I began working at the House of Grace five years ago. The purpose of my initial project was to improve circumstances for families. I helped over 400 families by fundraising, providing medicine, meeting children’s needs, and creating and distributing food packages. I write reports for each family for the social department and the national insurance. I also host many women’s workshops. It’s challenging to persuade them to attend since the daily need for food and money is paramount. They are in a difficult situation, but we know the workshops are important, so we encourage attendance. I frequently work with single mothers, victims of domestic abuse, and individuals facing economic challenges.

When I tell people where I work, they often inquire about my safety and question why I would work for an organization that assists prisoners. Before I started, I held the same common misconceptions and wasn’t sure what to expect. On one of my early days, I was invited to lunch with everyone, including the prisoners. Until then, I had primarily assisted families in need and hadn’t met any of the prisoners. Hesitation crept in as I let others’ apprehensions influence my perception. I decided to face my fears and join the meal. Sitting in the kitchen, I was met with nothing but warm and welcoming faces. My reservations melted away amid shared meals, laughter, and the genuine bonds formed with those labeled as criminals. I saw them for who they truly are: people. At that moment, I became a part of the House of Grace family. People still question why I work with prisoners, only seeing the criminal label, but I see individuals striving to lead fulfilling lives and support their families. Some friends even ask why we assist both Jews and Muslims, but to me, we are all God’s children. Regardless of religion, gender, or circumstance, the House of Grace is always present. This inclusivity is one of the reasons I deeply admire this organization. While my job can be demanding and I can’t assist everyone as much as I’d like, I witness our positive impact daily. Now, when asked about my choice to work here with prisoners, I share my experiences and the profound influence they’ve had on my growth. I talk about the incredible individuals I’ve collaborated with and how, beyond our assistance to them, they’ve enriched my life and made me a better person.