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Connections Magazine, Fall 2017: Sisters Walk With Women Rebuilding Their Lives After Prison at Journey House

Connections • Helping the Dear Family
A roller coaster of activity surrounds Sister Martha Niemann from her peaceful perch in the living room at Journey House, a transitional home in Kansas City, Missouri, for women returning from prison. She takes it all in: from a sister returning from the bus station with a new resident, to women off to their daily rehab meetings, job training, or preparing dinner, then later, group circle time. Residents stop by to share their ups and downs and to support each other.

While other halfway homes have security cameras, on-site parole officers, and around-the-clock security, Journey House has Sister Martha — greeting, hugging and listening to all — who helps provide the security these women want. She further fosters well-being by leading a 12-step program for these women and others in the community.

Fifteen women reside at Journey House for up to 90 days. Since its opening in September 2015, over 200 women have called it their home.

The demand is so great, it’s booked six months out. Although it serves those most prone to re-incarceration— those with mental illness, addiction and a history of going in and out of prison—less than five percent have returned to prison, a remarkable feat, considering the national recidivism rate is 68 percent.

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