This past year House of Grace has welcomed 13 released prisoners to live in its Prisoners Rehabilitation Hostel. This project, geared to reintegrate released prisoners into the community, continues to be successful largely because of the familial environment created by the staff. Salem (alias) is a released prisoner residing at the hostel who is no stranger to the penal system. He has been in and out of prison for well over half of his life (with the longest sentence being for over twenty years). He says, "The streets are a frightening place that took many years away from me. House of Grace made me feel like part of a family-to be a specific ‘family'-something that for me is the source of power and strength."

This past year House of Grace has helped more than 3000 family members from the local area through services such as counseling, workshops, food packages, medical aid, and the 2nd hand clothing store. In addition to providing material aid where needed, House of Grace has refocused its efforts to provide families with guidance and counseling that will help strengthen them and provide them with the tools necessary to improve their situation. One woman who receives guidance from our social worker, Tamara Shaer, is Magida (alias), a loving mother of four. Because her husband receives a minimum salary, the family finds it very difficult to survive: their home is bare, the children have almost no toys, and their refrigerator barely functions.