Our History

Journey to New Life was founded in August 2013 by Georgia Walker, Rita Flynn and Sr. Rose McLarney. They brought to the table many years of experience in corrections, reentry and restorative justice work. The founding was in response to a lack of services for persons reentering society following prison, especially the most vulnerable, including those with a long history of incarceration, history of substance abuse, mental illness, history of trauma and lacking family resources. Homeless veterans were assisted as well.

Due to the expertise of the staff and the generous community support, Journey To New Life expanded rapidly. In the summer of 2015, 17-bed Journey House was added to serve as a temporary home for women leaving incarceration to build the bridge between prison and permanent housing. In the summer of 2019, Peace House, another 17-bed residence for women leaving Missouri prison was added.

Over the years Case Management was expanded, Post Residency Support was started in February 2020 and First Stop Services was added in November 2021.

In March, 2022, Co-Founder and Executive Director, Georgia Walker died unexpectedly. Kathleen Kennedy became Executive Director on June 1, 2022.

When a formerly incarcerated person, regardless of their circumstances, successfully reintegrates into the community, they are less likely to commit new crimes — or create new victims. So it’s good for everyone.

At Journey to New Life, Journey House and Peace House, formerly incarcerated individuals, who are re-entering the community get so much more than just a place to sleep at night or help with basic human needs.

Because it’s built on a restorative justice approach focused on healing, hope and, most importantly, an opportunity to begin again — it offers them the power to change.