Shaping Families

Re-entry After Prison

Ellen is a mother who at the time of this interview for a documentary on families and housing, had recently been released from prison after a drug sentence. She was living near Washington, D.C., and had a 12-year-old child. They were living in a transitional housing situation where roofs were leaking and people outside of their apartment were frequently dealing drugs—not a healthy environment on many levels. She was extremely frustrated by their state of affairs and was working to change it. Of her situation she said, “You just you have to have housing in order to function. That is the most valuable and priceless component.” 

Listen - Transcript - Study Guide

Just Sayin'

Emily Ralph

You know you’ve moved a lot when you come home from a road trip and, for a split second, you can’t remember what house you’re returning to.

DVDS

Long Road Back: Ex-Offenders’ Struggle for Acceptance. A Third Way Media documentary on re-entry after prison. Stories of heartbreak and victories as ex-offenders try to put their lives and families back together after serving a prison term. Experts who assist these individuals in their re-entry transition give context to the interviews. Issues addressed include the criminal justice crisis, obstacles to re-entry, stigma and redemption. The documentary follows Jamie’s struggles with jobs, relationships, and mental health issues after her 11-year prison term and Klaus, whose education and work experience isn’t enough to create job opportunities after serving a prison term. Buy the DVD here.

Building on Faith: Making Poverty Housing History. A Third Way Media documentary on poverty housing, including an interview with Ellen about her living situation. Buy the DVD here.  

WEBSITE 
A companion website, www.LongRoadBack.com is available with stories, biographies, and quotes from all of the main participants in the Long Road Back documentary. 

BOOKS 
Beyond Bars: Rejoining Society after Prison by Jeffrey Ian Ross and Stephen C. Richards, Alpha, 2009. Written by two professors in this field, the book is an essential resource for former convicts and their families post-incarceration. 

Best Jobs for Ex-Offenders: 101 Opportunities to Jump-Start Your New Life by Ron Krannich. Impact Publications, 2008. This is the first book to outline jobs for ex-offenders. It profiles 101 opportunities (job outlook, nature of work, qualifications, earnings, contacts) that are open to ex-offenders. It also identifies various jobs closed to ex-offenders. 

SUPPORT 
Prison Fellowship International – While this worldwide organization helps men and women while they are in prison, ultimately its goal is to see that those who’ve finished their sentences return to be a contributing member of society. That includes preparation for life on the outside.

National Fatherhood Initiative – NFI was established in 1994 to ensure that every child has what they need to succeed: the love and support of an involved, responsible and committed father.

Gemeinschaft Home – A group home for individuals transitioning from prison to free society. Learn more about the home or how you can help at the website.

U.S. Government official site on re-entry from prison, including information and resources.

Re-entry Policy Council – An organization to chart the safe and successful return of prisoners to the community.

DVDs
The Released – PBS Frontline Special. A documentary on recidivism and mental illness.

Hard Road Home – Hartley Film Foundation: a 2007 GreenHouse Pictures film directed by Macky Alston. 74 min USA/ 2007. Produced in association with Auburn Media, on the difficulties of “making it” on the outside. Feature film.

Such a Mess

Burton Buller

It always pains me to blog about the criminal justice system in the U.S. It’s such a mess. We claim to be the home of the brave and land of the free, but we lock up two million people. More than any country on earth, and the number keeps growing.

Ham and Egg Cups

This is a favorite egg recipe that is quick and easy, more of an idea than a recipe. All you need is a muffin tin, ham and eggs, and a wee bit of grated cheese along with herbs of your choice.

• Shaping Families Update - May 12
• Shaping Families Update - May 5
• Shaping Families Update - April 28
• Shaping Families Update - April 21

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