Nearly 40 percent of former inmates in Illinois wind up back in prison. Dozens of programs are out there to try to help these people reintegrate into society, but rules, regulations, and the stigma don’t make it easy for someone trying to leave their past behind and start fresh. For 10 years, the Inner City Muslim Action Network has been perfecting a program that takes a holistic and family-oriented approach, and it’s had quite a bit of success.

Plus 50 years ago, a group of jazz fans wanted to create an organization that would present jazz in all its forms, preserve the history of Chicago jazz, and instill a love for the music in future generations. This weekend, the Jazz Institute of Chicago celebrates 50 years with 3 days of free events in Hyde Park.