By PAUL WIRTH
Diocesan Communications Staff
Being released from prison can be like reaching a fork in the road: One path leads to old ways and new crimes, but the other direction can mean a new life as a productive member of society.
There is a place in Reading for those who choose the second path. It’s a transitional house for women who want to put their crimes and their prison experience behind them, where they can put the pieces of their life back together, learn new life skills, and work to claim their place as a law-abiding member of the community.
“These women are our sisters, aunts, mothers, neighbors and fellow parishioners,” says Robin Ball, founder and executive director of Clare of Assisi House, which provides a safe and sober living environment for up to 12 women. Without a good transition program, she said, there is a danger that some people will relapse and end up back in jail.
The facility accepts women of all faiths and backgrounds. They live in the house for a year in an atmosphere of encouragement, learning, spiritual support, and love.
Clare of Assisi House was established in a former convent, through the sheer force of will of Ball, Sister Eileen Doherty and others. It is affiliated with the Diocese of Allentown, and receives some funding from the Bishop’s Annual Appeal, but is funded mostly by other donations and grants.
Ball and Doherty do not receive salaries for their work at the facility. “We are here because this is where God wants us to minister,” Doherty said.
“Because We Are Catholic” tells the stories of how the people of the Diocese of Allentown make a difference in the lives of others, bringing the Light of Christ to each other and to our community.
