Peer Support During Incarceration and After Release
Groundwork
If you're reconnecting after release, finding your way forward, or here to support someone you care about - this space is for you.
Welcome.
In partnership with Eau Claire County Criminal Justice Services and the Sheriff’s Department, At The Roots offers free peer support for people who are currently incarcerated in the Eau Claire County Jail, or those who have recently returned to the community.
We call this program Groundwork because rebuilding isn’t just one moment - it’s a process.
Sometimes, it’s messy. Sometimes, it’s quiet. Sometimes, it’s just one small decision at a time.
But it always starts somewhere - and often, it starts with a sense of belonging.
Recovery and rebuilding are easier when you feel connected. And we’re here to remind you:
You don’t have to do it alone.
Our team is made up of people who’ve been through it too - legal issues, recovery, mental health challenges, trauma, etc. We’re not here to judge or fix anyone. We’re here to listen, to show up, and to create space for reflection and real conversation.
There’s often so much noise—inside and out. We try to help quiet some of that, so people have the chance to think clearly about what they want and need.
No pressure, no expectations - just support that makes room for what matters.
we’ve got your back
during incarceration
Peer support is offered onsite at no cost to individuals currently incarcerated in the Eau Claire County Jail. Our team visits the facility regularly to meet with people who request support. Individuals can reach out through the jail’s kiosk messaging system, or they may be referred by jail-based programs such as mental health services or Pretrial.
After Release
If you’ve been released from the Eau Claire County Jail, peer support is still available to you. That might look like meeting up, checking in by phone, or simply having someone to talk to when things get tough. We can also help you think through next steps, identify goals, make a plan, or get connected to community resources. Even if we didn’t connect while you were inside, we may still be able to work together—we’ll just need to confirm that you were recently in the Eau Claire County Jail.
Join us for an upcoming friday table!
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click here
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Join us for an upcoming friday table! 〰️ click here 〰️
For Family & Friends:
If someone you care about is in the Eau Claire County Jail for more than 10 days and you think they might benefit from our support, you can submit a referral. Our team will follow up and offer to connect with them directly.
Please note: We can’t pass along personal messages, and we aren’t able to share details about any contact we have with the individual.
there’s support for you too!
We also know that supporting someone through incarceration, substance use, or reentry can be incredibly challenging - and families need support, too.
While not part of the Groundwork program, we offer a separate service called CRAFT - our Family Support Program. Based on the evidence-based Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) model, this program is designed for parents, partners, and other loved ones impacted by someone’s substance use. Through 1:1 sessions, we offer practical tools and emotional support to improve communication, reduce conflict, and build resilience - regardless of where your loved one is at in their journey.
We also offer private-pay peer support sessions that can focus on a variety of challenges - not just substance use. Whether you're navigating grief, your own substance use challenges, mental health concerns, relationship strain, or just feeling overwhelmed, our team is here to support you.
Looking for information about visiting your loved one at the jail? CLICK HERE.