Straight Talk Support Group Transitional House Resource Center (STSG) was founded by Ms. Bessie Elmore in March 2013 as a support group for families seeking answers, support, and resources for loved ones impacted by incarceration. Her understanding of reentry and family support came from her own lived experience as the mother of a justice-involved son who spent nearly twenty-five years under confinement within North Carolina’s Department of Corrections. Through supporting her son and connecting with other families facing similar challenges, Ms. Elmore recognized the need for stronger community support systems for both incarcerated individuals and those returning home.
In 2018, Ms. Elmore launched STSG Transitional House to provide temporary housing and supportive services for justice-involved men returning to the community from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. The original transitional house was located at 1101 North Mangum Street in Durham, a historic property with deep roots in community care and rehabilitation.
Originally built in 1915 for William Umstead and later owned by E.T. Rollins of the Durham Herald, the property later became known as The Troy House. During the 1970s and 1980s, Transition of Youth, Inc. operated there as a residential and personal care facility and correctional center for youth. Up until 2017, the site also provided services connected to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Continuing that legacy, STSG transformed the property into a transitional housing program focused on helping men successfully rebuild their lives after incarceration.
Today, Straight Talk Support Group operates from a new site, continuing its mission of providing transitional housing, peer support, advocacy, and community-based programming for justice-involved individuals.
In 2018, Ms. Elmore launched STSG Transitional House to provide temporary housing and supportive services for justice-involved men returning to the community from the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. The original transitional house was located at 1101 North Mangum Street in Durham, a historic property with deep roots in community care and rehabilitation.
Originally built in 1915 for William Umstead and later owned by E.T. Rollins of the Durham Herald, the property later became known as The Troy House. During the 1970s and 1980s, Transition of Youth, Inc. operated there as a residential and personal care facility and correctional center for youth. Up until 2017, the site also provided services connected to the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Continuing that legacy, STSG transformed the property into a transitional housing program focused on helping men successfully rebuild their lives after incarceration.
Today, Straight Talk Support Group operates from a new site, continuing its mission of providing transitional housing, peer support, advocacy, and community-based programming for justice-involved individuals.
OUR MISSION
STSG's mission is to be a voice in the community of Justice Involved Individuals and their families and friends that informs, supports, and empowers.
OUR VISION
Our vision is serving to see greatness in Justice Involved Individuals by providing them with 360-degree care and offering support to their family members with the help of the community and our charitable partners.
STSG's mission is to be a voice in the community of Justice Involved Individuals and their families and friends that informs, supports, and empowers.
OUR VISION
Our vision is serving to see greatness in Justice Involved Individuals by providing them with 360-degree care and offering support to their family members with the help of the community and our charitable partners.
Frequently Asked
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What is STSG?
STSG stands for Straight Talk Support Group, the nonprofit organization started out in 2013 as a support group for family members and friends of those who were incarcerated. In 2018, the organization expanded into transitional housing to help justice involved men who were returning to the community from incarceration. STSG is also an acronym for Serving to See Greatness, which is the purpose and code of ethics for the organization. What is the minimum age?
The minimum age accepted at STSG Transitional House is 21 years old. Who is eligible to stay at STSG?
STSG Transitional House accepts applicants that meet the following criteria: Justice-involved males. LGBTQ individuals that are transitioning may also be considered. Referrals are accepted from a correctional institution or reentry program. Applicants who have a previous criminal history, background or convictions for arson or sexual offenses will not be considered for admission. How is the environment at STSG?
STSG is a shared space and structured environment. The house is staffed 24/7 and all residents are required to follow the house rules which include curfews, chores and mandatory programs and meetings attendance Do the residents have a curfew?
All residents are required to abide by STSG or any court-imposed curfew. STSG's curfew is 8pm on weekdays and 9pm on weekends. *STSG's curfews are subject to change at our discretion. Is visitation allowed?
If the resident is coming from a Local Reentry Council (LRC), and/or Formally Incarcerated Transition (FIT) Program, they can have outside visitation. All visitors must be approved by STSG staff, show identification and sign the STSG Visitors Log Book. What resources are offered for residents?
STSG provides various supportive services such as assistance with obtaining vital documents, applying for social services and enrolling in educational or vocational programs. STSG partners with Formerly Incarcerated Transition (F.I.T.) to assist our residents with obtaining physical and mental healthcare upon release from incarceration. The organization also offers on-site workshops and classes on employability skills, financial literacy, personal development and peer support. Do residents have resources for employment?
STSG partners with a local employment agencies and employers for able-bodied residents with the proper identification to apply for employment opportunities. STSG also partners with a second-chance employer to offer work-based learning opportunities for residents with little to no work experience or large gaps between employment. What is the process for transition in and out?
An over-the-phone pre-admission interview is conducted prior to acceptance. Upon acceptance, intake and assessments are conducted for new residents in-person. Fifteen days prior to a discharge date, residents will receive an exit interview to discuss their home plan. How are resident expenses handled?
STSG is not responsible for any debts or financial responsibilities of the residents and they are allowed to manage their own expenses. Residents who are ineligible to qualify for food and nutrition benefits (food stamps) will have access to food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Residents who require a payee for their social service benefits, including SSI, must obtain their own payee representative. Does Straight Talk Support Group still meet weekly?
Straight Talk Support Group meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month, at 7pm virtually via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88028931834?pwd=TjRodTNGQXEwUmpSbGM3T2Vab1Ewdz09 Family and friends of loved ones that are still incarcerated, or recently released, are invited to attend our platform intended to support people who share a common journey and experiences. |
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