Between 75 - 80% of convicted criminals end up returning to a life behind bars after they're out of the slammer.
A lack of employment, substance abuse and a lack of accountability are contributing factors.
The fourth annual "Ex-con Convention" is a gathering of non-profits and ministries that offer hope for those who've been incarcerated, by giving them tools to transition back into society, including a program called "After Care".
"We think the best way to do that is to get involved with them inside the prison before they're released. Work with them, teach them, teaching them life skills and then when they're released, putting them with mentors to help them guide themselves until they are established into the community," said Ronan Dillard with Karios Prison Ministry International. KPMI just one of numerous organizations on hand for the event.
Statistics show that ex-con's who don't receive help once they're out, will return back to prison on average, within three years.
