“I am very grateful for the Clare of Assisi House for a beautiful, safe and clean place to live. After so much heartache, devastation and loss through many bad choices and childhood wounds my life headed down a very dark and lonely road that I am blessed to even be alive. So, to have a place to continue to heal and to thrive on the journey that started once I truly surrendered during my incarceration in Lehigh County and continued into Muncy State Prison. I didn’t have anyone or place to go and Clare of Assisi House took a chance on me and gave me the start and safety I needed to have on the outside. And I have taken that and ran with it full force into recovery and mental health, building a firm foundation on Jesus and sobriety. There is no way that I could have done any of this without a safe place to live. I thank God everyday for his grace and mercy and for the Clare House for giving me a chance at life.”
~ Lisa P.
June 2019
“Life after prison can be very trying. To be released from prison, homeless and penniless with no direction. I suffer from low esteem and lack of confidence and Clare of Assisi House has helped me build my self-confidence and self-esteem. They have motivated me to strive for a better life. Without the daily support and encouragement of staff it would be harder than it already is to transition from prison back into society. Clare House has definitely helped me put the pieces of my life back together. I will forever be grateful to this place.”
~ Angela B.
May 2020
“Clare House means to me a safe environment for me to call home. I can work on myself and while I am getting my life together. Clare House has given me opportunities and a lot of help, so I don’t have to worry about anything. I can really focus on doing the right thing and be the mother I want to be.”
~ Nicole P.
May 2020
“I thank God for putting me in a safe place like Clare House. When I first arrived, I felt Welcomed. Everyone is treated with respect. I did not have anything when I arrived. Clare House gave me clothing and food. The Program is helping to prepare me to be independent. Clare House is a Blessing from God!”
~ Madeline, 2021
“Clare House has been a great help to me. When I first came here six months ago, I didn’t have anything. Clare House provided me with the things I needed and, also took the time out to guide me in the right direction.
They provided all the tools needed to succeed to the next chapter of my life. I don’t know what I would do without Clare House. It is an honor and a pleasure to be here and get all the help I need to become a better person.”
~ Drucilla, 2021
“There are no words to express my gratitude that I was accepted to the program offered by Clare of Assisi House.
From the moment I was picked up at the bus terminal (I had just been released from prison) Sister was there waiting with a packed lunch ready for me to eat, (I was starving); to walking through the door I knew I was in caring hands. All the stress of showing up with a box that contained nothing but a set of thermals, two Bibles, and a few miscellaneous items were put to rest. They had already prepared hygiene items, pajamas, robe, and a beautiful bedroom. It was overwhelming.
Since then, I have been a participant in the group sessions offered, they are useful in helping me readjust to being back in the mainstream of society. Also, our staff therapist makes herself available to all of us if we are having an issue or just need to express our feelings.
I would not have been so quickly successful in getting my health benefit, social security, and cell phone, if it wasn’t for the determined attitude of my case worker, who spent many hours on hold with these agencies due the Corona Virus.
The Executive Director, Pamela Mills, is dedicated to the residence whole heartily. She goes over and beyond her duties. She makes sure this safe- haven is run with the best of care. We enjoy a perfectly clean, well-organized environment. We have good “family” meals, (the refrigerator is well stocked) a nice porch to sit out on with potted plants and a garden. She treats us with respect and concern that all our needs are being met.
I did not know where I was going to go after my incarceration. I was basically homeless. I was fortunate enough to get the information about Clare of Assisi House when a representative participated in a re-entry fair at Cambridge Springs in 2019. I applied and was lucky enough to be accepted.
I am not exaggerating about what a wonderful home like refuge Clare of Assisi House is for a woman like me. The staff takes their responsibilities very seriously. They are all about each of us meeting our goals and going on to have a happy and productive life.”
~ Helene, 2021
