Pennsylvania has one of the highest recidivism rates in the United States: on average, over 50% of formerly incarcerated people will get rearrested or reincarcerated.
The congregation at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in downtown Scranton is hoping to reduce that percentage by launching the nonprofit Cypress House Bakery, a 6-month job training program that will teach formerly incarcerated people baking and culinary skills. Those skills and a support network established by the church and its partners will help graduates find jobs.
“Cypress House is a way for us to show previously incarcerated people that we love and care for them by connecting them with the resources that they need to succeed as they restart their lives,” the Rev. Tyler J. Parry, priest-in-charge of St. Luke’s and president and CEO of Cypress House, told Episcopal News Service. “Being seen as a beloved human being is so important, especially with this demographic of people who may not find it anywhere else.” To read more, click here.
