Volunteers man stations that mimic the daily encounters someone who has just been released from incarceration will be required to navigate, including fulfilling all their court-ordered obligations. Participants assume the identity of an ex-offender and are provided with tasks closely resembling those of an actual offender upon release from incarceration.
The simulation represents an ex-offender's difficult journey to self-sufficiency and the societal barriers that may contribute to feelings of helplessness, decreased self-efficacy and ultimately, recidivism. The hope is that community members may contribute to the success of an ex-offender instead of unknowingly adding to those established barriers that could lead to a return to incarceration.