The Dismas-Magdalene Housing Project
Is in the process of building a Catholic "Prison-Aftercare" program. There is no other program like it in America that offers Catholic emergency transitional, short-term and long-term housing accommodations helping newly released men and women transition from prison to public life. It is specifically designed to help reclaim incarcerated Catholics who have made devastating life decisions, who are returning to their Catholic roots within their church community with newfound responsibility.
Housing Project Planned
Today, the Housing Project located in Ft. Bend County, TX, is working on a master plan to transitionally house Catholic ex-offenders, first within the City of Houston for short-term housing needs (until housing is complete on the land), then to move and live in contemplation, work and prayer on the premises.
Senior staff of the Dismas-Magdalene organization are currently developing an outline of services which will encompass medical and legal advice, counseling, job-placement, family reunification, victim restoration methods, daily Mass and sacramental needs. The long-term housing program will offer an ex-offender twelve to eighteen-months of development programs so Catholic men and women can transition into the public sector with ease and determination and ensure they will not return to the prison system, making things right in God's eyes.
Please mouse over the
pictures to see the lake and trees that sit on the beautiful land, future site of our Dismas-Magdalene
Retreat Housing facility!
In 2001, a generous Basilian Con-gregation donated 22-acres of land to The Brothers of St. Dismas. This property has a rich history dating back some fifteen years when Fr. Herb Shriner, CSB, had a vision to build a local Citeaux Monastery on the premises. The Knights of Columbus, Council 6403 in Manvel, TX, has generously volunteered man-power and other resources to assist The Dismas-Magdalene Project, Inc. and we graciously thank them all.
In October 2006, the final seven acres of land was donated to The Dismas Magdalene Project, Inc. by the Basilian Congregation. This final donations was a true gift having two building structures already on the land. We are sincerely grateful to the Basilians for this amazing gift.
Our Silent Victims, Children
In addition to offering ex-offenders counseling services, our project plans will include help for their children.
Through our primary research, data has been gathered and indicates that a great percentage of children who have incarcerated fathers or mothers, end up following their parents in a life of crime.
We plan to offer professional counseling and social welfare services for these silent victims which will help the family reunification process.
