Prisoners
Resource Center
A self-help center for prisoners and ex-offenders
"We are in the
life saving business and we attempt to steer people
from the prisons and the cemeteries.."
Omar Shabazz
The American Friends Service Committee
is a practical expression of the faith of the Religious
Society of Friends (Quakers). Committed to the principles
of nonviolence and justice, the AFSC's work and witness
draw on the transforming power of love, human and divine.
We recognize that leadings of the
Spirit and principles of truth found through Friends'
experience are not any group's exclusive possession.
Thus, the AFSC draws into its work people of many faiths
and back- grounds who share its values and who bring
it a rich variety of experiences and spiritual - insights.
This AFSC community works to transform
conditions and relationships in the world and in ourselves
that threaten to overwhelm what is precious in human
beings. We nurture the faith that conflicts can be resolved
nonviolently, that enmity can be transformed into friendship,
strife into cooperation, poverty into well-being, and
injustice into dignity and participation. We believe
that goodness can ultimately prevail over evil, and
oppression in all its many forms can give way.
Ex-offenders face significant challenges
as they return to society. The Prisoners Resource Center
(PRC) attempts to fill some of this void by providing
information on jobs, shelter, food, medical services,
detoxification programs, and family counseling. Each
year, the PRC serves hundreds of ex-offenders and their
families from the Essex, West Hudson, and Union county
areas. Some of these men and women share their Coming
Home stories
Pre-release
While you are still incarcerated,
the PRC will work with you on ...
Parole Plan Information
The PRC can offer you advice in the development of an
effective strategy for your future, to be used when
presenting your case to the Parole Board.
Letters of Reasonable
Assurance
The PRC will provide the Parole Board with a letter
stating your commitment to work with our program upon
your release.
Information About Resources
The PRC will provide you with information about available
resources to be used upon your release. This will information
pertaining to educational and vocational training, drug
treatment programs, and shelters. We encourage your
loved ones to visit our office to discuss both community
resources and strategies for assisting you.
Post-release Once released, the PRC will assist
you with ...
Personal and Family Support
The PRC will provide support to you and your family
through on site peer counseling, and referrals to local
mental health counseling agencies.
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Emergency Referral Service
If you are in need of emergency services such as food,
clothing, or shelter the PRC can refer you to local
soup kitchen; feeding programs, clothing programs, and
shelters that house the homeless.
Employment Counseling
The PRC can help you fill out applications and answer
questions regarding criminal history in an employment
setting. After attending PRC orientation/employability
skills workshop, you can make an appointment to have
a resume completed or receive additional assistance
with seeking employment.
Substance Abuse Information
The PRC will provide information on and referrals to
available programs, that can help you achieve and maintain
sobriety.
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