 Gemeinschaft Home has submitted a formal bid to create a new program in collaboration with Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg.
In an effort to address the problem of jail overcrowding in the Shenandoah Valley, the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County issued a public call in August for proposals to establish a Day Reporting Center (DRC) in the local area. A Day Reporting Center would provide an alternative to incarceration for certain individuals who have been charged with a crime and are awaiting trial--yet cannot afford to make bail. Rather than being confined to the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Regional jail until their trial date, individuals would instead be able to sustain employment, childcare, and other obligations, by participating in the program. Such individuals, often first-time offenders, would be subject to intensive supervision, ongoing drug screens, and receive case management, counseling, and referrals to community services. According to a recent article in Harrisonburg’s Daily News-Record, Gemeinschaft Home was the only organization to submit a bid by the August 26th deadline. Gemeinschaft Home seeks to establish a Day Report Center in addition to its existing residential re-entry program, which would still operate on the property. The two programs would function independently, with no interaction between the participants. If approved, Gemeinschaft Home would begin contract negotiations with local officials to iron out the finer details, with an official launch date to be announced in the coming months. (Source: Cornell, Ryan. “County Gets Proposal for Day Reporting Facility.” Daily News-Record [Harrisonburg, VA] 28 Aug. 2015.) Virginia Department of Corrections Representatives Visit from Across the State  Attendees mingle on the front porch. HARRISONBURG, Va Gemeinschaft Home hosted a promotional event on Thursday, August 27th, with dozens of representatives from the Virginia Department of Corrections and of regional community service organizations in attendance. Guests heard presentations from staff and board members, who explained the history and mission of the program and shared new developments in the organization.
Audience members were given the opportunity to ask questions and to tour the house and residential living areas. With a scenic view of the mountains, visitors also enjoyed lunch and lively discussions on the porch and lawn of the Gemeinschaft Home farm house. Tax Credits for Donations: An Incentive for Businesses and Individuals  Gemeinschaft Home has been approved by Virginia’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) to provide tax incentives for certain individuals and businesses who make donations to the organization. Participating donors will be eligible to claim a tax deduction (up to 65% of the amount) awarded through credits distributed by Gemeinschaft Home and certified by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Such an arrangement provides much needed income for the operating and program costs of the organization and offers a motivation for potential donors who otherwise might contribute a smaller amount or give to another organization all together—a true win-win situation for all.
Gemeinschaft Home residents face significant income restrictions, both because of the time spent incarcerated and the economic obstacles of a labor market that systematically discriminates against convicted felons. Additional funds generated through NAP enable us to better serve our residents, by providing them with better resources, tools, and information for life recovery and the future. For more information about the Neighborhood Assistance Act Tax Credit, donor eligibility requirements, and the necessary steps for making a donation for NAP tax credit purposes, please visit our website (www.gemeinschafthome.org) or call us at 540-434-1690. |
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