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."

For me House of Grace is love, compassion, giving, brotherhood, and equality. House of Grace has not change throughout the years; the staff are still people who give and don't complain. House of Grace made me feel like part of a family. I feel that I have to pass this on to everyone who comes here, whether it is a released prisoner or someone who is visiting. Being here makes me feel like a person. They treat me like everyone else no matter what my religion. They managed to instill in me motivation and the will to live and love life. They gave me skills and taught me ways of dealing with life. So now I have a personal choice to take responsibility for my life. I learned to respect myself, and I feel an obligation to give respect to others. The staff will stop at nothing to find ways to help me, not only with rehabilitation but also with my personal-familial struggles. From all my heart, I am very grateful.