FIST Inc is a non-profit organization established in 2009.  Serving all of Lake County Illinois, FIST exists to improve the success of individuals leaving prison and reentering into society.  The FIST organization consists of ex-offenders working together to encourage a successful transition in their own lives as well as the lives of fellow ex-offenders.  The organization is comprised of a dedicated staff of volunteers, mentors, advisers, and peer counselors most of which have had to survive the challenges of reentry into society after incarceration; collectively making up a fellowship of success stories with regards to ex-offender reentry, addiction, hardship, abuse, abandonment, exploitation, and lack of education to lead happy and fulfilled lives. It is their collective experiences, strengths, and hope that is the core of all FIST programs.  FIST Inc is faith based and utilizes a Twelve Step for Ex-Offenders program modeled after that of AA addiction recovery.