CBS 19 - The Eye of East Texas News - Shuttle to carry prisoner's families to visit them re-starting

Shuttle to carry prisoner's families to visit them re-starting

by Wilton Johnson

LONGVIEW (KYTX) - A defunct program bringing families to their incarcerated loved ones is being rejuvenated. As CBS 19's Wilton Johnson reports, the goal is twofold.

"That’s another part of building self esteem, selfworth." Galanda Anderson was excited to hear of her daughter’s idea to open a boutique for destitute women looking to re-enter society. Now Anderson’s daughter is looking to her mother for ideas, like her old prison shuttle service for families of convicts.

"I saw a need on the inside, a lot of pressure, a lot of low self-esteem. People not being able to connect with families from the outside," said Anderson. Her daughter and son-in-law will now rejuvenate that service through the Outreach Redemption House. Family members would gather at the Redemption House, then go by van to the unit where their loved ones are serving time.

"[We plan to go to] Dallas, Livingston, New Boston, places somewhat local." They see this as a ministry to the family, but more importantly, to the convict who needs to find a better road in life. "Our support helps people locked up just knowing somebody cares," said Anderson. 

This won’t remedy what put them there, but Anderson hopes it will help once they get out.

"They’re gonna need that part of their rehabilitation, for people to come visit in prisons along with re-entry programs."

The Outreach Redemption House is now signing up people for its December runs to area prisons. If you would like to sign up or have any questions, call 903-424-5135. There is a fee for the round trip. The amount depends on where you are going.