Last Updated on: May 15, 2026
This page is for people leaving incarceration, their families, and case workers looking for reentry support in Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County.
Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County have several strong reentry resources for people with criminal records. Below you will find an updated list of all reentry tools, programs, and resources. You will find support with housing, employment, legal aid, education, mental health, substance use counseling, and related reentry needs.
Notice: For statewide help and other Pennsylvania cities, see our full guide to Reentry Programs in Pennsylvania. You may also find our Reentry Survival Guide for Felons helpful.
General Reentry and Supervision Programs in Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County
Court-Assisted Re-Entry Program (CARE)
Address: Multiple locations including Wilkes-Barre
Phone: For more information, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania
Best For: People recently released on federal supervised release facing moderate to high risk of recidivism.
What It Offers: Four-phase voluntary program combining intensive supervision, treatment, and support including job training, housing, healthcare, drug counseling, and family services through CARES partnerships.
Luzerne County Re-Entry Service Center/Day Reporting Center (Run by GEO Group)
Address: 125 N Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, Suite 4, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570-825-0900
Best For: People released from Luzerne County corrections with court-ordered early release reentry programming requirements.
What It Offers: Programming and services for reentry participants, case management, job training resources, substance abuse counseling, and community supervision.
Adult Probation and Parole – Luzerne County
Address: 20 N. Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-825-1540
Best For: Adults under probation and parole supervision in Luzerne County seeking case management and reentry support.
What It Offers: Community-based supervision, reentry case management, employment assistance, substance abuse referrals, and community support coordination.
Luzerne/Wyoming County STRIVE Program (State Transition Reentry Incentive Validating Endeavors)
Address: Scranton District Parole Office serving Luzerne and surrounding counties
Phone: Contact your parole officer for enrollment information
Best For: People transitioning from state corrections to the community in northeast Pennsylvania.
What It Offers: Partnership program providing reentry support, case management, job training, substance abuse counseling, and community integration services.
Halfway Houses and Transitional Housing in Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County
Mother Teresa Haven – Permanent Supportive Housing
Address: 39 E. Jackson Street, 2nd floor (above St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen), Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570-825-9948
Best For: Homeless individuals with disabilities or disabling conditions seeking permanent supportive housing in Wilkes-Barre.
What It Offers: Permanent supportive housing with case management, community integration support, and services to maintain housing stability.
St. Ann’s Expansion Program – Supportive Housing
Address: Wilkes-Barre, PA (scattered site apartments)
Phone: 570-822-7118
Best For: Homeless individuals with disabilities or disabling conditions and families needing permanent supportive housing.
What It Offers: 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments, case management, employment support, and community integration services for eligible residents.
Gabriel House – Transitional Housing for Women
Address: 13 Williams Street, Pittston, PA 18640 (near Wilkes-Barre)
Phone: 570-602-9796
Best For: Homeless women, including women with children, seeking transitional housing and case management.
What It Offers: 16 fully furnished apartments with rent at 30% of income, on-site weekly case management, and services to transition residents to permanent housing within 18 months.
Catholic Social Services – Rapid Rehousing Program
Address: 100 North Wilkes-Barre Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570-822-7118
Best For: Homeless individuals and families in Luzerne County needing temporary rental assistance and housing location support.
What It Offers: Rental assistance, help securing scattered-site apartments, case management, and support transitioning to permanent housing through Coordinated Entry System.
Allied Services Enhanced Supported Living
Address: 6-bed home in Wilkes-Barre
Phone: 570-826-3885
Best For: People with serious mental illness needing permanent group home residence with 24-hour supervision.
What It Offers: Group home living, medication management, daily life support, transportation, nutrition education, social activities, and service coordination.
NEPA Center for Independent Living – Housing Support
Address: 1142 Sanderson Avenue, Suite 1, Scranton, PA 18509
Phone: 570-344-7211
Best For: People with disabilities needing support finding and maintaining independent housing.
What It Offers: Housing support services, independent living skills training, disability advocacy, and referrals to community resources.
Housing Solutions for People With Criminal Records in Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County
Housing can be difficult with a felony record, especially when landlords use background checks. Do not pay application fees until you ask whether felony records are automatic denials or reviewed individually.
For more help, read Felon Friendly Apartments & Housing – How to Find Housing With a Criminal Record. You may also want to review our guide to Public Housing for Felons.
Wilkes-Barre Housing Authority – Public Housing and Section 8
Address: 50 Lincoln Plaza, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570-825-6657
Best For: Low-income residents seeking affordable public housing and Section 8 rental assistance.
What It Offers: Public housing units, Section 8 vouchers, emergency rental assistance, and housing for people with barriers to conventional housing.
Luzerne County Assistance Office – Housing Assistance and SNAP
Address: 205 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: 570-826-2100
Best For: People applying for housing assistance, food stamps, and public benefits in Luzerne County.
What It Offers: SNAP food assistance, medical assistance, cash assistance, emergency rental assistance, and HUD program referrals.
Commission on Economic Opportunity of Luzerne County
Address: 165 Amber Lane, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703
Phone: 800-822-0359
Best For: Low-income households needing affordable housing and emergency assistance programs.
What It Offers: HUD-approved housing assistance, rental assistance, emergency assistance, housing counseling, and community action services.
The Arc of Luzerne County – Housing and Disability Support
Address: 67 Public Square, Suite 1020, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-970-7739
Best For: People with disabilities seeking housing support and disability advocacy.
What It Offers: Housing assistance, disability advocacy, independent living support, employment training, and community resource referrals.
Pennsylvania 211 – Housing Referral Line
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: Dial 211
Best For: Anyone needing information about housing programs, shelters, and community resources in Luzerne County.
What It Offers: Free 24/7 information and referral service connecting people to local housing, food, healthcare, and social services.
Emergency Food, Clothing, and Basic Needs
If you just got out of jail or prison and need food, clothing, hygiene items, emergency shelter, or benefits, start with these resources.
For more options, read Emergency Financial Help for Felons. You can also check whether you qualify for Food Stamps (SNAP) as a Felon.
Catholic Social Services – St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen and Food Pantry
Address: 39 East Jackson Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570-829-7796
Best For: People experiencing food insecurity needing emergency meals and supplemental food.
What It Offers: Free hot meals, food pantry distribution, and referrals to additional assistance programs.
Luzerne County Assistance Office – SNAP Benefits
Address: 205 South Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: 570-826-2100
Best For: People applying for SNAP food stamps and emergency financial assistance.
What It Offers: SNAP food assistance applications, emergency assistance, medical assistance, and public benefits enrollment.
Pennsylvania 211 Helpline – Food and Emergency Resources
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: Dial 211
Best For: Anyone needing immediate information about food pantries, shelters, clothing, and emergency assistance.
What It Offers: 24/7 information and referral to local food, shelter, clothing, emergency assistance, and basic needs programs.
Bread Basket of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Address: Multiple locations in Luzerne County
Phone: 570-963-3450
Best For: People in Wilkes-Barre area needing emergency food and basic necessities.
What It Offers: Food pantry services, emergency food boxes, household items, and referrals to community services.
Free or Low Cost Healthcare and Mental Health Help
Many people coming home from jail or prison need medication, therapy, addiction treatment, dental care, mental health care, or a primary doctor. These Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County resources may help. You can also read our guide to Health Insurance for Felons for more coverage options.
Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center – Behavioral Health and Reentry Services
Address: 1111 East End Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: 570-824-3521
Best For: Military veterans with mental health, substance abuse, and reentry needs.
What It Offers: Free mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, psychiatric care, medication management, and reentry support for eligible veterans.
Northeast Counseling Services – Community Mental Health
Address: Multiple locations in Luzerne County
Phone: 570-812-5041
Best For: Individuals and families needing affordable mental health and counseling services.
What It Offers: Individual and family counseling, group therapy, psychiatric care, and services on sliding fee scale.
The Wright Center for Community Health – Behavioral Health Division
Address: 31 Market Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-491-0126
Best For: Uninsured and low-income people needing primary care, therapy, and psychiatric services.
What It Offers: Mental health therapy, psychological assessments, psychiatric care, medication management, and addiction services.
Luzerne County Adult Mental Health Services
Address: 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 300, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-831-7277
Best For: People with serious mental illness seeking case management and mental health support.
What It Offers: Case management services, medication management, psychiatric services, crisis intervention, and community integration support.
First Hospital Wyoming Valley – Community Counseling Services
Address: 110 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-552-3682
Best For: People needing inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient counseling, or crisis services.
What It Offers: 24/7 emergency psychiatric care, inpatient hospitalization, outpatient counseling, medication management, and crisis stabilization.
Wilkes-Barre Free Clinic – Healthcare for Uninsured
Address: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Phone: 570-822-5890
Best For: Uninsured and low-income people needing free healthcare, primary care, and health referrals.
What It Offers: Free primary care, health screenings, chronic disease management, and referrals to specialty care.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Address: National phone and referral service
Phone: 1-800-662-4357
Best For: Substance abuse and mental health treatment referrals nationwide
What It Offers: SAMHSA provides free, confidential referrals to local treatment providers for mental health and substance abuse needs.
Legal Help, Expungement, and Documents
Legal help can make a major difference after incarceration. People may need help clearing records, reducing charges, getting IDs, handling warrants, dealing with child support, fixing tickets, or understanding employment rights. For more on record clearing, see our Felony Expungement & Sealing Information. You may also find our guides to Background Check Laws and Seven Year Background Check States helpful.
North Penn Legal Services – Wilkes-Barre Office
Address: 408 Spruce Street, Scranton, PA 18503 (serving Luzerne, Lackawanna, Sullivan, and Wyoming Counties)
Phone: 877-953-4250
Best For: Low-income people in Luzerne County needing free legal representation and expungement help.
What It Offers: Free legal representation, expungement services, record clearing, family law, and legal advocacy for eligible clients.
Luzerne County Public Defender – Reentry and Record Clearing
Address: Luzerne County Courthouse, 200 N River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: 570-825-1500
Best For: Low-income people who cannot afford private attorneys needing criminal defense and post-conviction relief.
What It Offers: Free legal representation, appellate defense, post-conviction relief, expungement assistance, and record clearing support.
Pennsylvania Expungement and Record Sealing Information
Address: Luzerne County Clerk of Courts
Phone: 570-825-1500
Best For: People seeking to petition for expungement or record sealing in Luzerne County.
What It Offers: Information on expungement eligibility, filing procedures, legal requirements for record clearing, and court forms.
Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas
Address: 200 N River Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: 570-825-1500
Best For: People with questions about court procedures, expungement, and criminal justice matters.
What It Offers: Court records, legal information, filing assistance, and referrals to legal aid and public defender services.
Employment Help for Felons in Wilkes-Barre
Getting a job after incarceration is one of the most important parts of successful reentry. Many employers in Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County will hire people with records if they understand your experience and see your commitment to change. Some employers are certified as “Fair Chance Employers” and actively recruit people with records.
For more help, visit Jobs For Felons & Companies. You can also read Background Check Laws to understand your rights with employers.
REAL Reentry Program at PA CareerLink Luzerne County
Address: 32 East Union Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-822-1101
Best For: Young adults ages 18-24 with criminal justice involvement seeking employment and career development.
What It Offers: Job placement, career coaching, job training, certification support, peer mentoring, behavioral health advocacy, and connections to fair-chance employers.
PA CareerLink Luzerne County at Wilkes-Barre – Career Services
Address: 32 East Union Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-822-1101
Best For: Job seekers looking for employment, career training, GED programs, and job readiness support.
What It Offers: Resume assistance, interview practice, job search support, occupational skills training, GED classes, workshops, and on-the-job training programs.
Luzerne County Community College – Career Training and Job Placement
Address: 1285 Main Street, Nanticoke, PA 18634 (Main Campus) and Wilkes-Barre Extension
Phone: 570-740-0300 (Main Campus) or 570-740-0210 (Wilkes-Barre Center)
Best For: People seeking certificates, associate degrees, and occupational skills training for better-paying jobs.
What It Offers: Certificate and degree programs, occupational skills training, ServSafe certification, nursing programs, and career counseling.
Dress for Success Northeastern Pennsylvania
Address: 306 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-344-5500
Best For: Women seeking professional clothing and interview coaching for job interviews.
What It Offers: Professional outfits for interviews, networking events, career mentoring, and job readiness coaching.
Education and Job Training in Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County
Education is essential for successful reentry and long-term employment. Many reentry programs help pay for job training, GED preparation, and college courses.
For more information, visit Scholarships for Felons and Grants for Felons.
Luzerne County Community College – GED and Training Programs
Address: 1285 Main Street, Nanticoke, PA 18634 (Main Campus)
Phone: 570-740-0300
Best For: Adults seeking GED preparation, college courses, and occupational skills training at affordable rates.
What It Offers: Free and low-cost GED classes, transfer-friendly associate degrees, certificate programs, ServSafe, nursing, and career counseling.
PA CareerLink Luzerne County – GED and Occupational Training
Address: 32 East Union Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-822-1101
Best For: Young adults ages 16-24 seeking free GED preparation and occupational skills training.
What It Offers: On-site GED classes at your own pace, apprenticeship programs, occupational skills training, workshops, and paid work experience.
PA CareerLink Hazleton – Training and Education Programs
Address: 75 N Laurel Street, Hazleton, PA 18201
Phone: 570-459-3854
Best For: Residents of Luzerne County seeking training and educational opportunities in a nearby location.
What It Offers: GED preparation, occupational skills training, job coaching, WIOA services, and workshop programs.
Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery in Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County
Many people reentering the community struggle with addiction. Treatment and recovery support are essential for successful reentry and reducing recidivism.
Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Drug & Alcohol Program Case Management
Address: 111 North Pennsylvania Avenue, 2nd Floor, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701-3505
Phone: 570-826-3035 (Case Management)
Best For: People seeking substance abuse treatment planning, provider referrals, and case management services.
What It Offers: Drug and alcohol assessment, treatment planning, case management, and referrals to inpatient, outpatient, methadone, and intensive outpatient programs.
Wyoming Valley Alcohol and Drug Services Inc
Address: 437 Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18705
Phone: 570-820-8888
Best For: Adults needing outpatient substance abuse treatment, counseling, and recovery support.
What It Offers: Intensive outpatient treatment, regular outpatient substance abuse counseling, individual and group therapy, and trauma-related counseling.
Robinson Counseling Center – Children’s Service Center
Address: 334-335 South Franklin Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
Phone: 570-825-6425
Best For: Individuals needing substance abuse and mental health treatment, especially with co-occurring disorders.
What It Offers: Outpatient substance abuse counseling, individual and family therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, and case management.
Keystone Drug & Alcohol
Address: 341 Wyoming Avenue, Wyoming, PA 18644
Phone: 570-209-1831
Best For: People in Wyoming/Wilkes-Barre area seeking outpatient substance abuse treatment and counseling.
What It Offers: Outpatient substance abuse treatment, individual counseling, group therapy, and recovery support.
Clearbrook Manor – Residential Substance Abuse Treatment
Address: 1100 East Northampton Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706
Phone: 570-823-1171
Best For: People seeking inpatient residential treatment for substance use disorders with comprehensive services.
What It Offers: Sub-acute inpatient rehabilitation, detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, anger management, and aftercare planning.
Miners Medical / PA Care LLC – Outpatient Opioid Treatment
Address: Multiple locations throughout Luzerne County
Phone: (855) 746-2254 (PINNACLE)
Best For: People needing medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction with flexible outpatient options.
What It Offers: Outpatient opioid treatment programs (OTPs), intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), buprenorphine and methadone treatment, peer support, and relapse prevention.
Pathway to Recovery Counseling and Educational Services
Address: 223 West Broad Street, Hazleton, PA 18201
Phone: 570-455-9902
Best For: People with substance abuse and mental health disorders seeking comprehensive treatment services.
What It Offers: Dual diagnosis treatment, outpatient substance abuse counseling, psychiatric care, and case management.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Address: National referral line
Phone: 1-800-662-4357
Best For: People who need free, confidential referrals to local substance abuse or mental health treatment
What It Offers: SAMHSA connects callers to treatment providers, support groups, and community-based organizations nationwide.
Family, Youth, and Community Support
Reentry affects families, children, and the whole community. These organizations may help with mentoring, family support, youth programs, community connection, and advocacy.
United Way Luzerne County
Address: Multiple locations in Luzerne County
Phone: 570-823-0210
Best For: Families needing community support, youth programs, and emergency assistance.
What It Offers: Community resource referrals, youth mentoring programs, family services, emergency assistance, and nonprofit coordination.
Domestic Violence Service Center
Address: Wilkes-Barre, PA
Phone: 570-823-5834
Best For: Individuals and families experiencing domestic violence seeking shelter, counseling, and support.
What It Offers: Domestic violence shelter, transitional housing, bridge housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and emergency support.
Friendship House – Family Support and Community Resources
Address: Multiple locations in Luzerne County
Phone: 570-343-3828
Best For: Families and individuals needing mental health support, community resources, and peer mentoring.
What It Offers: Family support groups, peer mentoring, community resource referrals, mental health services, and recovery support.
AHEDD Employment Services – Disability Support and Employment
Address: 67 Public Square, Suite 803, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-793-2272
Best For: People with disabilities seeking employment support and community integration.
What It Offers: Employment services, career training, job coaching, disability advocacy, and community resource referrals.
Other Helpful Resources
These guides may also help if you are rebuilding your life in Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County:
Reentry Programs in Pennsylvania
Best For: Statewide reentry help
What It Offers: A larger list of Pennsylvania reentry programs, housing resources, job help, legal support, and basic needs resources across the state.
Jobs For Felons & Companies
Best For: People looking for work with a criminal record
What It Offers: A list of companies and job types that may be more open to hiring people with felony convictions.
Felon Friendly Apartments & Housing
Best For: People who need housing after incarceration
What It Offers: Practical advice for finding apartments, asking about background checks, and locating housing options that review applicants individually.
Emergency Financial Help for Felons
Best For: People who need immediate help with money, food, bills, or basic needs
What It Offers: Emergency assistance ideas and places to look for short-term help.
Grants for Felons
Best For: People looking for financial assistance to rebuild after incarceration
What It Offers: A guide to grants that may be available to people with felony records.
Scholarships for Felons
Best For: People with records who want to pursue education
What It Offers: A list of scholarships that may be available to formerly incarcerated people and those with criminal records.
Felony Expungement & Sealing Information
Best For: People seeking to clear their criminal records
What It Offers: A comprehensive guide to Pennsylvania’s expungement and record sealing process for people with criminal records.
Health Insurance for Felons
Best For: People needing healthcare coverage after incarceration
What It Offers: Information on Medicaid, Medicare, ACA plans, and other health insurance options for people with criminal records.
Resources for Felons
Best For: General reentry help
What It Offers: A broader collection of resources for people with felony records.
What Makes a Good Reentry Program in Wilkes-Barre?
A good reentry program should do more than hand you a phone number. Look for programs that offer direct help, clear intake steps, realistic services, and staff who understand criminal records.
Strong reentry programs usually help with:
- Housing or housing referrals
- Job readiness and employer connections
- Substance abuse or mental health support
- Legal aid or expungement referrals
- Identification documents
- Family reunification
- Case management
- Transportation or basic needs referrals
- Long-term support, not only one appointment
Tips for Choosing a Reentry Program in Wilkes-Barre
Call before you go. Ask whether you need an appointment, ID, proof of release, probation paperwork, parole paperwork, Medicaid information, or referral documents.
Ask these questions:
- Do you work with people who have felony convictions?
- Do you help with housing, or only give referrals?
- Do you help people who are homeless right now?
- Do you help with jobs or only resume classes?
- Do you help with expungement or record clearing?
- Is there a waitlist?
- Do I need to live in Luzerne County?
- Do you accept walk-ins?
- Are services free?
- What should I bring to my first appointment?
Disclaimer
This page is for general information only. Reentry program details, eligibility rules, phone numbers, locations, funding, and services can change at any time. Always contact the program directly before visiting. Help For Felons does not guarantee that any organization will accept you, provide housing, offer financial help, remove a criminal record, or place you in a job. This information is not legal advice. Program information on this page was gathered from official program websites, county and city sources, and direct program listings. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please contact us.
