New Connections is a nonprofit multi faith organization which supports the transition of women from prison to society. The vast majority of incarcerated women are poor. Many suffered periods of homelessness before their arrest and conviction. They leave prison without income. Many have no family members to help them rebuild their lives. At Irma Gary House the women find services and support they need in a safe and sober environment.

Description:
New Connections operates Irma Gary House to provide transitional housing (3-6 mo.) for women upon their release from Washington Corrections Center for Women. During their period of residence, women receive close case management and are linked to community resources for counseling, education/training and job placement services. Professional volunteers assist residents with legal matter and teach in-house workshops to help the women transition successfully. Other volunteers provide transportation and recreation opportunities.

New Connections also offers case management and emergency services to female ex-offenders referred and screened by Dept. of Corrections staff and other agencies.

New Connections operates a Non-resident program to ex-offenders and individuals at risk of becoming homeless by providing rental assistance subsidies.

History:
New Connections and Irma Gary House began as programs of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. New Connections became an independent, ecumenical organization in the fall of 2003 and re-opened Irma Gary House in January 2004. New Connections operated under the fiscal sponsorship of The Greater Tacoma Community Foundation from Oct. 1, 2003 until Sept. 30, 2004. New Connections received 501(c)3 status in July of 2004, and began independent operations in Oct.-2004. New Connections has assisted 39 women during their transition from prison back into community. New Connections seeks to help residents of Irma Gary House become knowledgeable of community resources and agencies that will assist them with physical, medical, mental health, employment, job training and housing needs. New Connections does not duplicate services already available in the community.

Contact person: Regina McKinney, Executive Director, (phone), (email)
Office fax number: (253) 627-2854

Address:

613 South 15th Street Tacoma, WA 98405 (See a map)

Directions:

Take the Downtown/Tacoma Dome exit frmo I-5 north. Merge left and follow directions to Downtown/15th Street exit. Take 15th Street West for 1.25 miles. Irma Gary House is a green house with orange trim on the north side of 15th. . . (more)   Nearest Bus Stop: 15th and S. Yakima, .1 minute walk