Safer Foundation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Safer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing comprehensive reentry services to justice-involved individuals in the Chicago area and Quad Cities region. Its core offerings span four pillars: Job Placement (workforce development and employment placement with employer partners), Training + Education (HSE preparation, career certifications, digital skills), Reentry Support + Wellness (housing, mental health, substance abuse, clothing, ID document assistance), and Advocacy (policy reform at state and national levels). Services are delivered free of charge across eight physical locations, two Adult Transition Centers, Community Reentry Support Centers, the Safer Return web platform, and in-facility programs at Cook County Jail and IDOC facilities.
Product overview
Safer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering comprehensive reentry assistance to justice-involved individuals. The organization provides a holistic service model consisting of four core service areas: Job Placement (workforce development and employment placement), Training + Education (educational programming and workforce training), Reentry Support + Wellness (housing, health, and basic needs), and Advocacy (policy and legislative work). These core services are delivered through multiple programs including Youth Empowerment Program (YEP) for youth, Adult Transition Centers (Crossroads and North Lawndale) for work release residents, the PACE Institute for jail-based education, the Safer Return web platform for service access, I-Matter IT training, Safer Foods community pantry, and the Safer Demand Skills Collaborative (SDSC) for industry credentials. The organization also operates social enterprises like Clean City Crew and manages Community Reentry Support Centers in partnership with the City of Chicago.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Job Placement Services
- Training + Education
- Reentry Support + Wellness
- Advocacy
- Adult Transition Centers (ATCs)
- Youth Empowerment Program (YEP)
- Safer Return
- PACE Institute
- I-Matter Program
- Safer Demand Skills Collaborative (SDSC)
- Community Reentry Support Centers (CRSC)
- Safer Foods
- Cook County Jail ID Initiative
- Affordable Housing Program
- Pathway Home Program
- Clean City Crew
- CARRE Policy Conference
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 5,000 individuals annually achieve gainful employment through Safer Foundation services
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Safer Foundation
Customer profileNamed customers9 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Safer Foundation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Safer Foundation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Meridian Health Plan of IllinoiscoreJoint grant awarded with Centene Foundation for $2.2 million to support purchase and renovation of a 23-unit affordable housing building in Chicago's South Austin neighborhood. Some units designated for justice-involved individuals and graduates of the Colbert & Williams program. Renovations expected to be completed for occupancy in 2026.
- GooglecorePartnership through Grow with Google initiative to offer digital skills training for people impacted by incarceration. Safer Foundation integrates Google's digital skills curriculum into its programs, providing support for individuals reentering society after incarceration.
- Greater Chicago Food DepositorycoreCollaboration initiated in 2022 to address food insecurity in the community. Led to the opening of Safer Foods community pantry in November 2023, providing quality food items to community members including protein, fresh produce, and canned goods.
- Urban InstitutecorePartner in Catalyst Grant Program to support local communities in using data and technology to advance racial equity and reform in the criminal legal system. Safer Foundation collaborating with Illinois Alliance for Reentry & Justice on court-watch initiatives.
- Illinois Alliance for Reentry & JusticecoreCollaboration on Catalyst Grant Program to observe courtroom proceedings and analyze how judges' decisions contribute to disparate outcomes for people of color in the prosecutorial process. Data-driven visual presentations to hold judges accountable.
- Vision WorksminorPartnership providing eye screenings and glasses to ATC residents, addressing residents' holistic needs as part of comprehensive reentry support.
- Department of Healthcare and Family ServicescoreUpcoming collaboration to address residents' family and financial obligations, including child support navigation. Equipping residents with knowledge and resources to navigate complex systems.
- Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)coreLong-standing partnership to operate Adult Transition Centers (Crossroads and North Lawndale). IDOC selected Safer Foundation in 1983 to run Crossroads ATC, reducing recidivism through structured reentry services.
- City of ChicagocorePartnership for Community Reentry Support Centers (CRSCs). Mayor Johnson announced $5 million in FY2024 budget for Office of Reentry within Mayor's Office. Safer Foundation - Danny K. Davis Second Chance Center opened at 808 S. Kedzie Ave.
- Cook County JailcorePartnership for Cook County Jail's first-of-its-kind ID initiative providing free state identification cards to inmates upon release. Collaboration with Sheriff Thomas J. Dart and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias.
- Illinois Secretary of StatecorePartnership with Secretary Alexi Giannoulias for ID initiative at Cook County Jail, providing free state IDs to inmates upon release to unlock opportunities for employment, housing, and education.
- Department of Family and Support Services (DFFS)coreSPRING Forward Program introduced at CRSC announcement, focusing on employment and housing for individuals with arrest and conviction records.
- Representative Danny K. DaviscoreCongressman Danny Davis sponsored the Second Chance Act of 2007 and continues advocacy. Building renamed as The Safer Foundation-Danny K. Davis Second Chance Center. Mural tribute at 808 S. Kedzie Ave. location.
- Senator Barack ObamacorePartnership in 2004 (prior to presidency) to create Certificate of Good Conduct and Certificate of Relief from Disabilities legislation in Illinois.
- Alt Space ChicagocorePartnership through C.L.A.Y. Program providing photography curriculum for Youth Empowerment Program. Students learn collaboration, conceptualization, and career development through mentorship from industry professionals.
- Northwestern Prison Education ProgramcoreProgram at Stateville Correctional Center providing bachelor's degree programs. Safer Foundation's Crossroads ATC supports students like Bernard McKinley and DeJuan Gaines in continuing education during reintegration.
- Nicor GasminorSponsor of the 22nd CARRE Policy Conference.
- Let's RoamminorSponsor of the 22nd CARRE Policy Conference.
- Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC)coreKevin Woods from Safer Foundation visits IDOC facilities to invite individuals about to re-enter society or soon to be released on parole about Reentry Support Breakfast and other services.
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves10 records
Expansion highlights7 records
Safer Foundation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO): National nonprofit providing immediate employment and reentry services to people returning from incarceration. Operates in 30+ cities with a similar workforce-first reentry model and similar employer partnership strategy.
- The Fortune Society: New York-based nonprofit offering comprehensive reentry services including housing, employment, education, and advocacy for justice-involved individuals. Comparable wraparound service model and similar 50+ year operating history.
- Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR): Virginia-based nonprofit providing reentry services including employment assistance, housing, and case management to justice-involved individuals. Directly comparable service portfolio and government-contracted operating model.
- Osborne Association: New York-based nonprofit providing reentry, family, and correctional services. Operates similar programs including work release facilities, employment services, and policy advocacy for justice-involved individuals.
- Center for Community Alternatives: New York-based nonprofit providing alternatives-to-incarceration and reentry services including employment, education, and youth programs. Comparable holistic service model targeting justice-involved populations.
Broad incumbents
- Heartland Alliance: Chicago-based nonprofit providing comprehensive human services including reentry, housing, healthcare, and poverty alleviation. Overlapping client population and geographic market with broader service portfolio than Safer.
Regional players
- Thresholds: Chicago-based nonprofit providing mental health, housing, and employment services for individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders. Shares Chicago geography and overlapping client base in behavioral health and workforce development.
Emerging players
- Root & Rebound: California-based nonprofit providing legal services, advocacy, and reentry support to people with arrest and conviction records. Complementary services around barriers removal, though focused more on legal aid than workforce development.
- Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH): National nonprofit focused on developing supportive housing for vulnerable populations including those leaving incarceration. Highly relevant peer as Safer expands into affordable housing through the Centene/Meridian-funded South Austin project.
Others
- Illinois Department of Corrections: State government agency that contracts Safer Foundation to operate Adult Transition Centers. Functions as both a major partner and the principal regulator of Safer's ATC operations — a critical relationship that defines Safer's core correctional facility business.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Safer Foundation social profiles
Digital presenceSafer Foundation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Safer Foundation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles7 records
Safer Foundation subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Safer Foundation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors3 records
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Safer Foundation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
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Frequently asked questions about Safer Foundation
What does Safer Foundation do?
Safer Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing comprehensive reentry services to justice-involved individuals in the Chicago area and Quad Cities region. Its core offerings span four pillars: Job Placement (workforce development and employment placement with employer partners), Training + Education (HSE preparation, career certifications, digital skills), Reentry Support + Wellness (housing, mental health, substance abuse, clothing, ID document assistance), and Advocacy (policy reform at state and national levels). Services are delivered free of charge across eight physical locations, two Adult Transition Centers, Community Reentry Support Centers, the Safer Return web platform, and in-facility programs at Cook County Jail and IDOC facilities.
Is Safer Foundation a public or private company?
Safer Foundation is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Safer Foundation founded?
Safer Foundation was founded in 1970. It employs 251 to 500 people.
Where is Safer Foundation based?
Safer Foundation is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does Safer Foundation make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are grants and Government Funding and social Impact Investment Fund.
Who are Safer Foundation's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO), The Fortune Society, Offender Aid and Restoration (OAR), Osborne Association and Center for Community Alternatives. Heartland Alliance is listed as a broad incumbent. Thresholds is listed as a regional player. Emerging players are Root & Rebound and Corporation for Supportive Housing (CSH). Illinois Department of Corrections is listed as an others.
Does Safer Foundation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Safer Foundation.
What industry is Safer Foundation in?
Safer Foundation's product category is Reentry Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAN, Reentry & Justice-Involved Support Services, with a secondary code of BPAKANAH, Reentry, Rehabilitation & Reintegration Programs (Education, Vocational, Case Management). Its NAICS code is 6241 and its SIC code is 8300.