Fenway Report:
Prerelease Center to Receive Award
Author: Alissa Inman, Courant News Writer
Publication: The Boston Courant
Date: November 17, 2003
Though it opened on Park Drive less than a year ago, the Brooke House prerelease center for inmates of the Suffolk County House of Correction has already gained acceptance from neighbors, performed local community service and will soon receive an award for its operation. "They have been very generous in offering their time for projects," said Fredericka Veikley, vice president of the Fenway Civic Association, who also praised the upkeep of the the 107 Park Drive center.
“From the outward appearance they're really taking care of the property," she said.
The prerelease concept is not a new one for neighbors of the center. The Massachusetts Department of Correction operated a nearly identical facility on the same site for nearly 25 years until last year. When the state’s lease lapsed and funds were not allocated for renewal, Suffolk County purchased the building and moved its prerelease program there from the South End. The building houses approximately 50 inmates who are within 18 months of release, hold outside jobs that help pay their room and board and volunteer their time in the neighborhood.
Community Resources for Justice (CRJ), which oversees the Brooke House, will receive an award next week from the Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers to recognize its programs in the Fenway as well as in the other centers it operates citywide for adult offenders, troubled adolescents and the developmentally disabled.
Since its Fenway opening the Brooke House has incorporated two major changes. It has reestablished a "Safe House," a service the building had performed for years but which lapsed during the closure and transition between agencies. Any passerby who feels threatened or needs emergency assistance can buzz to come inside, where staff operate the front desk 24 hours a day and can provide assistance.
CRJ has also appointed a neighborhood advisory board. The board consists of three Fenway residents (Ed Burke, Cynthia Brophy and Claire Flury) and one representative each from the YMCA, City Councilor Mike Ross' office, Saint Ann University Parish, Northeastern University, the Fenway Alliance and Fenway Community Health.
"Sometimes we are asked to create an advisory board," said Elizabeth Curtin, department director for adult correctional services at CRJ. "We weren't asked to do this; it comes from us wanting to be a good neighbor."