Group home for released inmates opens in Manchester

Jan. 2—MANCHESTER — A nonprofit organization opened a group home on Ridge Street in December for men recently released from prison.

Second Chance Re-Entry Initiative Program, Inc. held a ribbon cutting Dec. 1 for its new comprehensive adult development center.

Edward Andrews, founder, president, and CEO of the organization, said the facility would provide four beds for formerly incarcerated men with no other housing option for a nine-month period. During that time, they will be offered programs designed to help the men build a sustainable future.

Chris Senecal, a representative for the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, said the nonprofit behind the facility is partnered with Tom Cat's Place, an existing network of housing facilities for those dealing with drug and alcohol addiction.

Senecal said organizers of the facility would pay three months' rent for each participant and provide food vouchers, after which participants would work to obtain employment to pay for their own rent and food.

Senecal said clients would be asked to save a portion of their earnings, which they can access after they complete the program, and donate $5 to $10 from each paycheck to the Connecticut Victims Compensation Fund.

Andrews said the facility now houses two men, and participants are chosen based on a commitment to the program and a history of childhood, generational, and other trauma.

Andrews said the organization provides 24-hour security with cameras and an on-site house manager. The nonprofit is not concerned about security at this point, he said.

The facility distinguishes itself from other group homes and halfway houses in the Manchester area through what it offers and who it targets, he said.

"I chose to offer this array of supports because as the founder of this organization, I know what is needed and necessary from lived experiences," Andrews said.

Support systems include weekly one-on-one therapy with a trauma specialist, financial literacy and career development classes, job placement services, and a personal realtor to help with finding a permanent living arrangement.

Mayor Jay Moran said he believes in second chances, and that he expects this facility would help people, but that Manchester already has its "fair share" of group homes and halfway houses.

"If we're gonna give second chances, that's great, Manchester is great for that, but I'd like to see what other communities are doing to step up," Moran said of surrounding towns.

Moran said the state gives municipalities little to no notice when such facilities are opened.

"They're in the neighborhood before neighbors even know about it," Moran said.

Andrews said the organization has plans in the works to open up facilities in other towns, and more information would be available at a later date on those.

Tom Veilleux, board president of the non-profit behind the facility, said Andrews has developed a "revolutionary" approach to helping others work through past trauma, and that the organization looks forward to the future of its programs and positive client outcomes.

Joseph covers Manchester and Bolton for the Journal Inquirer.