The Neighbour Centre's Open Door Project supports our neighbours leaving prison and returning to our communities, and empowers others to do the same.
We seek to be an open door for those who experience so many closed doors. While other programs exist to address the needs of those in or leaving prison, most of these programs focus on basic practical needs on a short-term basis. As important as these needs are, several studies indicate that the absence of healthy relationships and communities is a key factor in whether or not a former offender re
integrates successfully. The Open Door Project addresses this need in a variety of faith-based, long-term ways, empowering former offenders to live meaningful lives. Successful reintegration is especially important given the deep connection between incarceration and homelessness. Many studies conclude that a major determining factor in whether an inmate will experience homelessness is whether they have access to healthy, vibrant social connections and communities – something our program works hard to address by giving former inmates the chance to experience positive transformation through healthy relationships. This is accomplished through a variety of programs and initiatives:
● a mentorship program that matches former offenders with community volunteer mentors
● reintegration support groups that connect former offenders with local volunteers for peer mentoring and support
● one-on-one care from experienced staff chaplains and volunteers
● accompanying soon-to-be released offenders to functions integral to their healthy release (12-step meetings, family events, community service, drivers’ tests, housing applications)
● advocacy for housing, employment, treatment and access to resources
● introducing offenders to local faith communities
● spiritual and social programming at Grierson Institution
● one-on-one reintegration planning inside local prisons; and more
Volunteers play a vital role in our work with former inmates, with approximately 40 volunteers contributing over 2000 hours towards the program in the last year alone. We also work intentionally with community partners, including all local correctional facilities, halfway houses, Aboriginal wellness enters, local organizations and government. Critical to the success of the our program is its relationships with local churches and faith communities. Through these relationships we seek to welcome former inmates to their communities in ways that keep everyone safe, vibrant, and healthy, so that both our participants and the wider community - all of our neighbours - can reach their potential. Find out more here: http://pub.lucidpress.com/opendoorproject1
