Who We Are
Providence House is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to transition women who are homeless and recently released from prison back into society. We provide case management and an array of programs throughout our network of transitional residences, individual apartments, and permanent supportive housing.
Our goal is to help our residents obtain permanent housing, get an education, learn job skills and find employment. This four-tier approach enables women and children to become strong families. We provide daycare for our infants and toddlers, and we assure that our older children are enrolled in school. In addition, all residents have access to a Registered Nurse through our Family Health Services Program.
Our unique structure provides a home away from home. Core community members, volunteers and staff share in the day-to-day life of our residents, teaching by example the life skills that will help them successfully reintegrate into the community. Providence House ultimately strives to break the cycle of homelessness and return to incarceration for these families. To date, over 8,500 women and 4,500 children have lived at Providence House.
For a look inside Providence House, please watch “Making a Difference,” our 8-minute introductory video.
Mission & Values
Our Mission
Emphasizing the dignity of every human person, Providence House affirms its commitment to provide shelter and support to homeless, abused and formerly incarcerated women and their children in a hospitable, non-violent, compassionate atmosphere. We also strive to address the causes of injustice and work towards the full and fruitful participation in the community of those with whom we share life.
Vision
To end the cycle of homelessness, abuse and return to incarceration through creating long-lasting change in the lives of women and families we serve. By continuing to maintain the high standards of Providence House’s diverse programs and services while simultaneously providing a nurturing community and caring home for each and every woman and family we take in, we believe we can make a significant impact.
Values
Whether in conversation over dinner or in helping with a job search, Providence House’s values are behind everything we do. Our key values are:
- Community: We believe the health of the community rests squarely on the shoulders of every member of that community. It is through the relationships established by our programs that true change can be effected in the lives of the women and children we serve.
- Non-Violence: We emphasize non-violence as a necessary component of mental health and successful rehabilitation. It is through communication — not violence — that we come to terms with our differences.
- Compassion: We have a deep sensitivity to the hardships that many of the women and children in our community have experienced. We teach them the skills that help them deal with life’s complexities and provide them with tools to make their lives better.
- Hospitality: We are a welcoming community, open to change and new ideas. Through hospitality, we better ourselves, and the work we do.
History
Providence House began in 1979 when four Sisters of St. Joseph offered a place to stay to a mother who was coming out of prison and reuniting with her young child. This grew out of a response to a need that Sister Elaine Roulet saw firsthand while ministering to ex-offenders at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility as Director of the Children’s Center. Shortly prior to their release, women were approved for weekend furloughs so they could begin the reunification process with their families. The problem was that there was no place for them to stay on these weekend visits, since many times their children had been split up among relatives or were living in foster care.
Sister Elaine asked the Sisters at St. James Convent in Brooklyn if they would provide hospitality for these women, and the Sisters readily agreed. Within a short time, the number of women who needed shelter outgrew the space available at the convent. A group of three Sisters, along with Sister Elaine, began to look for a house where they could accommodate more women. After much searching they settled on the former Xaverian Brothers house at Holy Cross Parish in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. In August 1979, the vision for Providence House was realized when the four Sisters moved in to prepare for families who needed a temporary place to stay.
Providence House has since grown from the house on Church Avenue to include five transitional residences located in Brooklyn and Queens; a transitional residence and permanent housing program in Westchester; and an apartment program and two permanent housing facilities in Brooklyn. Much more than temporary housing, Providence House is a community where women receive support from each other and from the dedicated Sisters and staff who employ a holistic approach to guiding the women towards creating safe, stable homes of their own.
Many more mothers and children have followed over the past 30 years. To date, over 8,500 women and 4,500 children have lived at Providence House.
Awards
Borough President’s Award, 2004
June 3, 2004 marked “Providence House 25th Anniversary Day” in Brooklyn. The proclamation issued by Borough President Marty Markowitz was presented to Sister Janet Kinney at our June Anniversary event.
Ellis Island Medal of Honor, 2001
In May of 2001, Sr. Marion Defeis, a Core Community Member at Providence House VI received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, given in recognition of her work done for the women of Rikers Island and for her zeal in working to repeal of the Rockefeller Drug Laws. This honor was especially poignant for Sr. Marian because her mother came to the U.S. through Ellis Island many years before.
Certificate from District Attorney Charles Hynes, 2001
On Wednesday, May 9, 2001, District Attorney Charles Hynes celebrated Mother’s Day at a reception honoring the unsung heroes who dedicate their lives and work to protecting and preserving families. Our own Executive Director, Sister Janet Kinney, and Founder, Sister Elaine Roulet, participated in this Mother’s Day reception and received certificates honoring their work.
President’s Service Award (formerly named the President’s Volunteer Action Awards), 1990
This prestigious award was established in 1982 to honor the efforts of outstanding individuals, families, groups, organizations, businesses and labor unions engaged in voluntary community service addressing human, educational, environmental and public safety needs. Providence House was awarded this honor in 1990 by President and Mrs. George Bush. We were one of 19 groups selected from 2,800 nominees throughout the country and the only agency in New York State to be so honored.
Eleanor Roosevelt Community Service Award, 1989
Sister Mary Ross accepted Eleanor Roosevelt Community Service Award from Matilda Cuomo at the Governor’s Mansion in Albany. Providence House was one of 12 agencies to receive the award out of 350 nominated.