Volunteering creates an impact on more than the residents at Stephen’s Place. Below is a excerpt from a college admissions letter from a former volunteer.

“Who ever thought a Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart would have such an influence in a college students life?

Originally I was a Forensic Science major at Alvernia University in Reading, PA but by serendipity, my grandmother, a counselor joined the Board of Directors for Stephens Place and asked me to consider volunteering for the organization.  Stephen’s Place, located in Bethlehem, PA provides a home for non-violent male offenders with addiction problems run by Sister Virginia Longcope, a social justice advocate.  Sister Virginia hand picks 5 clients from Northampton and Lehigh County Correctional Facility to participate in the program based upon their willingness to change and desire to be productive members of society.  With a 73 0/0 success rate Stephen’s Place has been recognized on PBS and other entities.

This fateful decision, afforded me a transformational  opportunity to work  with this feisty, inspirational women.  Once a week I accompanied her during a  Therapy Group in Northampton County jail.  At first I observed her techniques and within a short time I felt competent with inmates.  Noticing my commitment the volunteer coordinator offered me an intership for the following summer………”

I (Anne Chadwell) met Sr. Virginia when she came to my church, Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Bethlehem to give a talk.  I attended because I wanted to hear what she had to say about the prison system and programs in the area to help men with addiction issues.  I was interested in this topic because my son was in the system and struggling with his life.  I was trying desperately to find help for him.  I was very impressed with her knowledge and just the straight way she spoke that I stopped in at Stephen's Place to see if there was any way that I could help.  And as they say, "the rest is history".  I became a regular volunteer using my gifts to help Sr. Virginia on the computer in many ways.  Most notably with creating the various cards, newsletters and any other items she needed printed.  I also help with updating the mailing list as well as some of the statistics of the house, filing and organizing.  I was also available to drive her around if she needed me to.  If Sr, Virginia asked me for help, and I could provide it I would or network to see if I could find someone else that could do it.  I don't remember what year it was when we first met but it must've been sometime around 2016.  I have enjoyed supporting Stephen's Place and developing a relationship with this amazing person everyone calls Sr. Virginia.  In fact, I believe wholeheartedly in what she has started and developed.  When she talked about retiring and needing to find a replacement I looked into getting the degrees that I would need to step into her shoes.  Unfortunately, God had other plans for me and fortunately for Stephen's Place they found a great person for Sr. Virginia to mentor - Sherman Myers.  I enjoyed volunteering to the extent that when I moved out of state a few years ago I continued to help remotely and happy that they allowed me to do so.