On Dec. 18, Hoffman Hall, a residential reentry center in Philadelphia, hosted a holiday party through their family services program. The program is designed to establish family reunification, addresses the challenges of an incarcerated loved one and provides tools for positive, healthy family relationships going forward. The annual family services holiday party celebrates the work the program does throughout the year.
Studies indicate that family services treatment programming can interrupt the cycle of generational incarceration patterns. Hoffman Hall staff hold several special events annually that create a safe atmosphere for establishing positive communication amongst family members. The holiday party is always a favorite of staff, residents and their families.
“Staff, residents and families enjoy holiday celebrations that bring the family together,” said Debra Wilson-Saunders, a clinical supervisor at Hoffman Hall. “We are very pleased to provide activities that serve to establish positive interaction between family members and begin a healing process.”
This year, the Hoffman Hall’s cafeteria was decorated in a holiday motif to welcome approximately 50 visitors to the center. Each child in attendance received a handful of toys, and each family member and resident received a gift as well. Staff, residents and family members were all very grateful to Ms. Brown, a staff member at Hoffman Hall, who did an outstanding job coordinating gift donations with Pastor Danny Knight. There was perfume for female family members and gift bags filled with towels and personal items for the residents. In addition, a full dinner was provided that included lasagna, salad, meatballs, garlic bread, cake and cupcakes. All delighted in the uplifting evening, grateful for an opportunity to share a positive family memory for the holiday season.
“We are pleased to provide evidence-based family services programming at Hoffman Hall,” said Monique Hendricks, the Pennsylvania senior area manager. “Strengthening the family unit by creating new bonds and tools for communication plays an important role in the success of reentrants returning to society.”
Read more about GEO Reentry’s approach to residential reentry.