Programs

Heartsease is a counseling service for one-to-one spiritual direction and pastoral care.  It is available for people of any cultural or religious background, and for those who do not adhere to a particular faith.  The prerequisite is a desire for spiritual growth and support.  Private sessions are available for a fee.  If you are interested in spiritual direction, contact us at info@thenewcommunity.org to schedule an appointment.  

Group or individual counseling for families and other loved ones of people who have undergone traumatic experiences.  The New Community offers a secure place for people to become familiar with common issues after trauma, to solve problems, and to learn how to build a stable environment for everyone involved.  To discuss possible counseling by phone or zoom, contact info@thenewcommunity.org

I Want My Life Back! is a 12-week pre-release program for women who are in prison.  It was formalized in Ohio State prisons in 2003.  Women are trained in critical thinking and ideas from behavioral science while forming  healthy mentoring and peer relationships.  The program systematically addresses conditions that encourage traumatic events.  It is an opportunity to practice social skills and understanding.  Graduates are invited to continue in small-group leadership training, and facilitate the following formal courses.  

Straight Talk  is an ongoing weekly class for men who are in prison.  It was started in 2008 at the request of wardens of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction who wanted a program for men that paralleled New Community's pre-release course for women.  Students preferred a format that focuses on current events, with reading and writing and discussion.  We provide the same content from behavioral science and social skill development.  Students who have been with the course longest take leadership to facilitate events, choose topics, resolve problems, and invite new students.  We provide an additional support and discussion groups for incarcerated veterans.  

We are developing a program for seekers who who  have struggled with isolation, stigma, slander, and ostracism.  This is a facilitated peer mentoring group that will be initiated in Fall 2020.  We offer weekly sessions  to express joys and concerns, guide group discussion, and solve problems.  The first group is focused on community reentry after prison.  Later groups will be drawn from other interest areas, as need and opportunity arise.   If you are interested in being part of a group, write to us at info@thenewcommunity.org and watch this space for more information.