Our History
Sister Virginia chose to name this house Stephen’s Place for two reasons: Stephen had planted the seed and St. Stephen was the first Christian in prison who was endowed with both courage and wisdom. Stephen’s Place offers an opportunity where these virtues can be lived freely and responsibly. It would be for all the “Stephens” who have dreams and a willingness to make them happen but lack the necessary resources to make them a reality.
The founding of Stephen’s Place was driven by Sister Virginia’s mission to reach out to the disenfranchised members of our society; specifically, adult males leaving prison that had a need for a safe structured environment to deal with their substance abuse addiction as well as their history of non-violent criminal behavior.
With this vision, Sister returned to the Lehigh Valley in 1992. The following year her dream became a reality.
A Board of Directors, volunteers, and a support staff assist Sister Virginia to keep Stephen’s Place a safe home for those men who are pursuing a new way of life.
Meet Our Director - Sherman Myers
As a person in long-term recovery, my journey has been marked by profound personal growth and meaningful professional development. Navigating the challenges of recovery required resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to change—qualities that continue to shape both my life and work today.
My recovery began in early 2002, prompted by significant difficulties. At that time, I decided to seek a new approach to living, which included support from a fellowship (Narcotics Anonymous), and reliance on external guidance. With this assistance, I have maintained 23 years without drugs or alcohol.
Initially, as a 41-year-old in recovery with a criminal record, my employment options were limited to construction and warehouse work, which I pursued for several years. Eventually, I became a part-time Clinical Tech at the Halfway Home of the Lehigh Valley, a 40-person inpatient facility where I had previously been a resident. This role helped strengthen my skills and led to further opportunities, including serving as a House Manager—a position I held for nearly five years. When my time at Halfway Home ended, I pursued additional qualifications, earning a Certified Recovery Specialist certificate and actively exploring new employment opportunities.
After earning my Certified Recovery Specialist certificate and gaining valuable experience in direct care and management, I was hired as Program Coordinator at Stephen’s Place. This non-profit halfway home serves men who have been incarcerated and are living with substance use disorder.
Under the guidance of our founder, Sister Virginia Longcope, I spent several years developing my skills and understanding effective program management. Her mentorship was instrumental in preparing me for my current role as Director, where I continue to build on the foundation of compassion, structure, and support that defines Stephen’s Place.
My lived experience, coupled with years of hands-on management and direct care, informs everything I do. I am committed to creating a safe, structured, and compassionate environment for our residents as they transition back into the community and begin new lives in recovery—just as I did years ago.
Meet Our Founder
With heavy hearts, we remember Sister Virginia Longcope, a cherished member of our community whose life was marked by unwavering dedication, compassion, and service. Sister Virginia was raised in Dublin, PA, and in 1959, she made her first profession in the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Reading, Pennsylvania.
Her commitment to education and nurturing young minds was evident during her 18 years as an elementary school teacher in the Allentown and Philadelphia Dioceses, a calling that reflected her deep care for others. Sister Virginia's pursuit of spiritual and academic growth led her to earn a bachelor’s degree from Villanova University and later a master’s in Religious Studies from Saint Charles of Borromeo Seminary.
In 1985, she answered a different call — one that took her beyond classrooms to the gates of a maximum security prison in Columbia, SC. There, she completed a Clinical Pastoral Education Program and a master’s in social work, dedicating herself to serving some of the most marginalized and vulnerable. Her work as a social worker in the South Carolina Department of Corrections exemplified her courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice and mercy.
Today, we mourn the loss of a sister who gave so much of herself to others — a woman whose life was a testament to faith, service, and love. We are saddened by her passing, but grateful for the gift of her presence among us. Her spirit will always remain in our hearts.
Rest in peace, Sister Virginia. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
Sister Virginia receiving an honorary degree from Desales University, 2005. “For her humane contribution to a harsh and faithless criminal justice system”.
In November 2009, the Reverend John O. Barres, Bishop of Allentown, visited Stephen’s Place to celebrate it’s 15th anniversary.
In March 2015, Sister Virginia was honored for her service to the poor at the Allentown Diocese Catholic Charities Annual Gala.