Friends of Guest House will open a new home next month in Old Town for formerly incarcerated women, the group announced this week. The home will help up to 20 women make the transition into a new life.
The house is one of three residences in Alexandria the group offers; more than 400 people apply each year to live at the homes, where they're offered customized programs to get them back on their feet. A team of about 150 volunteers help with everything from yard work to grocery shopping to mentoring.
Friends of Guest House is celebrating 45 years of helping, supporting and empowering more than 4,000 women as they make the transition from prison to a new life. Founded in 1974, the group provides formerly incarcerated women the structure, supervision, support and assistance they need "to move beyond who they were to become who they want to be."
The new home opening in Old Town will help further stem the rates of recidivism and equip women with the support they need to ensure their past doesn’t define their future. The program has helped women not only reclaim their lives and obtain jobs but for many, also reunite with their children and families.
Friends of Guest House will celebrate its 45th anniversary and the opening of its new location on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 6 p.m. with BBQ and bingo at the new house, located at 120 S. Payne St.
The family-friendly event will include BBQ prepared by Mighty Meals, bingo, live music by Emily Henry and more. Tickets are $45 per person and include admission, food, a bingo card and a chance to win lots of prizes. Additional bingo cards can be purchased at the event. For $90, you can sponsor a Guest House client to join as well.
All proceeds will directly help Friends of Guest House serve more women who are committed to change. If you want to support the group but can't make the event, you can donate at bit.ly/FoGHDonate. The tented event will be held rain or shine.
If you have questions or are interested in sponsorship opportunities, contact Marisa Tordella at marisa@friendsofguesthouse.org.
