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.."
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.
Emergency
Referral Service
Caption and/or
photo
credit
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.