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Rachel Cobb |
A vital ingredient in preparing offenders to return to society, we believe,
is rebuilding family connections and support. For that reason,
Abraham House operates a Family Center for offenders, ex-offenders
and their relatives. In the course of a year some 650 of these
families (more than 4800 individuals) seek Abraham House assistance;
on a typical weekend 300 people come to our South Bronx brownstones
needing counseling of every sort (e.g., substance abuse, spousal
abuse, parenting, legal, or housing). Others seek food, clothing,
emergency services, or simply wish to take part in our prayer service
or enjoy a place of community. |
Those who use the Center find a helpful commonality of experience — all
things can be discussed — and longtime members of the community provide
good sense and solutions for handling everyday concerns.
| Prisoners’ families, especially those who cannot speak English or are
illiterate, may be unaware of public services available and
their legal rights. The Center attracts many immigrants from
Central and South America and offers personal sessions with
volunteer attorneys, not to prepare cases but simply to take
the baffled and confused through the bureaucratic maze. Literacy
and English as a Second Language classes are offered in addition
to a wide range of social services, including referrals for
health, immigration, and employment training. |
Grandmother
and Grandson: Rachel Cobb |
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