Friends of Restoration House

Restoration House depends upon the financial support and hands-on involvement of individuals, families, churches and other organizations. You are invited to be a Friend of Restoration House through:

Financial Support

• A check in any amount
• A monthly gift of $10 or more
• First Month Sponsor to allow time to find work ($800)
• A scholarship to assist with education or vocational classes

Personal Involvement

• Tutoring (teach English, math, computer, or life skills)
• Volunteer Skill (barber, plumber, lawyer, accountant, cook, electrician, mechanic, gardener, etc.)
• Visiting Inmates (training provided)

Friends of Restoration House receive a quarterly newsletter and are invited to an annual gathering at the house to meet the residents and celebrate the year's accomplishments.

Why Care?

The experience of "freedom" to a parolee is similar to the plight of a caged canary suddenly set free in a forest. The expectations of him are great but, without help with facing his fears, self doubt, loneliness and the formidable challenges of finding housing, food and work, the odds are stacked against him.

The Facts

• 90% of the 173,000 inmates in California's prisons will be released to our neighborhoods.
• Parolees leave prison with less than $200 and, often, with no place to go.
• Checking "felon" on housing and job applications shuts doors and hearts.
• 71% of parolees return to prison.
• It costs taxpayers $43,000+ a year to warehouse an inmate.
• Parole failure means higher welfare costs to support families, including the financial and human costs of delinquent children and school dropouts.

Tax Implications - Application for Recognition of Exemption under IRS Code 501(c)(3) has been granted. Donations of money, professional services and goods may be tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor.