Breaking the Cycle of Crime
At Cephas, seven out of ten people who complete our program remain out of prison. Nationally, the success rate is about four of ten.
Most ex-offenders helped by Cephas go on to successfully hold jobs, pay rent, and raise families. They become "ordinary people" and live in society as productive, tax-paying citizens. As such, they build their self-confidence and learn to value others. Instead of taking, these people now give back to society.
Each person who successfully establishes an independent lifestyle and stays free of crime saves society almost $30,000 a year in prison costs.
Buffalo's Phoenix Award Dinner
The volunteer prison community of Buffalo gathered March 19, 2005 to honor three outstanding men at the 3rd Annual Phoenix Award Dinner.The Convention Center was pleasantly crowded, the food excellent, the company better.
But for the 130 or so attendees, the highlight of the evening was the witness of the awardees.Each of the men exemplifies what can happen when that which is deep, true and good in the human person is tapped.The Phoenix Award is given in recognition of the infinite capacity of men and women to rise from the ashes of incarceration to become persons of integrity, leadership and service.Each of the sponsoring organizations was invited to submit a name and give an award.Those honored were:
Willie Wilson
Cephas’ first awardee, grew up on the streets of New York City, came of age in Sing Sing and spent the better part of the next 20 years in prison.Willie gave witness to his growth with us, sharing his journey in the groups, the Rochester Residence andfinally the St. Patrick’s Residence in 1988 where he finally began to hear what Cephas was saying.Today, Willie cherishes his role as mentor, encouraging others to take the right path.Life has given him more than he’s earned and he is truly looking for the chance to serve others
Ernie Warren
The Kairos awardee, is blessed to have been a participant both of Cephas and the Kairos program.Ernie worked Kairos inside, is active in his Jamestown church community, and with his wife is an accomplished quilt maker and chef.He is currently enrolled at Jamestown Community College and will graduate in the spring of 2006 with an Associates degree in Applied Science.Ernie thanks God for all his success on the outside.
Carter Johnson
Graduated from the Cephas residence on Seymour Street nearly 15 years ago.Once strung out on heroin and cocaine, Carter is profoundly aware that God has brought him on this journey to sobriety.Noting that we had all gathered under a great spiritual umbrella to touch someone else’s life, he said, “How good God is!I thank God for touching so many lives and allowing people like you to allow me to live two lifetimes in one lifetime.Ultimately for me, God is the person I most thank and most need to serve.”
Rochester's Evening of Hope
Cephas honored two of its founders and recognized the successful return to the community of six formerly incarcerated individuals at its first annual Evening of Hope in Rochester on November 14, 2004.
Over one hundred attendees were riveted by a dramatic reading of The Crows of Copper John, a poetic history of Auburn Correctional Facility written by Patricia Roth Schwartz, a well-known poet who lives near Rochester.Four residents or graduates of Hunter House and two volunteers followed that presentation with brief poems or reflections on their experiences in prison and in transition to freedom.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of Rochester’s First Annual Phoenix Awards to five individuals who have “risen from the ashes of incarceration to achieve success in their communities.”Acknowledging Cephas’ long-standing collaboration with other organizations that work with men and women in prison and after release, each of those organizations nominated one individual to receive an award.The recipients are:Bernard Smith, Cephas; Josephine Barnard, Jennifer House; LuEthel Tate, Step by Step; Robert A. Jones, Judicial Process Commission; and Lois Amendola, Bethany House.
A special Planting the Seed Award was given to John Mulligan, formerly a Cephas participant in Rochester, who has established a Cephas program in southern New Jersey.Cephas New Jersey is the first Cephas program to operate outside of western New York.
Finally, in recognition of their vision and commitment to Cephas for many years, Ken and Dorothy Siegel were honored with the Founders Award.Ken and Dorothy, along with the late Harold Steele, were responsible for building the Cephas program from its founding in 1971 to the solid community resource it is today.
"Cephas gave me the tools and support system I needed to realize the error of my ways and to learn that I can be a productive member of society."
-Cephas participant
Mel's Story
After 28 years of incarceration, I was released in March of 2003.Instead of going home I decided my best move to stay “FREE” would be Cephas House where I would be in a controlled environment—where I could “GO SLOW” and reintegrate myself back into society.
My first stop from prison was the cemetery to visit Mom & Dad and have a good, long cry . . .
Seymour, resident dog, helped me to keep my sanity.I never knew there could be such pleasure in just walking a dog or rough housing with him.If depression set in and I felt overwhelmed I could cry and hug Seymour.
Because of the patience, support and love I received at Cephas House and from everyone connected with Cephas House, especially Rev. Len, I was able to make that transition (after 90 days) to standing on my own, with an apartment, a cat, a car, and a good job.
I’m doing well.I took my first jet plane ride to Florida to visit baby sis. That was great, I even went swimming in the ocean.But I still have issues I’m working on,And I’m looking for a good woman to settle down with.The pain and sadness of my parents being gone still hurts.But I am thankful and grateful for the opportunities Cephas offered me.
If you want to do the “right thing”—and it’s hard—and stay “FREE”, Cephas is there for you.
Peace,
Carter's Story
Let me start by saying thank you to all of you involved now and in the past with the Cephas Ministry.Thank you for your dedication, commitment and help.It’s been close to fifteen years since I lived in the old Buffalo residency on Seymour St. and still the memoirs fill me with a mixture of wonder, gratitude, regret and awe.I was one of those that “didn’t get it” at the time but through God’s grace and some work on my part I soon found that my Cephas experience would truly be a rock upon which to build.Thank you!It is indeed true that “the full fruit of a labor of love lives in the harvest, and that always comes in the right season.”
Now to the rest of my friends, those of you to whom “Standing on the Count” has true significance and meaning.Let me take just a few lines to share with you who I have been and who I am now . . .As I said, my name is Carter, but on 116th in Harlem, the streets called me “C-Note.”I was one of those lost souls who “used to live and lived to use.”No risk was too great, no atrocities too outrageous; the answers for me always lived in just one more!I did four State bids and four violations of parole.I was caught in the grip of a continuing spiritual illness whose ends were always the same, jails, institutions and death.Maybe I was just a little like you?
Now this is the part that I find most amazing.Finding myself faced with yet another State bid, I realized that the answer to my dilemma lay not with society, or the Parole Board or the Judge.It was within myself.If drugs were the answer, then what was the question?
And so I stopped using and you will never guess what happened next!Things began to improve.After 13 years of not using, I now own my own home, my own business, have a couple of great vehicles, a motorcycle, a great woman who is willing to marry me and even a checking account.And guess what, in all this time, I have yet had to stand for the count.With all of this, you know what I find most gratifying, my peace of mind.
Let me close by saying to those of you who still walk the line that life for you too can far exceed your wildest dreams.Listening and following the directions of those that are placed in my life by God to help has worked for me.Life can exceed your wildest dreams and expectations if only you give yourself a break!
Peace,
Danny's Story
Cephas Attica has truly been a life-saving inspiration in my life.I reached out to the program at a point in my life where I was heading nowhere fast--a 19 year old violent offender whose light at the end of the tunnel was dimming fast.
Not only did Cephas give me the opportunity to complete the program and benefit from it once, but they allowed me to have a second go at it.The first time I tried and failed at making the transition back to society.I guess my friend and mentor, Bob, saw my determination to beat the odds and allowed me to return to the program after doing a 15 month violation. Now I’m doing very well, with a good steady job, and I’ll be getting off parole on November 12, 2004.
For those who truly feel that life is turning its brutal back on them, have faith that in Cephas you have a life-time guardian angel who’ll help brush your shoulders off and set you on the right track.I truly owe my success to this program, the program that convinced me that it was possible to jam that revolving door.
Thank you, Cephas. Danny
Sylvester's Story
Prior to serving time in prison, I lived in a group home for four years.The first time I went to prison, I served five years for manslaughter.I found myselfback in prison for a second time when I plead guilty to the attempted murder of a former girlfriend.I got out of Attica after serving 14.5 years.
However, when I went to prison the second time, I began to participate in the Cephas program and it helped me to change my outlook on life and it turned my life around.In fact, I decided to go to college while in prison and obtainedmy bachelors of science degree in social sciences.So, I especially want to thank Cephas for all the love and support it has given me while in prison and after my release from prison.Equally important, I want to congratulate Cephas in celebrating its 31st anniversary.
Upon my release from prison, I went to live with my grandfather who believed in me and wanted the best for me.I credit him for giving me a stable place to live and not worry about where I would sleep or eat
Since my release from prison, I have maintained employment as a socialworker for a family shelter helping people find employment.I have also been active In community activities, such as the March against domestic violence and the AIDS walk.I recently began the pursuit of my graduate degree in social sciences at Adelphi University.
Again, thanks to Cephas and its emphasis on accountability, on the personal side, I have developed a better relationship with my parents and I get along much better with people in general.I have a beautiful girlfriend who I hope to marry one day.
PEDRO
I HIT THE NY LOTTO!!!IT’S TRUE!I DID,ALONG WITH 40 OTHER PEOPLE.WHAT WERE THE CHANCES OF THAT HAPPENING? I’M STILL NOT RICH, BUT I AM WEALTHY WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS & MY SUPPORT CIRCLE THAT HELPS ME GO FORWARD IN LIFE.
MY NAME IS PEDRO KNOWN AS “CABESA” DURING THE FIVE WORST YEARS OF MY LIFE! I COULD WRITE A BOOK WITH ALL THE EXPERIENCES I HAD IN THOSE FIVE YEARS, BUT INSTEAD I’LL LET YOU OFF WITH SOME QUICK THOUGH ON MY FIVE YEARS AND NINE MONTHS OF FREEDOM.
I HAVE A WONDERFUL FAMILY—WIFE (TRACY), 11 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER (ELYSIA), 8 YEAR OLD SON (TIMMY), FOUR YEAR OLD (ANTHONY) ,AND THE BABY (MYCHAL JUDGE), 14 MONTHS OLD.WE OWN A HOUSE, NO WHITE PICKETT FENCE AND NO PICK UP TRUCK BUT WE HAVE A NICE DODGE CARAVAN, AND WE JUST GOT A DOG CALLED PEE-PEE MAX FOR X-MAS.HE DRINKS WATER AND GOES. YES, A TOY DOG.I HAVE MY WORK CARS AND A MERCEDES THANKS TO MY MOM WHO GAVE IT TO ME;LIVING MY VERSION OF THE AMERICAN DREAM.—A BIG HOUSE WITH WHITE PICKETT FENCE, A DOG AND A PICKUP!!!
IT FEELS GOOD TO BE MOVING FORWARD WITH MY LIFE,PUTTING THE PAST BEHIND ME, BUT NEVER FORGETTING WERE I CAME FROM OR WHAT I’VE BEEN THROUGHAND THE CHANGE I HAVE EXPERIENCED SINCE WALKING INTO MY FIRST CEPHAS MEETING AT ORLEANS C.F.LOOK AT ME NOW, FREE!!!
ITS BEEN OVER EIGHT YEARS AND STILL I TRY TO MAKE TIME FROM LIFE TO MAKE MEETINGS, STAY IN CONTACT, ATTEND FUNCTIONS, AND STAY WITHIN THE CIRCLE—THE CIRCLE OF LOVE, UNDERSTANDING AND CARING—THE ROCK, THE FOUNDATION, CEPHAS!I HEARD IT, READ IT, AND NOW LIVE IT.I’VE LEARNED THAT IN LIFE I HAVE TO MAKE SACRIFICES AND COMPROMISES.
MY ROCK IS MY FAMILY, I NEED TO SUPPORT THEM AS MUCH AS THEY SUPPORT ME.I CAN’T LET MY OLD HABITS TAKE OVER THE LOVE AND PEACE OF MY FREEDOM WITH MY FAMILY.IF I CAN, ANYONE CAN! I WORK THREE JOBS, OWN THREE RENTAL PROPERTIES AND STARTED A RENTAL COMPANY AND LAWN MAINTENANCE CO.YES, A HEAVY PLATE BUT I’M STILL LOOKING FOR THAT ONE DAY WHEN MILLIONAIRE WILL BE WITH MY NAME!!!THE DREAMS AND GOALSOF AYOUNG BUT GRAY HAIRED MAN!
I HOPE MY QUICK THOUGHTS OF FREEDOM GIVE HOPE TO THOSE STILL BEHINDTHE WALLS.I HAVE MY SECOND CHANCE &THANKS TO CEPHAS I’M GOING FORWARD.I ONCE WAS IN THE CELL NEXT TO YOU,ONCE A BUNKIE IN THE CUBE WITH YOU, ONE THAT SUFFERED THE PAIN & ANGUISH OF NOT BEING FREE!I SHED THOSE TEARS THEN & STILL SOME DAYS WHEN MEMORIES COME.BUT TODAY I KNOW IT’S OK.MY FUTURE IS WHAT I’M MAKING IT.WITH MY FAMILY & CEPHAS, I’LL BE MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICES.EXPERIENCE MY LIFE & MANY OTHERS IN THECEPHAS PROGRAM.OUR DOORS ARE ALWAYS OPEN!INSIDE PRISON OR OUTSIDE, MAKE A CHANGE.
LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE WALKING CIRCLE IN THE YARD.MAY GOD HELP YOU FIND PEACE AND HOPE TO OPEN THAT FREEDOM OF LOVING LIFE AND ALL IT’S GIFTS.
Mark Swail
The last place I thought I would end up in was prison. Me, a white boy from the suburbs with an education, a wife, two beautiful young girls, friends, a good job – the whole white picket fence thing working. Well drugs and alcohol do not discriminate and bad choices have their consequences. I thought that I had a right to behave towards anyone and everyone the way I wanted to. I broke an order of protection and was convicted of Burglary 1st. I woke up to find myself alone and sentenced to five years in prison. I played the victim – blaming everyone but myself. If only she didn’t do this or if they wouldn’t have done that.
In prison I had choices also. After the clouds in my head cleared, I chose to take a look at myself, the way I behaved and how I ended up where I was. I heard of the Cephas program and decided to see what it was about. At first I wasn’t attuned to what they had to say – they would call me on my bull. With the help of Brother Mike, volunteers and other inmates, I began to see things from a different point of view. After a while I began to trust in the group. Being able to talk openly without fear was truly a liberating experience. Now sober, I had all these emotions and feelings that I was not used to and I had no idea how to handle them. By being willing to listen and take suggestions, slowly at first, I started to have a different outlook on life. Suddenly I wasn’t the center of the universe anymore.
Once released, I continued in the path of recovery by going to the Cephas (Hunter) house in Rochester. The staff as well as other volunteers and mentors are there to help you but you must be willing to take the initiative and help yourself. I believe the program, both inside prison and outside is a spiritual one and the spirit of God (however and whomever you may understand God to be) is moving in marvelous ways in and through the people who chose to be involved with Cephas.
Today, one year after being released, I am in school and received an exemplary student award by the department of Law and Criminal Justice in the Paralegal Program at a local college. But most importantly I am part of my children’s life and I am participating in life – not wasting it. I stay involved with Cephas and other community programs which is the tie that binds. My message to you is don’t be afraid to ask for or receive help. Life is worth living and there is a purpose – go create it.
