Melissa - Magdalene House Graduate Story of Success

Magdalene House resident Melissa W. has successfully completed the 2-year

residential program. Melissa is gainfully employed, sober, has an impressive savings

account for the first time, and the confidence and tools to continue her courageous and

hopeful journey. Melissa’s story is not uncommon.  Various trauma related events lead

to her arrest and 2 and ½ year incarceration.  About 6 months prior to her release she

met Gay Romack, founder of Bridges Reentry and Deacon at St. Peter’s Episcopal

Church. As part of the Bridges Reentry Impact Model, Deacon Gay leads a prison

ministry and mentoring program in the Perryville Women’s Prison.  

Melissa, as with many incarcerated women, had no money, no family support, no place

to live, and no plan for her reentry.  She learned of the Magdalene House program and

applied for one of only 6 beds in Magdalene House located in a quiet master planned

community in Avondale.  A place where women can anonymously live in the community

with 5 other women facing the same challenges and a support staff ready to help them

with the most basic of needs like transportation to AA meetings and a 2-year curriculum

that teaches women how to set goals and work a plan for their reentry.  

“I finally could put some thought into my future – prior to Magdalene house, I was a

single mother to my son for 18 years and was in survival mode” says Melissa Widener.

“Having a safe roof over my head, the support of caring staff and the other women in

the house, I learned to slow down and think about the decisions I needed to make.  And

evaluate the good and the bad decisions I make – think about the pros and cons.”

“Magdalene House is exactly what I needed to rebuild my life” says Melissa Widener.

“Ongoing support and encouragement through the good times and bad. I am more

confident today than any other time in my life,” says the 48-year-old Magdalene House

graduate.