A message from Sister Janet Kinney, CSJ Dear Friends, Providence House has a rich history of serving women and children in need that spans over three decades. An atmosphere of respect, compassion, and care permeates each of our residences and is intrinsic to the success of our programs. We are an organization that began when there was no public or private system to assist women who needed a place to stay after returning home from prison. Within a short period of time we found ourselves being called upon to address the plight of young, homeless families who were arriving at our front door with increasing frequency. Providence House quickly responded. As times have continued to change, so have we. From our original model of transitional, congregate-style residences, we have added transitional apartments and permanent affordable apartments. Two new permanent supportive housing projects are currently in development, scheduled to open in 2013. All of our efforts include offering comprehensive support services, job training, counseling, education, housing relocation, and aftercare services. These services are provided by professional staff that assesses each woman’s specific needs and develops individualized care plans that guide their stay with us. In each of our programs, every woman and child is treated with the highest respect. No matter what her history or circumstances, Providence House’s staff and religious Sisters establish compassionate and caring relationships with every woman and child from day one that continue after they move on to permanent housing. Please take a moment to look through these pages and our website to learn a little bit more about us. Through your support, Providence House can continue to make miracles happen for all we are privileged to serve. Sincerely,
Sister Janet Kinney, CSJ Executive Director kinneyj@providencehouse.org
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Mission Providence House is committed to providing women who are homeless, abused, and/or returning to the community after incarceration with a nurturing transitional home where they are taught the life skills necessary to successfully re-enter the community and society at large. Our services assist these women in pursuing an education, finding a job, living a healthy lifestyle and securing permanent housing. Community, compassion, hospitality and non-violence are the underlying principles that guide the Providence House mission.
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Providence House was incorporated in 1979 as a 501(c)3 organization in the state of New York. The organization was founded by Sister Elaine Roulet, CSJ, a Sister of St. Joseph in Brooklyn, New York. Sister Elaine ministered to incarcerated women and their children as Director of the Children’s Center at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility. She quickly realized that there was an urgent need for a safe, private space where women on weekend furloughs could begin reunification with their children, to keep the family unit intact. Sister Elaine and three other Sisters of St. Joseph located and rented a former Xaverian Brothers house in East Flatbush, Brooklyn and outfitted it as a home for women and their children. In the 1970s, when New York City experienced an explosion in the homeless population, Providence House responded by expanding its scope of services to include providing shelter and services to homeless women and children. This action was in keeping with the mission of Providence House to provide a safe haven for families in need, including victims of domestic abuse, violence, and overcrowding. Providence House operates transitional and permanent housing residences in Brooklyn, Queens, and New Rochelle, New York.
“Providence House was there for me whenever I needed them, even giving up vacation time to help me get housing. We are family at Providence House.” –Deborah, Former Resident
History
Residents
At a Glance: Who Benefits from Providence House
Philosophy & Beliefs
The typical Providence House resident is usually a minority, in her 20s or 30s, and a single parent. She is homeless, has no employment, and is often struggling with an addiction. She has come to Providence House after release from prison, an eviction, a traumatic incident, or other dire circumstance. She has little or no knowledge of, or access to, effective vocational and educational programs.
Since 1979, over 12,500 women and children have been served by Providence House.
Homeless Mothers and Children Referred by the New York City Department of Homeless Services or Westchester Department of Social Services, the women and their children spend up to six months in residence before placement in permanent housing. Homeless mothers served in this program represent some of the youngest heads of households in the shelter system, and typically close to 75% are adolescents aged 21 years and younger. Most come from the five boroughs of the City, with the exception of those in New Rochelle, who are referred by Westchester County’s Department of Social Services. In 2010, 208 clients were served in this program, including 104 women and 104 children.
Paroled and Formerly Incarcerated Women These women have usually learned about Providence House while incarcerated in one of 5 New York State correctional facilities, located across the state, for women. Women apply to the program through their parole officers and are screened by Providence House personnel. The women served are usually in their 30s and early 40s.
Providence House believes that every person, regardless of circumstance, has the right to respect and deserves a second chance. The founders and staff share a profound desire to help residents become productive members of society. The organization provides a family-like setting of communal support in which residents feel safe, learn or relearn skills, explore positive ways of participating as members of their community, and move on to productive employment and independent living.
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Advantages & Achievements At a Glance: What Makes Providence Unique
Expanding permanent housing
No woman who comes to Providence House is ever turned away.
Privatizing a Special Program to Help Parolees
Extraordinary dedication to residents: residents have access to services 24/7.
In-house, 1-on-1 case managers ascertain ongoing individual and/or family needs, providing a Life Plan and resources for social, education, and other services to include:
In 2007, the NYC Division of Parole reduced its funding for residential programs serving women on parole. The program is now totally supported by funding from private sources of philanthropy and donations. Providence House presently offers:
– Abuse counseling
and supportive services will help even more women become successful, productive members of society.
– Anger management counseling – Healthcare – Childcare – Special educational needs for children – GED instruction
– 14 short-term beds, to transition to independent housing and employment within 4 months of release from prison – 14 beds for parolees who require up to 6 more months to locate suitable apartments and jobs.
97% obtain housing
– Job training
Communal living fosters communication skills and the ability to relate to each other and respect personal differences. Residents get to know one another, attend various programs together, and share daily living with another. For example, residents take turns cooking dinner for each other and all gather together to share a meal each evening.
The staff Job Developer helps each resident prepare and search for jobs, including resume writing, interview rehearsal, communication skills, and employment attire.
A Housing Specialist assists families with locating safe, affordable housing and is available to help with any housing issues after the resident becomes independent.
Up to two years of Aftercare Services helps residents acclimate to the community when they begin independent life in the community.
Residents referred by the Department of Homeless Services 6
Why Providence House Matters
95%
complete the Providence House Program
“Providence House has changed the way I am in the world. Without
95%
Providence House, I don’t know where I’d be in life.”
do not recidivate, on average
– Teri, Former Resident 7
Our Residents “Providence House is peace of mind. They really believe in you and that really makes a difference.” —Providence House Resident Shawanda
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Shawanda
Louisiane
Shawanda is a bona fide livewire, quick to smile and laugh and very enthusiastic. When asked how she has benefited from Providence House, she jumps up from her seat and says, “Oh man, so much! I don’t even know where to begin. It gave me the type of support I needed. Because I spent time in prison, I didn’t have the kind of family I needed. Providence House taught me to how to be responsible through cooking and chores.” It also taught her to pay it forward: she volunteers to serve meals for the homeless.
Determination and drive, mixed with patience and generosity, is a powerful recipe for success. Louisiane is a great example of just how Providence House has instilled these “life ingredients” in a woman who was formerly homeless and a bit impatient with the world in general.
At Providence House for ten months during 2006 – 2007, Shawanda made good friends at the residence and credits the organization with helping her to grow and mature and “the importance of being kind to people.” She also learned to move from the cozy comfort of “being told what to do” to proud independence and self-reliance. But “I stop by and visit, I have dinner with them, I attend groups and support the women who are there,” says Shawanda. A two-bedroom in Brooklyn is home now, and Shawanda is a case manager for the Doe Fund, a job she got through Providence House. Shawanda eagerly helps formerly incarcerated men obtain services. She is also a student, studying toward a degree in Human Services at New York City Technical College. Still in touch with friends she made at Providence House, Shawanda laughs as she remembers New Year’s Eve 2007. “We had music and danced; we had hats and blowers. We were having a great time! No drinks—just fun. The nuns let us stay up a bit later. It was great!” When you ask Shawanda what word comes to mind about Providence House, she quickly proclaims, “LOVE! I love the nuns here and I know they love me.”
“My mom came to visit and was so amazed by Providence House that she made dinner for everyone— and we all gathered around the table and enjoyed the great food and company.” —Providence House Resident
Louisiane
Now living in a Providence House transitional apartment in Brooklyn and working toward getting her own place, Louisiane arrived at the organization in August 2010 and had no idea how much her life would change. “When I first arrived at Providence House,” says Louisiane, “I was a firecracker, and now I see myself responding to life situations with more patience.” Louisiane, referred to Providence House by New York City’s Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing, was genuinely delighted by how much emotional support the Sisters and staff provide, as well as help with employment, housing, and education. Louisiane says Providence House makes her think of home, warmth, and family. “I have gained ‘sisters’ instead of friends,” she says, “and their children have become my babies. And the Sisters are great.” Of all the wonderful experiences Louisiane has had at Providence House, one stands out. “One night we were hanging out in the community room and we were talking about math. I went to my room, got a wipe board, and taught math to fellow residents. One of the residents also asked for my help with reading. It made me feel good about myself to help the others.” That generosity of spirit, learned at Providence House, is just what Louisiane now carries in her heart every day.
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The Future: How Providence House Will Help More Women
Plans are under way for the construction of two permanent supportive housing facilities in Brooklyn, New York. The first, to be built in the Bedford-Stuyvesant community, will have 46 units. The second, to be built in the Prospect-Lefferts Garden community, will have 22 units.
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For further information: http://www.providencehouse.org
Both housing projects will focus on providing permanent housing with 24/7 supportive services for formerly incarcerated single women, or women with a small child, who have special needs (psychiatric disabilities/substance abuse). Units in each building will be reserved for low-income women from the community. Main office: 703 Lexington Avenue | Brooklyn, New York 11221 | Phone: 718.455.0197 | Fax: 718.455.0692 10