#GiveTLH 2022: 'A new start': Joseph House shelters men released from prison
Father Dustin Feddon knows about solitary confinement. “We’re talking about a space the size of a mop closet,” he shares. “Seeing the conditions of the cells, hearing the stories of lack of medical attention, we have to address this as people. Everyone deserves dignity.”
During his work in prison ministry, he saw a troubling cycle start to develop. “Seeing men leave prison, go to the bus station, and usually into circumstances where they are likely to return to prison. We wanted to intervene in that cycle and wondered, what if they had a safe community, a bed, a roof, resources like clothing, food, and an investment in their future?”
Philanthropy: #GiveTLH 2022: 'It's getting more challenging' as philanthropy drive launches 5th year
Teenpreneur: #GiveTLH 2022: Teenpreneur Foundation empowers teens with real world skills
Safe Families: #GiveTLH 2022: Safe Families for Children advocates for those dealing with crises
As a result, in October 2018, Joseph House was officially named as a nonprofit ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee.
The volunteer-led organization is one of nine local nonprofits being recognized by the Beatitude Foundation and GiveTLH, a community effort underwritten by philanthropist and businessman Rick Kearney. Each organization’s story will be shared in the Democrat, along with information about how you can help. Visit tallahassee.com/givetlh to learn more.
Joseph House is actually a house, housing five formerly incarcerated men at a time. “We started with one man who needed help, and grew from there,” Father Feddon says. The organization serves all regardless of religion, seeking to restore human dignity and welcome all into a community committed to peace and justice. “We provide housing and basic necessities to men recently released from prison, and help them find a new start.”
Starting over isn’t easy, says Father Feddon. “Depending on your charges, even taking GED classes can be difficult if you’re not allowed on campus.” Doors to apartment rentals, employment opportunities, and other systems are closed to some based on criminal charges, so Joseph House assists residents with navigating the employment services and processes available in Tallahassee.
Joseph House is a community home, where meals are prepared by both residents and volunteers or staff. Various group meetings are offered throughout the week, and each resident is connected with counseling services and local therapists.
Their approach is oriented around an individualized approach depending on the life goals of each resident. “We work by the principle of Bryan Stevenson, author of Just Mercy, who says that each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve done,” shares Father Feddon.
Residents typically stay for one year, sometimes a little longer. Joseph House provides group trauma treatment, life skills development, and opportunities for the program participants to share their stories with the Tallahassee community.
“Many of the men we walk with have never even had a drivers license, never thought about a bank account,” Father Feddon shares. “We talk about re-entering society, but in some cases they’re really entering for the first time.”
Father Feddon lives at Joseph House with the residents, and is supported by three full-time and two part-time staff members, as well as about 15 volunteers. Joseph House has plans to hire additional staff, purchase more homes, and enlist more volunteers to serve as a circle of support.
“My biggest ask for our community is to be hospitable and remember that we are all dependent on others being merciful,” says Father Feddon. “Tallahassee is poised to be a beacon to so many other cities as what a hospitable and supportive community looks like.”
You can see Joseph House for yourself at an open house on Saturday, Oct. 22, or at their annual Community Gala Fundraiser on Dec. 2. Learn more at josephhouseus.org.
GiveTLH honorees each receive a $1,000 grant from the Beatitude Foundation and a 12-month membership to United Partners for Human Services. After reader voting in November, the top three organizations will also receive grants in the amounts of $2,500, $5,000, and $10,000, respectively and a free registration and exhibitor booth space for the United Partners for Human Services Annual Conference. The first place winning organization will also receive $5,000 in services from BowStern Marketing.
The #GiveTLH series will culminate in November with a chance for Tallahassee readers to vote for their favorite profiled nonprofit. The stories will be compiled on give.tallahassee.com.
About #GiveTLH
#GiveTLH, underwritten by the Beatitude Foundation and Rick Kearney, is a look at nine nonprofits in our community and how you can help them in their life-changing work. At the conclusion of this series, Kearney will award grants to the nonprofit that gets the most votes in an online poll. For more profiles, visit give.tallahassee.com.
Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: #GiveTLH: Joseph Houses shelters men released from prison
