04/13/2025
Great News!
Over 25 people gathered at UUSD on Sunday, April 6, to assemble 100 backpacks for individuals leaving Sussex Correctional Institution, many of whom are released with little or nothing. Each backpack included socks, laundry detergent, a folder with information about community resources, a wallet, a bus pass, and toiletries such as hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, a razor, shaving cream, and more. Also included were earplugs, a reusable water bottle, and handwritten notes of encouragement from volunteers. In addition to UUSD members, volunteers came from Seaside Jewish Community, the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, and the Psi Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The purchase of the backpacks and most of the items inside was made possible through generous donations from UUSD's Share the Plate program, the organizations mentioned above, the Lifer’s Group at Sussex Correctional Institution, M&T Bank, PIRCOD (Partnership in Reentry Coalition of Delaware), and many caring individuals. Additional items were donated by Teach a Person to Fish Society, TruEarth Detergent, Inc., Mack’s Earplugs, and other individuals.
The organizing partners included UUSD, Seaside Jewish Community, The Way Home, the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, PIRCOD, and the Delaware Center for Justice. This effort was a true example of community collaboration, with staff support provided by The Way Home and the Delaware Center for Justice. The completed backpacks were delivered to The Way Home, a transitional housing and support nonprofit in Georgetown that assists individuals reentering society after incarceration. To learn more about the challenges faced by people returning from prison, join us for the Reentry Simulation on May 10, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the DelTech located in Georgetown, DE. Hope to see yo soon!