In Lea County, there is an increased need for organizations that provide reintegration services to people who are being released from prison. With a State Prison located in Lea County, this is an integral service to ensure those released can build resumes, develop employable skills, find sustainable housing, connect with employers, address anger management issues, better understand parenting, learn financial literacy, and meet probation requirements.
We are fortunate to have Helen Houston’s Justice House in Hobbs. Over the years, the JF Maddox Foundation has worked with Helen Houston’s Justice House to help supply storage cabinets and new computers for the organization. Most recently, the Foundation is pleased to support the Justice House in acquiring a new building to continue to provide these important services to our community.
Learn more about Helen Houston’s Justice House from its Executive Director, Rebecca Royal.
Tell us about your organization.
Helen Houston’s Justice House is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. Named after our late founder, Helen Houston, Justice House is about helping our neighbors and second chances. We work collectively with the community to end the cycle of government dependency, recidivism, and homelessness. When men and women successfully engage in our program, they have the confidence in themselves to make good, informed decisions. This is accomplished by providing career development, financial literacy, life skills coaching, credit literacy; all leading to more productive citizens making their communities better.
What is the biggest accomplishment you’ve had in the last year?
Our biggest accomplishment last year was the increase in clients served and their success rates. In 2022 we served 62 clients with a 43% success rate. In 2023, we served 98 clients with a 62% success rate. We expect an even greater increase this year. As we continue to learn and grow, our reach continues to grow.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in the last year?
Our biggest challenge is finding housing resources for our male clients. We have many clients that are homeless when they are referred to us. We try our best to support them in finding housing. The challenge has been much greater for our male clients.
What do you love most about your job?
Honestly, I really do love everything about my job. Even the challenges are helping me learn, grow and bring new adventures. However, it is watching our clients find their breakthrough moments that brings me the most joy. Watching fear, anger, and defeat turn into hope, self-confidence, and motivation.
What do you want people to know about your organization that they don’t already know? Fragmented support systems, educational neglect, food insecurity, and limited life skill development during a person’s youth are some of the elements that lead to crime and incarceration. Our biggest goal is to empower clients. Empower them to believe in themselves and see their value. Empower them by surrounding them with support and community. Empower them with the skills to make decisions that will benefit them in a positive way and will also contribute to their community in positive ways.
Is there anything you want the public to help with(more volunteers, donations, event attendance, etc.)?
We would love the public to join us at our 2nd Annual Helen Houston Memorial Tea Party on June 8 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM at the Zia Park Casino Annex. The Tea Party event is a way for us to raise funds, but it is also a way for us to make new connections with the amazing people in Lea County and share the great things that are happening within our organization. At this event, the public can learn more about our programs and ways they can be involved. More information about the Tea Party event can be found on our social media pages.
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