Last Updated on: May 15, 2026
This page is for people leaving incarceration, their families, and case workers looking for reentry support in Scranton and Lackawanna County.
Scranton and Lackawanna 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.
List of ReentryPrograms in Scranton
Court-Assisted Re-Entry Program (CARE)
Address: Multiple locations including Scranton
Phone: For more information concerning the Reentry Program, 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 program designed to aid rehabilitation and reintegration with support from public institutions and private volunteers, including job training, housing, healthcare, and substance abuse counseling 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 who have applied for early release reentry programming.
What It Offers: Programming and services for reentry, case management, supervision, job training, and community support for those released to the center.
Luzerne/Wyoming County STRIVE Program (State Transition Reentry Incentive Validating Endeavors)
Address: Scranton District Parole Office serving Lackawanna and surrounding counties
Phone: Contact your parole officer
Best For: People transitioning from state corrections to the community in northeast Pennsylvania.
What It Offers: Partnership program providing reentry support, case management, and community resources to support successful reintegration into society.
Halfway Houses and Transitional Housing in Scranton and Lackawanna County
Catherine McAuley Center – Permanent Supportive Housing
Address: 430 Pittston Avenue, Scranton, PA 18505
Phone: 570-342-1342
Best For: Homeless individuals with disabilities or disabling conditions in Lackawanna County seeking permanent supportive housing.
What It Offers: Permanent supportive housing with case management, community integration support, and services to maintain housing stability.
Pennsylvania Community Health Choices/Allied Services Enhanced Supported Living
Address: 3 separate 6-bed homes in Scranton
Phone: 570-348-1359
Best For: People with serious mental illness needing permanent group home or apartment-style residence with 24-hour supervision.
What It Offers: Medication management, social interaction, safe home maintenance support, transportation, nutrition education, 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 who need support finding and maintaining independent living arrangements.
What It Offers: Housing support services, advocacy, independent living skills training, and referrals to community resources.
Housing Solutions for People With Criminal Records in Scranton and Lackawanna 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.
Lackawanna County Assistance Office – SNAP and Housing Assistance
Address: 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 1-877-431-1887
Best For: People who need help applying for housing assistance, food stamps, and other public benefits.
What It Offers: SNAP food assistance, medical assistance, cash assistance, housing counseling, and referrals to HUD-approved programs.
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 programs and community assistance.
What It Offers: HUD-approved housing assistance programs, rental assistance, housing counseling, and emergency assistance referrals.
The Arc of Luzerne County – Housing and Advocacy
Address: 67 Public Square, Suite 1020, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
Phone: 570-970-7739
Best For: People with disabilities seeking housing assistance and disability advocacy services.
What It Offers: Housing support, disability advocacy, community resource referrals, and independent living assistance.
Pennsylvania 211 – Housing Resources
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: Dial 211
Best For: Anyone needing information about housing programs, shelters, and community resources in Lackawanna County.
What It Offers: Free 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: 638 Hemlock Street, Scranton, PA 18505
Phone: 570-207-2283
Best For: People experiencing food insecurity and needing emergency meal service and supplemental food items.
What It Offers: Free food pantry distribution, hot meals at St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, and referrals to additional benefits programs.
Bread Basket of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Address: Multiple locations in Lackawanna County
Phone: 570-963-3450
Best For: People in Scranton area needing emergency food and basic necessities.
What It Offers: Food pantry services, emergency food boxes, and referrals to additional community services.
Pennsylvania 211 Helpline – Food and Basic Needs
Address: Countywide resource
Phone: Dial 211
Best For: Anyone needing immediate information about food pantries, shelters, clothing, and emergency assistance in Lackawanna County.
What It Offers: 24/7 information and referral to local food, shelter, clothing, and emergency assistance programs.
Lackawanna County Assistance Office – SNAP Benefits
Address: 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 1-877-431-1887
Best For: People applying for SNAP food stamps and other public assistance benefits.
What It Offers: SNAP food assistance applications, medical assistance, cash assistance, and emergency support.
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 Scranton resources may help. You can also read our guide to Health Insurance for Felons for more coverage options.
Scranton Counseling Center
Address: 320 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-348-6100
Best For: People needing comprehensive mental health, substance abuse, and counseling services.
What It Offers: Diagnostic and treatment services for mental health, behavioral health, crisis counseling, and referral to specialized care.
The Wright Center for Community Health – Behavioral Health Services
Address: 501 South Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-941-0630
Best For: Uninsured and low-income people needing primary care, therapy, and psychiatric services.
What It Offers: Mental health therapy, psychological assessments, psychiatric care, and medication management at low cost.
Regional Hospital of Scranton – Behavioral Health
Address: 746 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA 18510
Phone: 570-348-7100
Best For: People experiencing acute mental health crises or needing inpatient psychiatric care.
What It Offers: 24/7 emergency psychiatric services, inpatient hospitalization, and crisis stabilization.
Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center – Mental Health Services
Address: 1111 East End Boulevard, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711
Phone: 570-824-3521
Best For: Military veterans with mental health, substance abuse, or reentry needs.
What It Offers: Free mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and reentry support for eligible veterans.
Northeast Counseling Services – Community Mental Health
Address: Multiple locations in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties
Phone: 570-812-5041
Best For: Individuals and families needing affordable mental health and counseling services.
What It Offers: Individual counseling, family therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric care on a sliding fee scale.
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 – Scranton Office
Address: 408 Spruce Street, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 877-953-4250
Best For: Low-income people in Lackawanna County needing free legal representation and expungement help.
What It Offers: Free legal representation, expungement services, record clearing, family law assistance, and legal advocacy for eligible clients.
Lackawanna County Public Defender
Address: Lackawanna County Courthouse, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-963-6831
Best For: People who cannot afford private attorneys and need defense representation in court.
What It Offers: Free legal representation for criminal and civil matters, appellate defense, and post-conviction relief assistance.
Pennsylvania Expungement and Record Sealing Information
Address: Lackawanna County Clerk of Courts
Phone: 570-963-6831
Best For: People seeking to petition for expungement or record sealing in Lackawanna County.
What It Offers: Information on expungement eligibility, filing procedures, and legal requirements for clearing criminal records.
Lackawanna County Court of Common Pleas
Address: 200 Adams Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-963-6500
Best For: People with questions about court procedures, expungement, and criminal justice matters in Lackawanna County.
What It Offers: Court records, legal information, filing assistance, and referrals to legal aid and public defender services.
Employment Help for Felons in Scranton
Getting a job after incarceration is one of the most important parts of successful reentry. Many employers in Scranton area will hire people with records if they understand your experience and show your commitment to change. Some employers are certified as “Fair Chance Employers” and actively recruit people with records.
For more help finding employment, visit Jobs For Felons & Companies. You can also read Background Check Laws to understand your rights with employers.
PA CareerLink Scranton – Career Services and Job Training
Address: 135 Franklin Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-963-4671
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, and workshops in computer basics and soft skills.
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 coaching.
What It Offers: Job placement, career coaching, job training certification support, peer mentoring, behavioral health advocacy, and connections to fair-chance employers.
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 job interviews, networking events, career mentoring, and job readiness coaching.
Luzerne County Community College – Career Training and Job Placement
Address: 1285 Main Street, Nanticoke, PA 18634 (Main Campus) and Scranton Extension: Marketplace at Steamtown Mall, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-740-0210 (Scranton Center) or 570-740-0300 (Main Campus)
Best For: People seeking to earn certificates, associate degrees, and occupational skills training for better-paying jobs.
What It Offers: Certificate and degree programs, occupational skills training, ServSafe certification, nursing training, and career counseling.
Education and Job Training in Scranton
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: Marketplace at Steamtown Mall, 200 Lackawanna Avenue, 2nd Floor, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-740-0210
Best For: Adults seeking GED preparation, college courses, and occupational skills training at an affordable community college.
What It Offers: Free and low-cost GED classes, transfer-friendly associate degrees, certificate programs, and career counseling.
[PA CareerLink Scranton – GED and Occupational Training](https://careerlinkscr anton.org/)
Address: 135 Franklin Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-963-4671
Best For: Young adults ages 16-24 seeking free GED preparation and occupational skills training.
What It Offers: On-site GED classes at own pace, apprenticeship programs, occupational skills training, job readiness workshops, and paid work experience.
University of Scranton – Community Education and Workforce Development
Address: 800 Linden Street, Scranton, PA 18510
Phone: 570-941-7400
Best For: Adults seeking bachelor’s and master’s degrees with flexible scheduling and tuition assistance programs.
What It Offers: Evening and online degree programs, scholarships and financial aid for low-income students, and workforce development partnerships.
Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery in Scranton
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
Best For: People seeking substance abuse treatment planning, case management, and provider referrals.
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 those with co-occurring disorders.
What It Offers: Outpatient substance abuse counseling, individual and family therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, and case management.
Clearbrook Manor – Residential Substance Abuse Treatment
Address: 1100 East Northampton Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706
Phone: 570-823-1171
Best For: People seeking inpatient or residential treatment for substance use disorders with comprehensive services.
What It Offers: Sub-acute inpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation, detoxification, cognitive behavioral therapy, anger management, and aftercare planning.
Miners Medical / PA Care LLC – Outpatient Opioid Treatment
Address: Locations throughout Luzerne County, Wilkes-Barre
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.
Turning Point Alternative Living Solutions
Address: 431 Wyoming Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-880-7614
Best For: People with substance abuse and mental health disorders seeking treatment and recovery support.
What It Offers: Outpatient substance abuse treatment, methadone/buprenorphine maintenance, intensive outpatient programs, and psychiatric services.
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 of the Lackawanna Valley
Address: 33 North Washington Avenue, Scranton, PA 18503
Phone: 570-961-2500
Best For: Families needing community support, youth programs, and emergency assistance.
What It Offers: Community resource referrals, youth mentoring, family services, emergency assistance, and referrals to local nonprofit programs.
NEPA Community Center – Youth and Family Services
Address: United Neighborhood Centers, Scranton, PA
Phone: 570-343-8835
Best For: Children and families in underserved communities seeking youth programs, mentoring, and support.
What It Offers: Youth after-school programs, mentoring, family support services, recreation programs, and community leadership development.
Friendship House – Family Support and Community Resources
Address: Multiple locations in Lackawanna 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.
Other Helpful Resources
These guides may also help if you are rebuilding your life in Scranton and Lackawanna 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 may 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 Scranton?
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 Scranton
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 Lackawanna 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.
