TNC
07-18-2005, 01:12 AM
11:12 PM MDT on Sunday, July 17, 2005
Ysabel Bilbao
Idaho's NewsChannel 7
Released from prison, then forced to relearn life on the outside, former inmates face several challenges in trying to reintegrate into society. Now, a Boise women's home is hoping that opening a new facility will help more of those women change their lives.
Started as one home helping 13 women, a third Chrysalis center has opened its doors to former female inmates. The homes are changing lives, said founder Marsha Tennyson, but they need help to keep going.
"I usually say they don't have a point of reference, and they haven't been in a stable, supportive, accountable and safe environment, so they don't know how to live correctly," said founder Marsha Tennyson. "That's why we have Chrysalis."
The centers help former inmates change their lives, stay off drugs and learn everyday skills like how to pay bills, Tennyson said. Girls can live in the home for 18 months. Curfews are enforced and $300 in rent is due every month.
"These women are incredible. Their lives are changing, they are getting their kids back and they are excited about it," Tennyson said. "It's a wonderful thing to be a part of."
Tennyson says she has been getting help from local businesses and clubs, but it isn't enough.
"Through this program, I am stable," said Dale Carey. "[The program has] been able to provide and [help me] meet needs and reestablish relationships that I didn't think was possible."
Many of the women said they heard about Chrysalis while behind bars.
Tennyson also hopes to open a home where pregnant women can go to help get their lives in order.
http://www.ktvb.com/news/topstories/stories/071705ccjrktvbchrysalis.87e246b.html
Ysabel Bilbao
Idaho's NewsChannel 7
Released from prison, then forced to relearn life on the outside, former inmates face several challenges in trying to reintegrate into society. Now, a Boise women's home is hoping that opening a new facility will help more of those women change their lives.
Started as one home helping 13 women, a third Chrysalis center has opened its doors to former female inmates. The homes are changing lives, said founder Marsha Tennyson, but they need help to keep going.
"I usually say they don't have a point of reference, and they haven't been in a stable, supportive, accountable and safe environment, so they don't know how to live correctly," said founder Marsha Tennyson. "That's why we have Chrysalis."
The centers help former inmates change their lives, stay off drugs and learn everyday skills like how to pay bills, Tennyson said. Girls can live in the home for 18 months. Curfews are enforced and $300 in rent is due every month.
"These women are incredible. Their lives are changing, they are getting their kids back and they are excited about it," Tennyson said. "It's a wonderful thing to be a part of."
Tennyson says she has been getting help from local businesses and clubs, but it isn't enough.
"Through this program, I am stable," said Dale Carey. "[The program has] been able to provide and [help me] meet needs and reestablish relationships that I didn't think was possible."
Many of the women said they heard about Chrysalis while behind bars.
Tennyson also hopes to open a home where pregnant women can go to help get their lives in order.
http://www.ktvb.com/news/topstories/stories/071705ccjrktvbchrysalis.87e246b.html