Francisco Homes, by Sister Teresa Groth and David Schwed
Posted by Wes Bradford
on Sep 22, 2015
There are 5 Francisco Homes in the Los Angeles area, providing transitional living for 55 men reentering society from prison, offering them logistical and emotional support and hope for a better future. Many of them have memories of toxic childhood experiences. To be accepted into the program, they must have earned honor status, behavioral credibility and worthiness of release from prison.Sister Teresa Groth, Executive Director, has been helping to transition these men from prison back into society for 7 years. The Francisco Homes facilitate reconciling these men with the community and living the Christian principle of forgiveness. Residents attend weekly house meetings and have group sessions such as AA, Al-Anon, CGA (12-Step Program), Bible Reflection, Life Skills, Job Readiness, etc. Residents also meet with Case Management weekly during the first month, and then monthly. They must meet all parole conditions and give volunteer service to the community or a nonprofit organization.
The Homes are smoke-free and have double-occupancy bedrooms. They have shared kitchen, living room, dining room, bathrooms, washer and dryer, and phone for local calls. There is a house van for trips to the grocery store and parole office. Specialized educational and vocational programs are available. After many years in prison, parolees don’t know what to expect in a society that they have been absent from for so long and that has changed so much since they entered prison. Having a prison record impairs obtaining a job, so their success on the outside provides hope to other prisoners that maybe they will also be able to get out. This success helps the community as well as the parolees, and greatly reduces recidivism.