Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Waltrina Middleton, reflects on all the work we’ve been doing to advocate for social and economic justice and eliminate barriers of race and class over the past year.

Your voice is needed! Grassroots organizing and public policy advocacy requires consistent work by individuals, especially those from communities most impacted by systemic racism and structural inequality.

Congratulations to our member congregations and dedicated volunteers. In the recent lame duck session of the Illinois General Assembly, Community Renewal Society won many historic changes which will help end systemic racism. Join us in celebrating the passing of four monumental victories.

Housing is a critical need, especially during a pandemic. This is even more true for people returning from incarceration who are 10 times more likely to be homeless.

The Restorative Sentencing Act is a measure born out of the inspiration of a group of men confined at the Kewanee Life Skills Re-entry Center, located in Kewanee, Illinois. The measure started as a quest to abolish Truth-in-Sentencing laws. Please urge your legislators to support this Act.

View the first in a series of animated videos about Cassandra's fight to get justice for Nickolas Lee, her husband who died after contracting COVID-19 in Cook County Jail.

Necropolitics: The Religious Crisis of Mass Incarceration in America By CRS board member, Christopher D. Ringer

Publicizing the names of people released from incarceration due to the pandemic, then painting everyone as a repeat offender or exploiting a tragic loss of life, exemplifies a system that demonizes people with records.

Today, landmark legislation for people with records is effective, providing more opportunities to obtain fair housing throughout the state of Illinois and Cook County. Thanks to you, we are celebrating the implementation of two new laws to protect human rights!

New Law Makes Housing Discrimination Illegal for Arrest, Expunged/Sealed, and Juvenille Records!

In the hidden crevices of the city and deeply embedded in the shadows of Chicago's remarkable skyline, there is an unforgivable narrative.

"Pastor, what do you think about everything that happened last week; those four kids trying to rob the house then going on that chase to Chicago?"

How does “It takes a village” apply to a community experiencing trauma? We can no longer afford to inadvertently lead future generations blindly onto a pathway of engulfing racist policies/practices.

During the most productive session in a generation, legislators balanced the state budget and passed the largest capital program in Illinois history: legalizing adult cannabis, establishing the Reproductive Health Act, expanding gambling and legalizing sports betting. CRS is excited to share two significant victories.

Housing as a Human Right, SB 1780 (HFA3), passed the Illinois General Assembly on May 31 with significant bipartisan support!

Everyone deserves a place to call home.

Housing as a Human Right passes out of committee!

Florida voters just approved a constitutional amendment to restore the right to vote to people with conviction histories. In Illinois, we already have that right but we don’t have access.

The FICPFM network has a profound commitment to transform society by transforming the US criminal justice system. Help end the unjust policy of money bail.

HB 5341, also known as the F.A.T.E. (Fair Access To Employment) Bill, was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner on Friday, August 10. This legislation clarifies that outstanding legal financial obligations like fines, fees, and court costs cannot be considered when reviewing a sealing petition.