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GoogleThe house serves to further the mission of the Missouri Re-Entry Program, an effort to decrease released offenders' rate of return to prison.
Only released prisoners convicted of nonviolent and nonsexual crimes will live in this house, said PowerHouse Ministries Pastor Charles Stephenson Jr. They must also be first-time offenders.
"They've paid their debt to society, and we just want them to have a fresh start," he said.
In May 2009, Stephenson said, "It's hard to get housing with a felony, hard to get employment with a felony, it's hard to get a (new) start with your life when a felony is on your record."
Every family has had some kind of contact with the prison system at some time, said Stephenson, and no family is unaffected by issues of drug addiction.
"So many times, family members get out, and we just don't know how to get them back in ... to society. It takes different teams, different agencies to come together," he said.
This house is seen as transitional housing, said Stephenson.
He mentioned released offenders' inability to obtain public housing, saying this presents them with difficulty in re-entering society.
Attended by several community members, including Marshall Mayor Connie Latimer and Ward 3 Marshall City Council member Sam Moten, the ceremony also served as an open house. Stephenson took attendees on a tour of the house.
Stephenson said he hopes to learn a lot that will help him and his team better PCDC's program in the first 60 days, adding that he has plans to work toward opening a similar house for females released from prison.
Residents have 60 days before they must begin to pay rent, which is set at $125 per week, said Stephenson, adding that he expects the average stay to be six months to a full year.
Because of an agreement with Missouri Department of Mental Health, that department will pay for housing of released offenders with drug addictions and dependencies, he said.
"We're hoping by the end of the year, they'll have saved" between $5,000 and $6,000, he added.
Within a year, and perhaps as early as six months, the program will be self-sustaining, Stephenson said.
PCDC will offer training for jobs, the GED test and life skills. It will also provide transportation to and from work.
One room will hold two residents and another room four. There is one room that will hold a single bed, in which Stephenson said someone functioning as a "resident assistant" will stay.
Each bedroom has a television, as does the living room, which Stephenson said would "allow them more privacy."
"If you've ever been to jail, that's one of the big things they fight over is TV rights," he said.
Stephenson said local organizations such as churches are welcome to "adopt a room" and decorate it, as most of the rooms are currently devoid of decorations.
The home already had one resident at the time of the ceremony. He had been there for a week and a half, and had heard about the home from his parole officer and his counselor at Pathways some time after his release Sept. 11, 2009. He said the home offers him "a way to change," and was grateful for the housing, as he knew of no similar programs.
"We want them to know that one of the biggest things in getting your life back together is being responsible and taking responsibility for everything," Stephenson said while giving a tour of the home. "No more pointing the finger. There's always someone you can blame for something, but you've got to learn to take responsibility."
Work on the program has been in progress for 18 months, said Stephenson.
The home's renovation took three weeks, said Stephenson, with work performed by himself, a few persons engaged in community service and Pat Flynn of Marshall.
"It was a real group effort," he said.
Further work on the house is planned, Stephenson said, including construction of a game room in the home's back porch.
Contact Geoff Rands at marshallreporter@socket.net
Note: The nature of the Internet makes it impractical for our staff to review every comment. If you feel that a comment is offensive, please
is this house remotely close to bueker or southwest school? i know it said nonsexual or nonviolent crimes but why havent we heard of this until its already occupied? was there stimulus money involved in this? and powerhouse community developement coop? really, how many community developement places do we need? oh wait thats right...noone starts a not for profit business to not make money...happy trails to the bank!
Here's hope that the individuals living at this facility will become role models for the bad-seeded, blue collars in town; teach them morals.
Good work pastor.
People need chance. I have talked to the pastor many times on this and he has done a great job.
Those who live in glass houses better be careful of throwing stones.
"Every family has had some kind of contact with the prison system at some time, said Stephenson"
This is pretty rude to assume such a thing. I certainly have not, nor any of my family members! Speak for yourself!
Well said cooahla. Even with a past you can become a contributing citizen to the community.
I remember many years ago when the choices I made were far from resembling the values my parents attempted to instill in me. I gave them more heartache than they deserved. At least I changed before their death, so they were able to see some of their values sunk in...values I have tried to instill in my own children, so far none have gotten into trouble that has meant incarceration for them, but they have definitely made choices I did not approve. In retrospect, I am glad I have not forgotten my wayward ways, because I feel it makes me somewhat more sympathetic to the people who have caved into the pressures of their peers and to some of what society deems permissable. I have told all my children, whatever you do, if it is wrong...be prepared to pay the consequences, I will always be there for you, but you have to accept the responsibility for your actions.
Maybe I missed the memo, but I do think the community should have had a say in it.
Although...I think this town has a big enough drug problem...adding more people to that isn't the best plan. However we do have Boomer the new drug dog...maybe he will get some action off this. Maybe not, that is yet to be seen.
Thank you, lovingmarshall:)
No, it is not a co-ed facility. It will only house Men. Powerhouse is currently looking for another house to open that will house Women.
Perhaps a silly question, but...will this be a co-ed facility?
I am excited an opportunity like this has finally made it's way to Marshall. Unless you keep your children under lock and key sometimes there are other influences. What about those who have mental illnesses like Bi-polar or Schizophrenia? Do their parents deserve to have the title "BAD PARENT"? There are things kids pick up from school, TV, and just being out and about. My mom raised us the best she could and instilled in us the difference between right and wrong but my little brother caved under the weight of peer-pressure and trying to "Fit In" and found himself in trouble. Does this make him a "BAD" person?? No I don't think so. He is fighting to try and do good and be a good uncle to my kids, but in today society that is close to impossible without the understanding and kind individuals like Pastor Charles Stephenson Jr. I only hope that when my brother gets out he has this wonderful chance to clear his bad name and start again!!!
Boy am i glad to live in the country and NEVER move into town! (also just read the waiver/group home issue story/comments)...........
Hey, everyone is entitled to their opinion....
"Here's a thought...what if they didn't commit the felony? Oh wait, everybody in prison is guilty right? You must have the perfect kids & perfect family!
-- Posted by tcn on Fri, Oct 23, 2009, at 7:33 PM"
no my kids are not perfect, but they do know right from wrong. you might be on the right track though. maybe this does fall back on how parents raise their children.
To those of you who have never had to deal with the justice system, count your blessings. For the ones who raised their kids right, and they turned out ok, that is fantastic. But I have a lot of sorrow for you. Someday, something will crack your rose colored glasses, and you will not know what hit you. EVERYONE has the chance of making a wrong decision in a bad situation at some time in there life. We all have done it, and if you haven't congratualtions, but there is always a chance it will happen to someone you know.
The half way house is an excellant idea, and I wish it the best.
I truly feel the article meant those that had been in prison only one time, was meant by the reference to first time offenders.
The bottom line is that this has a lot to do with demographics. If a house like this were to be opened in those new subdivisions by wal mart or south of town all hell would break loose this house is not in either of those areas so no one seems to care. No doubt someone is pocketing government money for starting a house like this. I just hope that Powerhouse community development corporation? keeps the safety of this community in mind.
psssst..............There's a couple of empty houses on North Brunswick!
kmt202-I don't usually gamble but I'd be willing to bet that somebody in your "perfect" group of family & friends uses drugs...you just don't know it! Do any of them drink alcohol? If they do I'm sure they've never driven after a drink or two. Teaching your children good values & decision making skills doesn't mean they won't find themselves in trouble!
I would like to know when a 1st time offender ever goes to prison. Everyone knows they dont unless, they are involved in selling or manufacturing drugs which alot of times they still dont go to prison for a first time offence. Are we going have people moving to Marshall with numerous felony convictions with only one time sent to prison or are we getting people that have been convicted of selling/manufacturing drugs to such an extent that their first conviction they were sent to prison.
kmt- your comments are ignorant and insulting. You and your family is lucky, not righteous. Believe it or not, some good and decent people make poor choices on what to put into their bodies and go to jail for it. Also, it doesn't reflect on their parents or their families, just themselves.
This sounds like a terrific way to help someone learn there are people who want you to do better and organizations that can help you. There are people who care and are encouraging good behavior. I hope it turns into a success, despite the cynicism it is receiving.
damn kmt202, It must be hard to be perfect, and on top of that you only associate with perfect people. I`m not perfect, so speak for yourself.
More reason to get a "conceal and carry" permit.
"Every family has had some kind of contact with the prison system at some time, said Stephenson, and no family is unaffected by issues of drug addiction."
Where on earth did you get that idea? I don't know anybody in my family or even in my friends families who have been to prison or have drug problem. Some families teach their children good values and decision making skills, so speak for yourself.
Well it sure sounds like a good program, but soon it will be just a half way house for repeat offenders. If a couple years in the slammer is not enough rehab i dont think this will help much. They go back to prison or i guess right wording is repeat offender is because they want to,choice is the word, i have a choice in life and so does everyone else, make the right one, no one makes you steel or do any criminal act but yourself.
Why hate! At least there will be some thing in this town that is a positive beginning... every one messes up and this is a fresh start. There is always some one who has something to say thats not cool!!
some people make me sick im a mother of 4 and no one is perfect all people make mistakes me for 1 has a son with a fenoly and if something like this would of been here for him maybe he wouldnt be head to prison today his fenoly was for stealing even though it was never proven that he had anything to do with it the 4 wheller that was stolen was never found and the one that did the stealing thay put him in the hab center and my son payed for it all so im saying not everyone that goes down for stuff really does it your gilty untill proven isent in this town
Okay Parent425, maybe everyone that commited a felony was`t thinking. Do you think that this meanS that they should be persecuted for life? That is a ridiculous thought!! They made a mistake they paid thier dues they should be given a chance. Let`s just judge everyone. I`m sure no one in your family has ever committed a crime!
Here's a thought...what if they didn't commit the felony? Oh wait, everybody in prison is guilty right? You must have the perfect kids & perfect family!
Stephenson said, "It's hard to get housing with a felony, hard to get employment with a felony, it's hard to get a (new) start with your life when a felony is on your record."
they should have thought before the committed the felony!!
so_what, my point exactly!!!!
You people make me sick. How about this? We send everyone to prison for whatever type of petty crime they commit, then when they get out we find a way to make life so difficult for them, they are forced to live a life of crime once again. I for one think when you have served your sentence you have paid your debt to society, then you should be given a fresh start. We shouldn`t kick a man when he is down. You can`t believe that all convicts are dangerous and a threat. This belief will just keep the revolving door of the prisons going.
yea ok violent or not i'm watching my back!
Your judgemental attitude is a large part of the problem. It's when these people can't find housing or a job that it's easier for them to slip back into their old ways. This will hopefully show them that there is a different path and that there are people that care!
I feel that a meeting with the people in the neighborhood should have been held before this house was allowed to open. This is in my neighborhood so i'll be watching my back!