Beginning this fall, Union Theological Seminary is hosting Coming Home Program, a nationally recognized, trauma-informed reentry initiative founded by Dr. Dawn Ravella, Union adjunct faculty member, and offered through Communities for Healing & Justice (CHJ- chjharlem.org).
The Coming Home Program brings together formerly incarcerated participants and community volunteers for weekly meals, restorative dialogue, and skill-building workshops. Since its founding in 2009, the program has impacted over 250 participants — many of them Union’s Masters of Professional Studies (MPS) alumni — and has been replicated in more than 12 faith communities.
Hosting the program at Union is an extraordinary opportunity:
- For students – experiential learning and mentorship opportunities tied to chaplaincy, restorative justice, and reentry ministry.
- For alumni – meaningful avenues for ongoing engagement and service, especially for our MPS graduates.
- For faculty, staff, and our entire community – a visible, values-driven commitment that aligns with Union’s broader calling to pursue justice, healing, and transformation.
The program will takes place on Wednesday evenings, including a community meal, mentor sessions, and reflective dialogue. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni will all have the opportunity to apply as mentors, volunteer, and participate in meals.
This partnership is a true win–win–win for Union, CHJ, and the communities we serve.