Reentry into the workforce for formerly incarcerated individuals is fraught with challenges, including limited education and employer stigma. However, employment post-release has been found to reduce recidivism. Prison work release programs, such as Illinois’ Adult Transition Centers (ATCs), may effectively facilitate employment and reduce recidivism for reentering individuals. This study evaluated the impact of ATC participation on recidivism outcomes. We used propensity score matching to create a comparison group of non-ATC participants with characteristics similar to the participants. The sample consisted of individuals released in 2016 or 2017, with rearrest and reincarceration tracked through 2021. Survival analysis revealed that ATC participation was associated with a 15.5% lower probability of rearrest and a 36.9% lower probability of reincarceration; the ATC participants experienced significantly more extended periods until their first post-release rearrest and reincarceration compared to non-participants. The findings suggest that work release programs can play a crucial role in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry for formerly incarcerated individuals.