Connection to family & preparation for returning to the community
Inside the Monroe County Correctional Center, the staff and volunteers of New Leaf, New Life work with jail officials to run a variety of programs to better the lives of people who are incarcerated.
READ TO ME
The Read to Me program allows individuals that are incarcerated to be recorded reading a book to their children. Once recorded by volunteers, the children of the participants are sent a copy of the book and a recording of their parent reading aloud the book. We’re proud to offer this program in partnership with the Monroe County Public Library.
LIFE SKILLS & RE-ENTRY GROUPS
Our re-entry groups focus on obtaining skills to smoothly transition back into the community, covering topics such as housing, rehabilitation options, and healthy life choices. Participants build Day 1, Week 1, and Month 1 action plans, as well as provide resource suggestions for others.
EDUCATION & EMPLOYABILITY GROUPS
Our groups focus on learning both generally applicable skills, such as analytical thinking, and on specific skill sets, such as computer-based logic. An overarching perspective of the education is to focus on individual goals and examining different pathways to achieve them.
Creative, fun, & developmental opportunities
We support people who are incarcerated by promoting sense of self through fun social events and chances to express themselves.
CREATIVE WRITING GROUPS
Our writing groups discuss poems, often addressing topics like substance abuse or emotional turmoil, and write their own work in response. The work encourages critical thinking, vulnerability, empathy, and a better understanding of their current situation.
POETRY CLASS
Our poetry sessions are facilitated by long-time volunteer, Frank Brown-Cloud. The sharing consists of various styles and writers of poetry, including works by some past participants of the program. This is an outlet which offers space for creativity as well as expressing feelings and emotions.
SELF-CARE GROUPS
Our self-care groups range from sessions to create pillowcases for family/friends to practicing mindfulness, especially as it relates to substance use, anger management, and other challenges. The groups offer opportunities to reflect on living satisfying and meaningful lives.
“You provide a great service and a lot of help to all of us who really need it. Thank you.”
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“You guys do amazing things helping all of us out. Without your services most of us would be stuck.”
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