We are a nonprofit ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. We offer a wide range of services for our brothers coming out of prison as we accompany them in their reintegration back into free society and their complete restoration into our communities.
Most have heard the famous Talmudic passage, “Whoever saves one life, saves the world.” Joseph House began with this premise. Meeting men incarcerated and living in the brutal conditions of solitary confinement, we recognized many feared the notion of freedom rather than welcomed it because they had nowhere to go, we thought, one by one, we can make their lives better. We can make the world better. What we have discovered is many of these men make our community better when they can finally breathe the fresh air of peace and goodness. Our lives are better with them walking alongside us.
Patricia Okonta serves as Assistant Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), America’s premier legal organization fighting for racial justice. Patricia is
We know that the need is tremendous for creating a welcoming environment for those leaving prison. We get requests every week from those in need
There are several misconceptions about prison, from how officials treat us, to that every man in prison is guilty and deserves to be there. But
– Bryan Stevenson
Some may volunteer by accompanying our residents through challenging tasks.
Others may wish to volunteer by assisting helping us around the house, creating a sense of belonging for all of us.
Finally, others may simply want to join us on occasion at our community events to learn more.
There are very real costs to create a home for those hoping to re-enter society after incarceration.
Joseph House, through the generosity of our donors, has been able to take concrete steps towards justice by restoring the dignity of those leaving the prison systems.
In less than one year our ministry has grown in leaps and bounds, impacting the lives of many for one simple reason: people are sharing the good news.
We encourage you to share Joseph House with your family, your friends, your community, inviting them to join us as we join those re-entering society after prison.
We offer a range of services for accompanying our brothers and sisters leaving prison. We seek to support their complete restoration into our communities and neighborhoods
