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| Detroit-area ministry aids transition |
| By Delores Flynn |
| Published: 04/14/2009 |
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GARDEN CITY, Mich. - For two years, Susie Marie Prince looked forward to the day she would be released from prison for retail fraud. In January, the 41-year-old walked away free, only to be faced with her next challenge: Finding a job with no transportation or family support in the Detroit area. Two months later, a friend introduced her to the 80 Strong-Sisters in the Spirit ministry, which aims to bridge the gap for women re-entering society after incarceration. "Most people don't take the time to talk to you when you get out of prison, let alone help you, because of your criminal history," said the Garden City resident, who has received clothing and bus cards from the group to look for work and check in with her parole officer. "So I really appreciate this organization because they care and are providing me hope that I can survive and do things the right way and not end up back where I started." The Lincoln Park nonprofit reaches out to women leaving prison to provide resources to help them to stay out. The organization includes certified addiction counselors and social workers who provide job referral and rental assistance, food and weekly support groups. It has an operating budget of about $10,000 yearly, president and founder Mary Johnson said. The idea developed during Johnson's seven years in prison for assault. She said she repeatedly witnessed women who got out of prison coming back because of the lack of support and pressure readapting to society, and she vowed to help stop the cycle. The group has served more than 200 clients since 2006, and members have only seen two women return to prison, she said. The group also helps women who struggle with substance abuse and has plans to start a transitional house by year's end. Read more. If link has expired, check the website of the article's original news source. |
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