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Collaborating with Other Prison Organizations

House of Grace has been working in the field of prisoners' rights for 30 years through its Prisoners Empowerment Project, but there is still a struggle to gain continued support from the authorities involved. Thus, Elias Sussan, the project coordinator, and Thomas Shehade, the supervisor of the hostel, have made it a priority this year to strengthen the existing relations between House of Grace and other official bodies that commonly provide services for Prisoners. One important step this year was to meet both with the Chief Rabbi in charge of prisons throughout Israel  and also with the Rabbi in charge of the northern district. These discussions helped House of Grace to receive a permit for 2011 for its staff and other Christian leaders to provide spiritual support for prisoners.

House of Grace also met with Haifa's Prisoners Rehabilitation Authority (PRA) to discuss future collaborations and to renew its partnership agreement for another year. The PRA also organized a seminar at the Dead Sea, which was attended by the staff of the Prisoners Empowerment Project. This event helped to strengthen the relationships between House of Grace and other rehabilitation institutions throughout Israel.

House of Grace has also tried to create and strengthen relationships with others involved in similar missions. The staff took part in various meetings and educational tours organized for partners of the PRA. House of Grace also welcomed as staff a student from Haifa University who is studying to be a social worker; his assistance within the hostel enabled him to gain credit towards his degree. The efforts of the House of Grace have contributed to greater collaboration and connections with other individuals and institutions that work toward the common goal of assisting released prisoners to successfully reintegrate into society.