Women's Re-Entry Program

 

As a result of this Ministry, in 2001 Centers of Grace, Director, Ms. Marie Ligon, formally organized the Center of Grace Renewed Life Program as a non-profit organization and obtained the  501(c)(3) tax exempt

status in 2003.  Mss. Ligon began to expand the Center of Grace program and services to address the needs of the women who were released from prison, women who were displaced by divorce, abused, or released from rehabilitation programs.  Center of Grace also assisted individuals, particularly women who experienced a loss of income either because of unemployment, or discontinuation of local, county of federal benefits.  TGhey also provide support services to the families of these women, particularly their children who are greatly impacted by the negative changes in their family status.

 

Center of Grace Renewed Life Program volunteers mentor the children and actively recruit new mentors from

other City of Paterson faith based and civic/.fraternal organizations.Support services are also provided for

extended family members who have custodial responsibility for the children of incarcerated or absent parents.The critical need is assist with bridging the gap between families and the social and legal service providers and the school system.

 

Housing has also been a critical for those women/men who are released from prison or rehabilitation programs.  The Center of Grace works diligently to assist with these housing needs and has established

an ongoing and positive relationship with various housing providers and rental assistance program providers.

The Center of Grace is in the process of preparing their Strategic Plan to include housing development and/or purchasing houses to meet this critical need for individuals and families.