Fairhill: Hannah House Helps Incarcerated Women Back Onto Their Feet

With its large stonewalls and windows peering down upon the almost deserted street, Hannah House Inc. seems almost out of place. On a street some distance from the business district in Fairhill, the looming building with childish block letters over its doorframe is hard to miss. A large doorbell greats you immediately and upon stepping into the threshold; a metal detector awaits your arrival. At first, it is hard to believe that this aged building is called home by 30 pre-release incarcerated women and parole violators of Fairhill, being reintroduced to their neighborhood.

Hannah House Inc., located at 2831 N. Hutchinson St. in Fairhill, has provided a safe, welcoming environment for women in the community for over 20 years. Any woman at risk of returning to prison is welcome at Hannah House and they are continuously encouraged to come inside to turn their lives around.

Before becoming the organization it is today, it was named U-Help, was located on 11th Street and was for male inmates. Sister Virginia Jenkins and other sisters of Saint Joseph, working at the state prisons, decided they wanted to help these inmates in any way possible. In order to situate themselves back into the community, the sisters’ set up U-Help, which was originally a day program.

In 1985, a contract was developed with the Department of Corrections; U-Help was to become a home plan for women coming out of institutions. The sisters partaking in the development of the organization were not fully prepared for what these women were capable of. After struggling to create boundaries between their homes and the women, an old factory was purchased on Sixth Street and Erie Avenue. A half way back program began, where parole violators and women at risk of returning to state institutions could go, instead of returning to prison. This facility started at eight beds- the one on Hutchinson today holds 30.

In 1995, U-Help moved from Sixth Street and Erie Avenue, not only shedding their old home but also their name. Hannah House Inc. was established on Hutchinson Street and a new contract was created to include parolees and prerelease women that are in state institutions. These state correctional institutions, or SCI’s, include Muncy and Cambridge Springs.

Tara Batchler-Taylor, executive director at Hannah House, sat down with us to explain the overall goal and purpose of the organization in the Faihill community. “The basic function is to assist women with the entry process. They come here to address any treatment issues or mental health issues. We develop a home plan and a lot of women are at risk of losing their children. “There is an ongoing battle for them.” Hannah House focuses on conforming and readjusting to each woman’s individual needs.  If a high school or GED education is necessary, then Hannah House will ensure each woman receives her GED. If she has a college degree or other forms of education, then Hannah House will focus in other areas of their lives where they need most help.

“The Faihill community plays a large role in their recovery and reemerging. As an institution in the community we strive to make sure these women get back to their feet. Jobs are eagerly searched, any type of drug rehabilitation is embraced, from Alcoholics Anonymous to Narcotics Anonymous, outpatient programs are attended enthusiastically, and all duties are met with little to no complaints from the women. Their sights are set on being fully functioning members of their community once more and Hannah House Inc. is there for them every step of the way,” Batchler-Taylor said.

Lisa Magine, a resident of Hannah House, spoke with us for a few minutes. In the short time we sat and talked, it was clear to see that her goal was to reconnect with her family, live an unrestricted life and give back to community through volunteering while recovering. Community service is a large part of Hannah House and all residents take part in some form. Magine chooses to execute hers at the local library.

She leaves the room with a polite thank you, only to be replaced immediately with Viviani Torres, a fresh-faced, friendly woman who explains her daily routines. “You have to want to change,” Viviani explained in the open dining room, as she played with the ring on her right hand. “It’s been something big for me because last week, I started a job.” You could feel the happiness and pride reverberating through the room and it was in her face alone that the entire point of Hannah House Inc. became clear.