Why It Matters

There are over 2.2 million persons incarcerated in the United States today, more per capita than any other country in the world. 98% of them will come home eventually. Home may mean your neighborhood, your church, your job. At that point, the degree of preparation that they received while incarcerated and the services they receive once released will directly impact you. When women come home healthy – spiritually, emotionally, physically, and economically – we all benefit.

The scope of the reentry problem is enormous. Criminologists estimate 630,000 releases a year from state and federal lockups.

New Jersey state prisons have been releasing 14,000 to 16,000 a year or 70,000 projected over five years. Another disturbing figure is the state’s rate of recidivism (those released who return to prison): 62 percent return within three years because of parole violations.

In the 25 year period from 1977 to 2002, New Jersey’s prisons have been a growth industry. Paralleling a leap in the state’s prison budget to $ 1 billion is a jail and prison population that quadrupled, from 6,017 to 27,891.

We at Redeem-Her believe, as our name implies, that people really can be redeemed, turn away from their past behavior, even the most abhorrent of which, and begin anew. We support women in making and maintaining such a decision.

We believe that the only way to do this is one woman at a time, because each of us is a unique individual with value. It isn’t us and them … it’s just us.

To contact us:

Phone: 732-597-8636

E-mail: info@redeem-her.org

Quotes From Women Helped By Redeem-Her

“I just want to thank you. No matter whether or not my application for assistance is accepted, I want you all to know that I appreciate all that you are doing. Today I can say that I am truly blessed and grateful. Never forget that you are inspiring others by what you do.” Lesley

“Ladies, I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for the service you are providing. It means so much to know that I can get the basic things I need. I almost decided against community release simply because I knew I wouldn't have any family to send me clothing. May God continue to bless you and your ministry. In sincere appreciation, I thank you.” Deborah

“I am currently a resident at Bo Robinson. I recently received my clothes package from you. About the same time, I also received a $20 money order from my son. I am a Christian and the Holy Spirit guided me to donate the money to your program. I know its not much, but please know that it is sent with much love and prayers for your success. Thank you for all that you do for us women that are indigent, incarcerated and struggling. I wish I could do more, but this is all I have.” Carmen

"I am writing this note to thank you all for helping me because I been at Bo Robinson for 1 month without anything to wear but the clothes I came from Clinton prison and after the lady told me about this program I felt so bless. This note is to thank you for helping me because I have no family besides you. I truly appreciate you.” Jacqueline

“Thank you so much for the clothing. It was such a nice feeling to put on street clothing. I can not express the amount of joy it created within me.” Tonja

“Thank you so much for the clothes, the cosmetics, showing your love …taking the time for someone else who truly needed help. I truly, truly think that the work you’re doing is so rewarding. That has been my passion all my life: to help those who are less fortunate than myself. And I would love to be a part of your [Redeem-Her]. This is what I want and need for my life, to help others as it will be helping me so much. It will make me feel that I do have a purpose.” Audrey

“Thank you very much for giving me so beautiful shirts to wear. I am so grateful for this blessing. It makes me feel good to be warm and look human again and not have to wear state shirts. You may not know how something as simple as a shirt can be a blessing.” Tiffany

“I am incarcerated at ECMF and am due to max out the end of August this year after having been locked up 4 years. As a result of having been locked up for so long, needless to say, I have really nothing. I don’t know what if any assistance you can offer me to prepare for my release. I’m REALLY SCARED leaving here – I’m 48, single, homeless, and broke. Not a bright outlook I know.” K.

“Lately I’ve been thinking about getting out a lot. Sometimes I feel excited, but other times I feel scared. Because so much has changed in my family since I left. No place feels like it would be home for me. It’s scary to think about.” Amy

“I see other women in this struggle here wait for things that never come from a place called home. If you could see the smile I see when the women receive your gifts, you would never stop what you are doing.” Tiffany

“I ask for stamps, envelopes and pads of writing paper. I’m asking you this because of a reason. You see I just had a baby boy July 18, 2004. And I won’t dare ask my family for anything because they’re taking care of him. I don’t dare take from my son to take care of myself knowing that I did this crime, not my son.” Natalie

“I’m writing to tell you I can’t thank you enough for your services. I really appreciate the help you offered to me in a time of need like this. I would love to volunteer any help I can offer to your organization. I think it’s a wonderful thing you’re doing for the women that are incarcerated and I hope it will last. It’s a good feeling to know there is help out there and you’re not all alone.” Rose

“I’m writing this letter to let you know that I got the things that you sent me. Thank you so much. I never had anyone do something like that for me. A person that doesn’t even know me. I have been locked up 10 months and I have been threw [sic] so much being away from my son.” Alexandra

“[My boyfriend] has been working on getting me more familiar with a lot of the new things that have come out in the last five years. He laughs at the way I stare at the new state coins; I haven’t seen any of them! He also tells me of a lot of changes at stores, being computerized, etc . I feel as though I went through a time warp and ended up in a future that has changed so much from the time I left. I wonder how other women adapt to all the new changes or if it is as overwhelming to them as it is to me. Not only are there changes in the economy that you need to get used to, there are also changes in prices of things, new foods, clothing, areas being built up, friends and loved ones getting older, and just about every area of life. My biggest challenge is trying to re-learn how to socialize with people. Coming from an environment where you don’t really talk to people, let alone have any type of real discussions, to where you need to talk and understand others is quite a change after the five years of silence.” Tonja

“I understand that you help the women here with clothing, shoes, as well as cosmetics. I have no one on the outside to help me. So if you are able to assist me with anything at all, I would truly, truly appreciate any and all help. I’m not choosey.” Teresa

“My name is Tammi and I’m a resident at the Bo Robinson house. I learned from another resident that if I wrote you, you could help me out with a few personal hygiene items and clothing items. Thank you very much in advance. Anything from the below list would be much appreciated, but I need a bra, panties and socks real bad. I don’t have any.” Tammi

“I’m in Bo Robinson. I have no family. Please I need help. I don’t have any clothes at all or personal things like soap or deodorant. I want to do this program. I’m sad to look at other people with their nice clothes and I don’t have anything Please can you help me out? Do you have a Bible you can send me? I hope you can help me out because I really want to do this program. It’s about changing my life. I have been locked up for 14 months and have to do 1 more year so can you please help out? Thank you so much.” Velma

“Thank you so much for the clothes and all the cosmetics. I appreciate all you have done for me. The other day out of the blue, the supervisor called me down and said I had a small package. It was all the beautiful hair ties and cosmetic samples. How did you know? Once again, thank you. You are a kind woman. I should be leaving out of this place on the 23rd of this month. I would really like to keep in touch and help you in your quest to help others. I have all of your information, and you will be hearing from me. Thank you so much for just being you.” Rebecca

“Hello! My name is Cindy and I was in Cathy by one of the residents here at Bo Robinson. I really don’t ask for help, but I really do need it. I know part of recovery is feeling good about yourself. Well … my problem is I really don’t have the means to work with right now. I am still in Clinton clothes. You can imagine the looks I get from material people. Cathy told me what you do and I think it is great. Maybe I can be of help one day when I am stronger and on my own two feet. However, for the present, I need a hand. I’ve been struggling with this list because I don’t want to be greedy. Anything you can offer will be a great help.” Cindy

“Maybe I do conjure up these extravagant scenes in my head of how life will be when I get out. Most of what I imagine is probably unrealistic but those dreams are what keeps me getting up everyday. I’ve just been locked up so long. Sometimes I reminisce about life before all this happened. I used to love exercising and just being with my friends. I still love those things, but now I find myself thinking of heroin more and more. It’s been almost 4 years since I got high but it still feels so fresh in my mind. Please pray for me that I can break that thought pattern and focus on more positive things. Some days I feel so strong and others I will remember times from way back when I had some kind of excellent high and it’s hard to retrain my brain not to like that. I want to be disgusted by the drug, but sometimes it is so appealing and I romanticize it in my head. It makes me CRAZY. It’s been four years and I’m still a prisoner.” Amy

“Stacey, I want you to know I appreciate all the help you’ve given me. It’s such a comfort to know you have someone in your corner when your [sic] trying to get your life back together. I want you to know that I get a lot of inspiration from you. You show me that life is possible and that I can be happy after prison, while being sober. I’m so thankful I have you in my life to help me stay strong and to keep me with hope in my life.” Charlotte

“I want to thank you so much for the toiletries and clothing that you sent to me. I appreciate all your help in this trying time. God always finds a way of blessing me.” Rebecca

“Thank you for going out of your way to help me out. I am truly grateful. I had tears of gratitude in my eyes to see how the Lord used [Redeem-Her] to help me and other women here. I believe [Redeem-Her] is truly great. I have read your stories and see the strength that you have gained through all of these struggles. I may not know you but I feel like I do … maybe I can help [Redeem-Her] when I come home.” Tiffany

“I am a beautiful black queen from Newark, NJ. I have three kids. Two girls and one boy. My girls are 18 years old and 16 years old and my son is 11 years old. They are wonderful children. I am writing you to thank you so much for the things you have sent me. I truly appreciate what you have done for me. If you do come across any clothing, I will truly appreciate that as well. Words can’t express how much I appreciate you at this time.” Michelle

“I would like to thank you so very much for the clothes and cosmetics. I truly appreciate everything. It’s a struggle each and every day but I know God is watching over me … Once again thank everyone for everything. I’m thankful and grateful” Linda

“May God continue to bless your establishment [Redeem-Her]. Since I have been here, Oct 28 04, I have seen and heard how you all have extended a helping hand ... If you can I am an indigent resident. I greatly appreciate whatever services rendered. Thank you kindly. I will be content with whatever.” Doreen

“I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart; I truly appreciate the clothes that you sent me. My family resides in Florida and was hit back to back by the recent hurricanes. Their house was hit real bad and they have a lot of expenses and cannot help me as much as they would like to. But I thank God for people such as yourself, for caring.” Rebecca

“I saved one stamp to be able to write you again. Again, thank you for everything, thank you for your friendship, your time out of your busy schedule and for helping me with what you can, when you can, I’m definitely blessed to have you in my life.” Charlotte

“I really don’t ask for help, but I really do need it. I know part of recovery is feeling good about yourself. Well … my problem is I really don’t have the means to work with right now. I am still in Clinton clothes. You can imagine the looks I get from material people. Cathy told me what you do and I think it is great. Maybe I can be of help one day when I am stronger and on my own two feet. However, for the present, I need a hand. I’ve been struggling with this list because I don’t want to be greedy. Anything you can offer will be a great help.” Cindy

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