NCJ Number
132047
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 53 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1991) Pages: 114,116,118
Date Published
1991
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The Simon of Cyrene Society -- named for the man who helped Jesus carry the cross -- provides services for family members who come to visit inmates in the Washington State Reformatory in Monroe.
Abstract
The Society has operated a hospitality house across the street from the reformatory since the late 1970's, when it was founded by a former reformatory chaplain. Through community, church, and inmate donations, the Society purchased the house in which it now provides its services. The services include child care during inmate visits, supportive counseling, advocacy with prison officials on visitation issues, emergency food supplies, second-hand clothing, and a free monthly bus service from the Seattle area to corrections facilities at five sites. An upstairs apartment is provided for overnight stays for visitors who travel more than 200 miles to visit inmates. In 1989 the Society served 3,646 lunches and snacks, provided clothing to 1,103 women and children, supplied overnight accommodations to 170 people, conducted 670 counseling and referral sessions, and made 56 bus trips. This was done with a budget of $52,000, five part-time staff members, and numerous volunteers. The overall purpose of the program is to facilitate a family support network for inmates as an important aspect of their adjustment to prison and their socialization upon release.