MY SISTER’S HOUSE CELEBRATES FIRST YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Tried By Fire, Inc. is pleased to invite the Craven County community to the First Year Anniversary Celebration for My Sister’s House. An Open House, with the theme of “Step by Step,” is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at 524 Roundtree Street in New Bern. Following a brief program of speakers, including some of the current residents of My Sister’s House, the public is invited to enjoy food, beverages, a Silent Auction, and tour of the house.

In 2019, an 81-year-old four-bedroom home was donated to Tried By Fire, Inc. to establish the first transitional home for post-incarcerated women in eastern North Carolina. After the necessary zoning changes and initial renovation work, it was determined the house was too structurally compromised requiring its demolition. New construction began in January 2022 in the same architectural design but with necessary changes to make the facility more energy efficient and appropriate for group living. The home was finished and completely furnished for an official ribbon cutting and dedication in April 2023. Following the hiring of staff and establishing the necessary procedures and policies, the first guest was welcomed to My Sister’s House on October 16, 2023. Now it is time to celebrate our First Anniversary and the successes of our guest residents and the success of this unique program.

A total of six women have been invited to stay at My Sister’s House over the last year, and two have already moved on to their own apartments and opportunities that allow them to financially support themselves. Currently, four women are living at the facility and are all employed either in full or part-time positions. Two residents are working with the Literacy Council of Craven County on their GED, and one resident has applied to Craven Community College for the Cosmetology program for the January 2025 semester. Three of the residents have applied for Section 8 housing and are saving a portion of their earnings. One resident has reestablished her relationship with a son and is looking forward to attending his wedding in the spring. Overall, the staff of My Sister’s House, and everyone involved with Tried By Fire, Inc. is proud of each of these residents and their individual accomplishments and personal growth during their stay over the last several months.

My Sister’s House is a program of Tried By Fire, Inc., a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization committed to assisting women during their reentry journey after release from prison or jail. The goal of this innovate program is to reduce recidivism and homelessness among post-incarcerated women by offering a safe shelter to women who have no appropriate alternatives for housing when they are released. A caring staff is available 24/7 to provide support, encouragement, and referrals to a wide range of existing programs, services, and resources according to each woman’s personal transition goals for rebuilding a more sustainable and self-reliant future.

Bonita Simmons, founder and Executive Director of Tried By Fire, Inc., explains the basic purpose of the program offered at My Sister’s House. “We believe in the power of second chances. Your past doesn’t have to dictate your future, and we know that when a woman has the information, support, and proper access to the necessary resources to allow for bette