RENEW and Esther's Journey
1427 Pickens Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-726-7769
Every day, Catholic Charities of South Carolina's Restorative Justice Team shares their gifts by giving back to a community that remains a stigmatized and untouchable population – the incarcerated.
Catholic Charities of South Carolina’s Restorative Justic Team, “Renew”, was started in 2016. With limited funding provided through the Porticus grant, the program has already made a strong impact on South Carolina’s prison system.
Served over 600 returning male citizens1.7% recidivism rate (citizens returning to prison). South Carolina’s recidivism rate ranges from 25%-33%The program has been able to keep 612 returning citizens out of prison through a network of community providers.
Seeing the great need to expand services, Sister Angelita Vazzano, SSJB and Sister Mary Cecile Swanson, SSJB, recently implemented a female Restorative Justice program, “Esther’s Journey,” which has served 65 women returning to society since March 2018. Many times, the stigma is multiplied for women who have served time in prison.
The need is greater than anticipated. The limited funding was able to help many, but there are many more men and women who need our help to turn their lives around. Donate today.