Diocese opens Joseph House to assist the formerly incarcerated in Tallahassee

 
   
 
Tallahassee, FL — Last week, a ministry to assist the formerly incarcerated opened in Tallahassee.  The nonprofit ministry of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee strives to help men and women reintegrate into society after being released from prison. The ministry offers a range of services, including restoration into communities and neighborhoods. The diocese purchased the home and currently can accommodate three tenants.
 
Father Dustin Feddon, executive director of Joseph House, is relying on volunteers who he calls advocates. “These are folks from the community — parishioners, professionals and families in the area — who are willing to connect and walk alongside those returning from prison. These individuals will help us build this into a community where our neighbors intersect with those formerly incarcerated,” said Feddon.
 
Joseph house welcomed its first resident, a man who was incarcerated for 30 years. Bishop William Wack, CSC, of the diocese said the entire community would help assist the residents in paying their debts, obtaining a driver’s license and opening a savings account.
 
Over 100,000 men and women are incarcerated in the state of Florida. Florida’s incarceration rate exceeds every country in the world. Pensacola to Tallahassee houses approximately 40,000 prisoners. Ninety-five percent of inmates are released without the support they need to live outside prison walls. Two-thirds will return to prison within three years without support services.
 
To learn more about Joseph House, visit josephhouseus.org.