Our Project changes lives & offers Hope for a brighter future. We are building a healthy community for non-violent women coming out of prison. By supporting each woman to reach the goals of self-sufficiency & independent living in the community, we offer affordable safe housing so women are able to obtain benefits from a range of social service & educational programs designed to maximize potential for success & reduce recidivism the overall benefit the project brings is healthier communities.
In Berks County, according to 2004 data, close to 20% of the women discharged from the Berks County Prison System had no place to go upon discharge and most lacked the support necessary to ensure a successful transition. Communities face added financial costs due to increased Homelessness & Recidivism.
Clare of Assisi House make available a program for female ex-offenders that includes: a comfortable space to live temporarily, life skills & parenting training, educational opportunities, employment counseling, personal counseling, bible study, local church net-working, & addiction recovery support. We also attempt to address social justice issues that stem from self-defeating attitudes & behaviors which leads to breakdown and destruction of the family unit & negatively impact on society.
Success" for any Clare House resident is to be defined first and foremost as "not recidivating." Other long range outcomes such as sobriety, safe affordable housing, and ongoing access to social services, employment and integration within the overall community.
