By Theodore Ball, News Intern Nebraska Public Media

April 21, 2026, 1:21 p.m. · 3 min read

In Nebraska, more than 2,700 people return home from state prison every year. They return to the community with a small amount of gate money and a set of obstacles many of us will never have to navigate: re-securing state identification, the lack of a permanent address, no phone, no job, and often a complicated family dynamic. Release is a milestone. It isn't the finish line. The real work of rebuilding a life starts the moment the door closes behind them; and for too many, that's where the cycle quietly resets.

Meet Jeremy Bouman, Founder of RISE in Omaha 👋. Today, RISE operates in seven Nebraska prisons with a 90% graduate employment rate and a recidivism rate a third of the state average. And Jeremy has spent the last decade building a leadership team, a sabbatical policy, and a succession plan designed to outlast him.

In this episode, he breaks down exactly how, including the internal leadership academy, the innovation program open to every employee, and their newly approved sabbatical policy.

Plus: the story of a man serving a life sentence who donated $500 so someone else could take the same program that changed his life.

A powerful reentry success story: how Ross moved from housing instability to a home of his own, and what “coming home” really means after incarceration.

While leadership transitions are inevitable, there are too many organizations that aren’t prepared for this eventuality.  In this episode, I’ve got Jeremy Bouman with me to explore how nonprofit leadership development and intentional succession planning can protect your mission and ensure your organization continues to thrive long after a founder or executive leader steps away.

Jeremy Bouman, Executive Director and CEO of RISE Reentry Program, joins Becca Fowler, Investor Relations Specialist with the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce in the AOI Podcast Studio on the latest edition of BusinessLNK. Jeremy and Becca discuss the mission of RISE.

After nearly seven years as RISE’s Volunteer Relations Manager, Chantal Wentz is transitioning into a new role as Prison Program Coordinator at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women (NCCW).

Nebraska's 109th Legislature, 2nd Session, kicked off on January 7th and it has already proven to be fast and furious.

See how a RISE reentry simulation at Nebraska Wesleyan University helps students and faculty understand reentry challenges and build empathy for returning citizens.

"I believe the work that I do impacts not only our program participants, but the community as a whole because we are building confidence in people who feel like they have been forgotten," reflected Drew.

"Everyone likes a comeback story, and we are just the trainers and cheerleaders."

Kristi and Jeremy explore the economics of incarceration, Nebraska’s prison overcrowding crisis, the ripple effects on families, and the life-changing power of belonging.

Learn how Giving Tuesday began and why it’s critical for Nebraska nonprofits. See how RISE uses this global day to support reentry, families, and second chances.

Every November we remember the sacrifices made by those who served our country, but for a growing number of veterans, that service has been followed not by pride and gratitude, but by the bars of a correctional facility.

Discover how RISE is transforming lives inside and outside prisons in Nebraska through programs that promote personal growth, family connection, and reentry success. Learn how community-based initiatives like the Men’s and Women’s Wellness Coffee Hours are helping justice-impacted individuals find healing, purpose, and belonging after incarceration.

RISE is excited to announce it has received a $10,000 grant from Union Pacific’s Community Ties Giving Program to strengthen its reentry programs and expand workforce development initiatives. This funding will help RISE create more pathways to meaningful careers for justice-impacted individuals returning to the community, supporting their journey toward long-term employment success and financial stability.

RISE’s Prison Program Coordinator, Dr. Tommy Moore, is featured on the From Prison Cells to PHD Podcast.

We’re honored to share that RISE has been selected as a recipient of the FNBO Impact Grant in support of our Workforce Development Program!

Securing housing after incarceration poses significant barriers. In addition to a shortage of affordable places to live, people returning to the community typically have few options beyond low-income communities lacking in resources.

The 9th RISE prison program cohort at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women has officially graduated! These women presented innovative business ideas to volunteers and family members, gaining not only entrepreneurial skills but also confidence, hope, and a renewed sense of connection. At RISE, our prison program empowers participants to rebuild their futures and strengthen community ties.