Ed Neenan
513-382-0655
The Reentry Ministry assists the HELP Program which educates and supports individuals
returning to society after completing prison sentences.
What is the HELP Program?
The HELP Program provides leadership opportunities, a community of support and resources returning citizens need to become fully self-sufficient and contributing members of society.
A person sent to prison pays a big price, not only while incarcerated, but also upon release. All have most of their “rights” stripped from them and they have to be earned back. Driver’s licenses are suspended, as are eligibility for government programs such as food stamps and subsidized housing. Many have fines and/or court costs amounting to several thousand dollars, which must be repaid. They face restrictions against working in certain fields such as healthcare and education.
Yes, programs such as the HELP Program, operating from St. Francis de Sales, provide the guidance of trained mentors and job coaches to help them reconnect with the community and live a positive and productive life.
The HELP Program has two vehicles and transports many of their members to and from their jobs on a daily basis. The gift cards and donations assist with the cost of gasoline and helping the returning citizens prove themselves in the work force.