Journeys Forward: A Journey to New Life Publication Fall 2025

“Journey to New Life is not just an organization — it’s a community of hope in action.”
A message from our Executive Director

Dear Friends,

As fall settles in and we look toward the end of the year, I find myself reflecting on the resilience of our community and the powerful work we’ve accomplished together.

This year has brought uncertainty, as many organizations like ours navigate a changing funding landscape. Yet Journey to New Life continues to move forward with strength, creativity, and hope. We’re actively diversifying our funding so we can keep showing up for our clients in consistent and meaningful ways — no matter what lies ahead.

While some plans have shifted, our mission remains strong. Last year, we were preparing to open a third house for women pursuing college or job training with community partners. Though we’ve paused that project for now, we’ve adapted by extending stays in our current residences, ensuring women have the time they need to build strong foundations. The demand for this kind of support remains great as women are the fastest-growing demographic in Missouri prisons.

At the same time, we’re expanding what’s possible within our organization. Our career development program is on track to serve more than 200 individuals this year — these are people taking brave steps to rebuild their lives. We’re also pursuing funding to strengthen therapeutic supports, including more group sessions and the potential for individual counseling.

Recently, our team gathered for a retreat to envision the future, deepen connections, and reconnect with the heart of our mission. The dedication, compassion, and creativity of our staff filled my cup and reaffirmed why this work matters so deeply. Journey to New Life is not just an organization— it’s a community of hope in action.

With gratitude and hope,
Julia Lloyd, Executive Director

Remembering Ed, the “Mayor of Troost”

Ed pictured with Allie, one of our Case Managers

When people talk about Journey to New Life, they talk about Ed. Known lovingly as “The Mayor of Troost,” Ed made every ordinary day extraordinary simply by showing up… and he showed up every day. After coming to JTNL as a client in 2015, he began volunteering and, as Allie, Case Manager, shared, “he literally never left.” Rarely missing a day and for nearly a decade, Ed volunteered full-time, greeting clients, sorting donations, and watching over the building with unmatched dedication.

He earned his nickname because he knew everyone on Troost — their cars, their stories, their struggles. As Allie explained: “If I saw police lights, I’d call Ed, and he’d already know what was happening.” But his connection went beyond knowledge, it was compassion. Having lived through his own hardships, Ed never judged anyone. “He understood struggle and pain,” Allie said. “He put himself in uncomfortable situations to help people.” If someone came in thirsty, Ed got them water. If something went wrong in the middle of the night, staff called Ed and he went. “He just wanted to take care of everyone here,” Allie said.

Ed at his desk, filled with notes, drawings, and memories of friends and former clients.

Ed had a gift for reading people. He could sense when someone was upset and knew how to ease the tension with humor or quiet understanding. For interns and new hires, earning his approval was almost a rite of passage. One intern even advised newcomers, “Make friends with Ed.” He could be gruff at first, but beneath that was deep loyalty and heart. As Nick, our Director of Client Services remembered, “He helped with the unglamorous work and never asked for thanks. He just showed up.”

Ed once summed up his purpose simply: “They helped me. Now I need to help them.” For nearly ten years, that’s exactly what he did. His legacy lives in the spirit of 3120 Troost… in the safety, compassion, and second chances that define this community. Real change takes real relationships, and no one lived that truth more completely than Ed.

Sister Gabe’s Next Chapter

Sister Gabe enjoying herself at her retirement party.

For more than a decade, Sister Gabe has been a guiding light at Journey to New Life by offering prayer, humor, and comfort to anyone in need. Her faith-filled presence has shaped the spirit of this community in countless ways. Now, as she steps into a well-earned retirement, we celebrate her incredible legacy of compassion and the lives she’s touched along the way.

“Sister Gabe has been the heart of our community,” Samantha, our Director of Reentry Services, shared. “Not only did she help build Journey to New Life, she lived and breathed alongside our residents. She shared in their daily struggles and helped them find their footing again. Even after years of living in the house, she never stopped showing up —celebrating holidays, leading Sunday groups, attending dinners and social events, volunteering in the office, and remembering every birthday. She always made sure our residents and staff alike knew they were cared for, valued, and remembered as something great.”

Her care was both spiritual and deeply personal. “She prayed for everyone by name — even their pets,” Nick said. “She didn’t just talk about compassion; she lived it.” That warmth resonated with residents and staff alike. Taffny, a graduate of our program and now our Residence Operations Coordinator, reflected, “Sister Gabe took the time to SEE ME! She loves unconditionally and gives the best hugs.” She described how Sister Gabe made every person feel at home. “She was like a grandmother to me,” Taffny said, “always walking with you and reminding you that you matter.”

Sister Gabe having brunch with our Residence Team.

Now, as Sister Gabe begins her next adventure, we celebrate her example of what it means to move forward with love. Her new journey is a reminder that progress never ends — it continues through every person she’s touched, every heart she’s lifted, and every bit of hope she’s planted along the way. Because of her, we all keep moving forward — together.

Corey’s Commitment to JTNL

Corey Albrecht helps build more than homes, he builds hope

When it comes to helping others, Corey Albrecht proves there’s no single way to make a difference, you just have to show up and care. A longtime Journey to New Life board member and dedicated volunteer, Corey has become a steady force of compassion and action. Whether lending his professional expertise, organizing crews, or picking up a hammer himself, Corey reminds us that generosity isn’t limited to giving money. It’s about giving time, talent, and heart.

Corey’s group of volunteers at Peace House

From repairing porches to restoring spaces, Corey and his team have transformed JTNL’s homes into places of safety and pride, where clients can rest, reflect, and reconnect with hope. Their work doesn’t just fix structures, it strengthens community. As Samantha, our Director of Reentry Services,  shared, “Corey has been the heart behind the Peace Garden Project. He didn’t just support from a distance, he showed up.”

Corey’s approach is simple: help however you can. When something breaks, he fixes it. When a project needs leadership, he steps in. And when residents are ready for work, he helps open doors, like the resident who found a career with JE Dunn, thanks to the connections Corey helped nurture. It’s proof that “support doesn’t always come in the form of a check.” Sometimes, it comes through rolled-up sleeves and an open heart.

Because of Corey’s example, more people are finding their own ways to give back. He shows that progress is built together — one hour, one project, and one act of kindness at a time.

Amanda’s Journey

Amanda, center, with a volunteer on the left and Jill, our Community Engagement Manager, on the right

When Amanda Riley walked through the doors of Journey to New Life in 2022, she was ready for change but unsure what that would look like. After years of addiction and incarceration, she wanted more than a program; she wanted a path. “It’s like a home,” she said. “Not rehab, not prison — everyone there cares about your recovery. You have community. You have sisterhood.” That foundation gave her space to rest, reflect, and rebuild.

Through hard work and the support of JTNL’s Employment Program, Amanda not only built her own stability but found purpose in helping others do the same. Now serving as a Reentry Career Coach and Certified Peer Support Specialist, she helps clients identify their skills, rebuild confidence, and rediscover their self-worth. She also co-hosts mock interviews with our community engagement manager, Jill Hanlin, where local professionals help clients  practice and gain confidence before meeting potential employers. In 2024, she helped 192 people find employment, giving the chance to start again with dignity and pride.

Amanda’s story is proof that progress is personal – and powerful. “I wanted to help the same number of people that I had hurt,” she said. “And I hit that number last year.” Every client she supports is a reflection of the healing she’s found. Her journey reminds us that personal growth creates ripples of change and that when one person moves forward, we all do.

Think you’re a pro at interviews? Put your skills to good use! Become a Mock Interview Volunteer. Email us at [email protected].

2025 Father Waris Irish Open

Over 100 golfers came together this fall for the Father Waris Irish Open, uniting fun, faith, and purpose to support Journey to New Life. Before the first tee shot, players gathered for opening remarks that captured the spirit of the day.

Looking like divine intervention on the 9th hole

Father Waris opened the event with a heartfelt prayer, giving thanks “for those who have journeyed with me to help those most in need, for those who come out of prison with nothing.” He spoke of forgiveness as “a second chance for all of us,” and called on everyone present “to do all that we can to provide that for others.”

A little humor and a big heart on the fairway

Next, Jill, our Community Engagement Manager, grounded the crowd in the heart of our mission: “Ninety-seven percent of people who go to prison get released. We’re an organization that welcomes those people back and with your help, we’re able to do that.” She added with a laugh, “I see plenty of men with clothes on! So I’m guessing you’ve got extras in your closets. Bring them to 3120 Troost, and we’ll make sure they go to someone who truly needs them.”

Elizabeth shares her journey, from reentry to renewal

Elizabeth, a former client and now Peer Support Specialist, brought the message home. “Less than a year ago, I came home with nothing but the clothes on my back and a small spark of hope,” she shared. “The women at Journey helped me every step of the way. Today, I get to do the same for others.” Her words reflected the heart of the day, showing exactly what this tournament supports: people rebuilding their lives, finding stability, and sharing that hope with others.

Fore! Each swing brings us closer to creating new beginnings!

Community on Course: More than 100 golfers and dozens of sponsors came together for second chances!

Our gracious host, Father Waris!

Thank You

A huge thank-you to Father Waris for his many blessings on the green and for being such an excellent tournament host!

We’re deeply grateful to our generous sponsors who made this event possible:

Special thanks to Fred Arbanas Golf Course and to Southside Bar & Grille—owned by Father Waris’s niece, Anne Alexiou—our Presenting Sponsor and after-party host.

Finally, to all our golfers and donors: thank you for believing in second chances and uplifting those returning to our communities. Because of you, new journeys are possible.