|
Rachel's House
 “I established so many
healthy relationships at Rachel’s House that continued even after I moved out on
my own. I have real friends: people I can turn to for help when I’m struggling,
who hold me accountable. And best of all, I have a restored relationship with
my children. We are a family; my daughters have a mother.”
Shauna,
former resident
Jeremiah wrote that “Rachel weeps for her
children, refusing to be comforted – for her children are no more” (31:15).
Such is the plight of some in our society. Due to uncontrollable circumstances
or poor life choices, many adult women find them- selves incarcerated. Often
alienated by friends and family, these women are left with nowhere to turn upon
their release from prison.
That’s when Rachel’s House intervenes. By
joining our residency discipleship program, women find the resources,
companionship, and hope necessary for them to reenter society. Residents are
supported as they reconcile with their families and become contributing members
of their community and of the Kingdom of God.
Transitional
Housing
We believe that there is much more to a home than simply a sheltering structure;
home is where one should be comfortable, loved, and secure. Coming out of
prison, many feel that they can trust no one and that they must always fend for
themselves. Rachel’s House stresses a lifestyle of community among our
residents and volunteers to foster a safe setting for their transition into
society.
Spiritual
Formation and Life Skills
Convinced that building a life on God’s
Word is essential for anyone, our residents are engaged in weekly Bible studies
and women’s fellowship. It’s important to us that each woman has a supportive
community to keep her accountable and help her learn life skills. At the
center of that community is a personal mentor, boosting her self-confidence and
ability to succeed. Many of these strong personal relationships continue long
after the residents leave the program.
Job
Placement Assistance
Unemployment is a tough hurdle to overcome for anyone. Add to that a lack of
transportation, a criminal record, and a poor work history, and the equation
becomes even more daunting. At Rachel’s House, we partner with employment
schools and provide a job mentor to assist each woman in finding employment
quickly.
Financial
Counseling
Rachel’s House provides residents with a supportive financial team to help them
work through issues of budgeting, banking, and Christian stewardship. The women
learn to be financially responsible as they create savings accounts, pay off
debts and plan for their future.
 Recovery
Residents are given a safe environment in which to recover from drug and alcohol
addictions, emotional pain from their past and unhealthy relationships and
mindsets. Besides AA meetings, they attend a Biblically-based 12-step program,
pastoral and mental health counseling, and they receive services from the Lower
Lights Christian Health Center.
“We value our partnership with Rachel’s House.
It is instrumental in meeting both the needs of offenders and our communities to
which they will transition.”
Warden Patricia Andrews, Ohio
Reformatory for Women
“After years of being deemed ‘unfit for
society’, God led me to Rachel’s
House to truly begin my life’s transforming journey. I have been surrounded by
His love through His many disciples here at Lower Lights Ministries and the
church.”
Delaine “Birdie”, current resident
|