Newsletter
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Greetings...from our house to yours! - September 2008A Message from MaureenEach newsletter I try to think of something different and interesting to share with you. The program, the activities and our setting continue with minor adjustments. But the women are the difference. Each woman is unique, gifted and struggling to find her way. After serving their time, women emerge with little education and few prospects for accomplishing the stable life they so desperately desire. Our statistics reflect the national data that 6 in 10 women report a combination of physical health, mental health and substance abuse. In recent research on prison reentry by the Urban Institute, there is empirical data demonstrating how returning prisoners face distinct challenges with regard to finding housing and employment, reconnecting with family, abstaining from substance use and avoiding a return to prison. While the study validates all that we experience here at Angela House, it also points to the lack of knowledge among most policymakers. We know that Angela House is about Second Chances, but we also realize that our women come to us with so many competing needs that we cannot do the job alone. The generous support we receive from so many individuals, families, church groups, philanthropic organizations and women's religious communities allow us to provide the depth of service that results in our 63%+ success rate. Maureen O'Connell, OP The mission of Angela House is From the BoardAs an independent 501(c)3 corporation since 7/1/06, Angela House is governed by a Board of Directors. The current Board members are Sr. Maureen, Shelley Robson, Sr. Margaret Bulmer, Bishop Vincent Rizzotto, and Sr. Carol Mayes. I serve as chairperson. The challenge for all non-profits is to maintain the financial resources to support the mission of the organization. Sr. Maureen has developed a residential program for women transitioning from incarceration, which is well run and successful. The community, in turn, has very generously provided the resources to fund this unique Houston ministry. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to or volunteered at Angela House. The residents of Angela House continue to inspire us by overcoming the many challenges they face creating a productive and satisfying life after incarceration. Adam Szczepanski UpdateCurrently, 10 women reside at Angela House and are at varying stages of the program. Three residents have completed their sixty day orientation. One woman is enrolled at HCC and the other is working at a nearby restaurant whose owner is willing to give our women a chance. The third will be moving September 1st to a single occupancy apartment that can accomodate her physical needs. Our seven newest residents are working hard completing all of the paper and leg work required for the medical, dental, mental health and the myriad of services they must access as they return to the community. Two women completed the program in July and moved to Brigid's Hope where they continue their journey toward wholeness. Angela House ActivitiesWe have had a very busy schedule of theater, sporting events, dance and other enrichment experiences. We have been blessed by so many generous community venues that provide free or deeply discounted tickets. The following is just a smattering of events we attended over these past months: A.D. Players; Alley Theatre; Ensemble Theatre and Single Ton Productions provided tickets for a variety of productions that we thoroughly enjoyed. Our partners at The Pink Ribbon Project invited us to the Hope Stone Production of "See Me" at The Cullen Theater. We also enjoyed excursions to the Shrine Circus and a Comets game. High School Happenings!!!Saint Agnes Academy Senior, Katie Rose, provided 100+ service hours this summer. In the midst of other commitments, Katie fully engaged in operations here at Angela House. She did yeowoman service providing ongoing organization of the clothing room. She also provided much needed clerical assistance and was a wonderful presence. We already miss her. "Teens for Unity" from Incarnate Word Academy spent a day with us organizing donations, working in the garden and sharing lunch. One of the students commented, "It has not been only a privilege but an honor to sit with and talk to these women here at Angela House. They showed me that everyone deserves a second chance." Three Eagle Scout Projects are in the planning stages and we are looking forward to enjoying the additions to our home. With the new school year, we are looking forward to our monthly dinner and BINGO date with Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart students. Always great fun! VolunteersVolunteers are a critical and cherished component of our ministry here at Angela House. We would love to have assistance with:
Sister Deenan, CCVI, our film buff, continues to visit with favoirite films accompanied by dinner and reportedly great conversations. Her visits are always anticipated with much enthusiasm. Stephanie Berno and her three daughters (students at St. Michael School) continue the tradition of baking birthday cakes for our regular celebrations. One of our former residents came for a visit and shared these thoughts about a volunteer. She helped me to learn new things; we went to museums, art exhibits and places I never knew. I learned to take my time and be patient because the volunteer took her time to encourage us and show us new places to visit and learn." Wish ListHousehold Items
Office Items
Miscellaneous
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