The Home of Industry for Discharged Prisoners of Philadelphia, Pa.,
which was organized in 1889 to provide a home and employment for
released prisoners, cared for 73 men during the year 1910. These men
were given board, lodging, and an additional money remuneration for
employment provided them by the organization. This is accomplished at
a financial loss which is met by state appropriations, donations, etc.
The work provided consists of making brooms, caning chairs, etc., the
products being placed upon the market. The Board of Managers, in its
annual report says:
“It is our firm conviction that it is a radical error to place a man
in regular employment as soon as he leaves prison. There should be
a probationary, or convalescent, period in every case. The Home of
Industry for Discharged Prisoners provides a retreat for just such a
period, where the man can be rebuilt. When he shows by his actions,
outside of prison walls, that he is worthy to be recommended it will be
quite time enough for the philanthropic to assume sponsorship. The best
part of it all is that no sponsorship is then needed, for the man is
quite capable of taking care of himself.”