“I pray to the Holy Spirit constantly, asking for guidance in reaching out to those who could benefit from our services here. The Holy Spirit has the power to soften the hearts of the individuals who come to us,” stated Sr. Virginia L, MSC, with deep conviction. Sr. Virginia is the founder of Stephen’s Place, a halfway house dedicated to supporting men who have been incarcerated and are struggling with substance use disorders.
She is a member of the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, a religious congregation based in the United States. Born on June 6, 1938, in Allentown, a city located in eastern Pennsylvania, Sr. Virginia has devoted her life to helping those in need. Her commitment to serving others is evident in her work at Stephen’s Place, where she offers compassion, support, and guidance to men seeking to rebuild their lives after facing significant challenges. Through her prayers and dedication, she aims to create a welcoming environment where individuals can
find healing and hope.
Call within a Call from Classroom
Sr. Virginia was raised in Dublin, Pennsylvania, where she graduated from Pennridge High School. In 1961, she made her first profession with the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC) Congregation in Reading, Pennsylvania. Her dedication to education led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, which she completed in 1969 at Villanova University. For the next 18 years, she taught elementary school in various institutions across the Allentown and Philadelphia Dioceses, where she made a significant impact on the lives of her students.
Recognizing the importance of spiritual education, she furthered her studies by earning a master’s degree in Religious Studies from Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary. This advanced education prepared her for a Clinical Pastoral Care program, which would deepen her understanding of ministry and support.
In 1985, after much contemplation and prayer, she made the pivotal decision to leave her fifth-grade classroom to explore prison ministry more seriously. She became a certified counselor in the drug and alcohol mental health unit at a maximum-security prison in Columbia, South Carolina. During her time there, she also completed a year-long Clinical Pastoral Education Program at the same facility, gaining invaluable experience in providing spiritual care to inmates.
To further enhance her qualifications, she pursued a master’s degree in social work from the University of South Carolina. From May 1989 until September 1992, she served as a social worker in the South Carolina Department of Corrections, where she continued to advocate for and support individuals facing significant challenges within the prison system.
Background and Beginning of a Halfway House
A young man named Stephen Poston, who was a parolee without any family, one day told her, “You should start a place where you can help people like me.” He had undergone a significant transformation thanks to Sr. Virginia. She first met Stephen in 1985 while she was working as a social worker in the South Carolina Department of Corrections. At the time, Stephen was just 19 years old. She played a crucial role in helping him find an apartment, which serendipitously was located near her own home. She provided him with the support he needed to adjust to life after prison.
Without Sr. Virginia’s intervention and guidance, Stephen feared he would have fallen back into addiction and the cycle of crime that often accompanies it. Her decision to leave the classroom and pursue work within the Department of Corrections was inspired by her desire to follow her inner calling. Being receptive to the Holy Spirit and the idea of creating a supportive environment for individuals like Stephen, Sr. Virginia returned to her home in the Lehigh Valley in 1992. With just $1,000 in hand, she founded Stephen’s Place, naming it in honor of Stephen P. Determined to make her vision a reality, she made an appointment with a real estate agent. When the agent inquired about how she would secure the remaining funds needed to purchase a house, she confidently replied, “You find a house, and I’ll find the money.” She placed her complete trust in the Lord, believing that He had called her for this special mission.
The religious community of her province stepped in to support her dream, lending her $80,000 to help purchase the property. In April 1993, Sr. Virginia’s dream was realized when Stephen’s Place was established as a non-profit program dedicated to helping those in need. That same year, while renovations were underway, she moved into the house. By the end of 1994, two residents had already moved in, marking the beginning of a new chapter for many individuals seeking a fresh start.
Halfway House: Goal, Service and Success
Stephen’s Place is a halfway house designed to support men who have been incarcerated and are struggling with drug addiction. The organization offers a range of services aimed at helping these men successfully transition back into their communities. At any given time, the facility accommodates five male residents, providing them with essential support services such as relapse prevention, individual counseling, job search assistance, and access to a 12-step recovery
program in the community.
Each year, Stephen’s Place serves approximately 10 to 12 residents, operating under the belief that men returning to society after incarceration deserve a safe and spiritually nurturing environment. This supportive atmosphere is crucial for fostering early recovery from substance abuse and for helping residents develop important life skills. To facilitate this transition, Stephen’s Place offers a structured halfway house environment, allowing men to reintegrate into society as productive
citizens.
Sr. Virginia, the foundress, creates a family-like atmosphere within the house, maintaining strict rules to ensure a supportive and respectful living environment. Family dinners and group outings are regular features of life at Stephen’s Place, promoting a sense of community among the residents. Sister Virginia also organizes social gatherings with her “graduates” and their children during holidays, fostering lasting connections and support networks.
While the program at Stephen’s Place is officially designed to last 90 days, residents are encouraged to stay as long as they need in order to prepare for independent living. Sr. Virginia notes that many graduates return for the annual Christmas party and Easter egg hunt, highlighting the ongoing relationships formed during their time at the halfway house. She proudly shares that many of these individuals have gone on to marry and start families of their own.
Since its establishment, 340 men have participated in the program, with an impressive 73% successfully rebuilding their lives and avoiding recidivism or re-incarceration. She emphasizes the transformative impact of the program, stating, “Many of them have turned their lives around and accomplished goals they never thought possible.” Stephen’s Place stands as a beacon of hope and recovery, demonstrating the power of community support and dedicated mentorship in the
lives of those seeking a second chance.
Halfway House: A Recovery Community
At the halfway house, Sr. Virginia focuses on demonstrating to the residents that it is possible to enjoy life without relying on drugs or alcohol. To achieve this, she organizes various activities outside the house, such as attending hockey and basketball games, going to the movies, or dining out together. These outings are designed to show the residents that they can have fun and build positive experiences in a sober environment.
In addition to fostering enjoyable experiences, she emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility. Residents are required to inform her about their whereabouts and activities at all times. They are subject to curfews to maintain a structured environment, which help instill discipline and accountability in their daily lives. Furthermore, during the first 90 days of the program, residents are not allowed to use social media or smartphones. This restriction is intended to minimize distractions and reduce the risk of negative influences that could jeopardize their recovery.
In the early stages of their recovery, residents are taught that reconnecting with people from their past—especially those who may still be involved in substance use—can hinder their progress. Sr. Virginia encourages them to focus on making new friends within the recovery community, where they can find support and build healthier relationships. By surrounding themselves with individuals who share similar goals and experiences, the residents can strengthen their commitment to sobriety and create a positive social network that supports their journey toward lasting recovery.
A Halfway House softens Hearts
In 2013, Joseph P faced charges for driving under the influence of alcohol, and in 2017, he was charged with retail theft. After completing his probation, he recognized that he was ready for a change in his life. On March 23, 2022, Joseph became a resident of Stephen’s Place, a halfway house dedicated to helping individuals in recovery. His probation officially concluded a year later.
Every day, Joseph rises early at 5 a.m. to begin his day. He takes two buses to his job as a cook at KFC, demonstrating his commitment to rebuilding his life.
Reflecting on his experiences at Stephen’s Place, he shares, “I’m trying to become a better person, and this place has really taught me to be the man I should be. It has helped me learn to be respectful, to act like an adult, and to be a law-abiding citizen.”
Through his time at Stephen’s Place, Joseph has gained employment and embraced the values and lessons essential for his personal growth and recovery. His journey illustrates the transformative impact of the supportive environment provided by the halfway house, enabling him to work towards a brighter future.
Sr Virginia L in her own Words
Sr. Virginia celebrated her 86th birthday on June 6, 2024. With great passion and conviction, she reflects on her mission at Stephen’s Place by quoting a verse from the Bible, Ezekiel 36:26: “I will remove your heart of stone from you and give you a heart of flesh.” She believes that this transformation is occurring among the residents of the halfway house. “Their hearts are softening, and their consciousness is awakening,” she says, emphasizing the positive changes she observes in the men she serves.
Stephen’s Place serves as a beacon of hope and healing for non-violent offenders who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse. The program is dedicated to helping these individuals rehabilitate and rebuild their lives, providing them with the support and guidance they need to overcome their past challenges.
Sr. Virginia expresses her awe at what she considers the work of God in this mission. “It’s amazing,” she states. “I’ve always believed that God wanted it this way; otherwise, it would never have happened.” Her faith drives her commitment to helping others, and she sees the positive transformations in the lives of the residents as a testament to the divine purpose behind Stephen’s Place. Through her unwavering dedication, she continues to inspire hope and facilitate healing in the lives of those seeking a second chance.
Sr Virginia L: A Brave Woman
When I joined the Prison Ministry in India in 2018, I became aware of Sr. Virginia L, MSC, and the impactful work she has been doing. I was eager to learn more about her as a Missionary of the Sacred Heart and her dedication to serving the lost and marginalized members of society. Through her ministries at the halfway house, she has helped transform the lives of 340 men, guiding them toward recovery and renewal. It makes me ponder how different the lives of those 340 men and their families might have been if she had not embraced her calling and said yes to the special mission she received.
Reaching out to the weak, marginalized, and broken individuals in our communities is a calling that demands immense courage and unwavering trust in God. Sr. Virginia’s complete surrender to God and her bravery in working alongside these men is both admirable and commendable. Her commitment to helping those in need reflects a deep understanding of the transformative power of compassion and faith.
I hope that many more priests, religious leaders, and laypeople will respond to similar calls and embody the virtues of trust in God and courage. By doing so, they can work miracles in the lives of those who are struggling, whether men or women, and contribute to meaningful change in our rapidly evolving society. Sr. Virginia’s example serves as an inspiration for all of us to engage in acts of service and to uplift those who are often overlooked.
Sr. Lini Sheeja, MSC, is a member of the Congregation of Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. She has worked as a team member for Child-line at BOSCO in Bangalore and has served as a Geriatric Medical Social Worker at St. John’s Medical College Hospital in Bangalore. Her motto, “My God provides, and no child should go uneducated” inspires her to reach out to many orphans and children in need. She has also held the position of treasurer for the Conference of Religious India (CRI) in Bangalore and served as the National Secretary for Prison Ministry India. Additionally, she was the Chief Editor of Prison Voice, a national monthly magazine, and is the author of seven books. In her seventh book, ‘O Justice, Where are You?’, she addresses the call for justice in the 21st century. One of her books, titled ‘Sound of Silence’ has been published in seven languages.
Great testimony. What was of special interest is that a woman was doing this for men who could very easily relapse into violence or abuse. Does she manage this all alone?