SARAH POWELL HUNTINGTON HOUSE (NY)

Program Description
The Women's Prison Association and Home (WPA) is a nonprofit agency working to create opportunities for change in the lives of female prisoners, former prisoners, and their families. WPA provides programs through which women acquire life skills needed to end involvement in the criminal justice system; and to make positive, healthy choices for themselves and their families. WPA also strives to increase public awareness of and support for effective, community-based responses to crime. WPA services begin when women are in jail or prison, offering educational workshops, support groups, and case management to help them prepare for their return to the community. Discharge planning and case management services focus on helping women make a concrete plan for their release. All women can also participate in the weekly orientation session for newly released women, which provides practical information and resources about immediate release needs (including how to apply for public assistance and access health care). Women who fit WPA's eligibility criteria also receive an appointment to meet with a case manager within the WPA community-based program most suited to their needs.

The Sarah Powell Huntington House was established to assist homeless women leaving jail or prison who are seeking to rebuild their lives in the community and strengthen their families. A unique transitional residence, Huntington House helps women achieve stability and self-sufficiency through comprehensive case management and a wide range of on-site services. According to WPA, over 75 percent of women in New York State prisons are mothers, most with two or more children.

Huntington House provides transitional residential services for homeless, formerly incarcerated women 18 years or older. They must have custody of their children or face a good chance of regaining custody. Women typically reside at the house for six to 18 months, and have access to a range of supportive services, including comprehensive case management, substance abuse relapse prevention, HIV/ AIDS education and services, independent living skills training, education/ vocational referrals, and permanent housing placement. Huntington House works closely with the Child Welfare Administration to help women reunite with their children. Family services include on-site child care, family visits, and activities, and ongoing support services for the entire family. Huntington House has 28 apartments to accommodate 19 families and 18 single women who are working toward family reunification.

Program Goals
Huntington House provides transitional housing for women leaving prison or jail to help them begin to build stable lives and reconnect with their families.

Networking, Partnering & Collaboration
The WPA works closely with the Child Welfare Administration to facilitate the family reunification process and other local service providers for referrals for various services.

Outcomes
No outcome information was provided.

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