Healing Ways

Ten years ago a local judge acted on a long-time awareness he had on the present incarceration system for women who have minor children. He wanted to find an alternative option for them that could include their children. After a year's study, House of Healing was formed.

Today, House of Healing offers an alternative program for women convicted of non-violent crimes, that enables them to be with their children. It is housed in a former large convent and can have as many as 5-6 women and their children. Most residents are serving short sentences and often stay only a number of months.

One of our sisters has been the administrator of House of Healing since its beginning. Along with numerous formal grants to cover expenses, House of Healing sponsors mega-garage sales (warehouse sales, really), courtesy of donated space for storage and presentation by a local business.

This weekend, with the help of many volunteers including a number of sisters, the autumn mega-warehouse sale took place. Luckily, the weather was great, the shoppers many, and the resources for House of Healing grew.

For those in the greater Erie area, watch for notice of the next House of Healing Extravaganza...coming in early spring.

And speaking of children, here's a display of the main characters in some popular children's books--courtesy of the Erie Book Store. How many can you name?