Your First Name
Joe
Which CNC house are you staying at?
I have been at Isaiah House for about a month.
Why did you apply to live at a CNC house?
I was incarcerated for 25 years, 2 months, and 3 days. As my release approached, I was referred to a transitional housing organization in Houston. I sent an application letter, and I was accepted.
When I arrived, I moved in and spent one night. The organization saw that I had an ankle bracelet, and told me that I would not be allowed to stay. [Note from Christian New Creation: Joe’s offense was not a sexual offense. Longer incarcerated men, still on parole are required to wear an ankle monitor.]
I went to my parole office, hoping to find another housing facility. Fortunately and providentially, Tony Van Derbur happened to be at that parole office dealing with another releasee. Tony is the General Manager of Christian New Creation. Tony sat down with me. He interviewed me right there, and he offered me a bed.
How is Christ transforming you into a New Creation?
I knew that I was ready to put my past behind me. Isaiah House and Christian New Creation has helped me do that! They helped me reunite with my family, they have helped me strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ. I can face my past addictions and deal with temptations.
CNC offers twice weekly meetings of Addictions Anonymous. I have clean housing, 3 meals a day, support in setting up my personal banking, other life skills, clothing, transportation to and from doctor appointments, to the pharmacy for my meds, and a good environment for my parole officer visits.
I was raised Catholic in Alabama, but did not practice my faith for many years. After many years in prison, a visiting Catholic clergy met with me and the transformation began.
In prison and after my release, I am grateful to so many. To name some of them: Deacon Tony, Father Ron, Father Frank, Father Eugene, Father Pain, and the Isaiah House staff and volunteers, Tony, Sal, and David.