Journey to New Life, Inc.

09/04/2026

This week, our Director of Reentry Residences, Ciera Pierce (pictured center), attended the Missouri Coalition of Recovery Support Providers Conference, alongside Jill Hanlin (pictured left) from Amethyst Place, and Anna Hoyt (pictured right) from Healing House KC.

They connected after a breakout session focused on trainings and processes, where they had a conversation about strengthening staff development, organizing training requirements, and building consistent learning and accountability for teams.

Ciera reflected on the experience:
"It was great connecting with other professionals and sharing ideas about ways to better support our teams and the people we serve."

That connection, between professionals, organizations, people who care, is what makes recovery possible. When we show up to learn from each other, we get better at showing up for the people who need us.

We're proud of Ciera for representing JTNL and for investing in the kind of growth that strengthens our community!

09/03/2026

We are so grateful for this community! 💚

Mr. Conley sent us 24 brand new pairs of men's jeans and he’s already sending 21 more pairs.

This might sound simple, but it's not. For the men who walk through our First Stop office, a new pair of jeans that fits means something. During incarceration, everything is chosen for you — what you wear, what you eat, when you sleep. Having a new pair of jeans that's yours? That's dignity. That's someone seeing you as a person, not a number.

Last year, we saw 1,252 people through our First Stop program. Over 80% were men. We see 130 unique individuals every single month. A donation like this will go fast because the need is that high.

Thank you to Mr. Conley and thank you to everyone in this community who shows up to meet the need.

We still need more. Check out our In-Kind needs pictured here. Drop off at 3120 Troost Ave during business hours.

09/01/2026

This September is National Recovery Month!

This year's theme is "Recovery is REAL: Restoring Every Aspect of Life." And the first week's focus says it all: Recovery happens together.

We see that slogan every day at Journey to New Life in our peer support groups, in our residential homes, in the one-on-one mentoring that happens between people who have walked the same road.

This month, we're highlighting our peer support specialists. They're on the frontlines of this work leading groups, doing one-on-ones, mentoring, and walking alongside our clients every single day. They've been where our clients are. They know what it takes.

Follow along this month as we share their stories, celebrate their impact, and invite you to be part of the journey.

Recovery happens together!

08/31/2026

A volunteer, 30 backpacks, and one of our favorite truths: there's more than one way to show up.

Ann has been volunteering with us every Friday for six months. She shows up, she works, she serves. And recently, she did something that went beyond her regular Friday shift. She worked with other mutual aid groups to collect and donate 30 backpacks to JTNL.

For many of our clients — especially those who are unhoused — a backpack isn't just a bag. It's a place to safely store documents, a change of clothes, and the few belongings they're carrying as they rebuild their lives. It's dignity in a simple, tangible form.

Ann is emblematic of something we believe deeply: there's more than one way to show up. Thank you, Ann, for showing up in so many ways!

08/28/2026

Good news: voting rights just expanded in Missouri!

As of today, August 28, a new law, HB 1871, restores voting rights to many Missourians on probation or parole.

Here's the breakdown:
Before - Anyone on probation or parole for ANY felony was barred from voting until fully discharged.

Now - Only individuals on probation or parole for specific serious felonies (murder, assault, child endangerment, certain sexual offenses, and a few others) are still disqualified until discharge.

What this means - If you or someone you know is on probation or parole for a felony not on that list, you can vote, even before completing probation or parole.

If this applies to you, don't wait! The deadline to register for the November 3 general election is Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Missouri offers online voter registration at https://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/govotemissouri/register.

Thank you to everyone who advocated for this change!

Share this post! Someone needs to know their rights have changed.

08/26/2026

Today’s the big day! We hope to see you there!

Join us for an End of Summer Cookout hosted by our Peer Support team! We're firing up the grill, breaking out the bingo cards, and getting ready for a night of food, fun, and community.

📅Wednesday, August 26
🕠5:30-7:30PM
📍3120 Troost Ave., KC, MO

Bring your appetite and your competitive spirit. We've got prizes for bingo winners!

This is your chance to connect with our community, meet our peer support team, and celebrate the end of summer together. All are welcome.

We can't wait to see you there!

08/24/2026

You're invited! 💚

Join us for an End of Summer Cookout hosted by our Peer Support team! We're firing up the grill, breaking out the bingo cards, and getting ready for a night of food, fun, and community.

📅Wednesday, August 26
🕠5:30-7:30PM
📍3120 Troost Ave., KC, MO

Bring your appetite and your competitive spirit. We've got prizes for bingo winners!

This is your chance to connect with our community, meet our peer support team, and celebrate the end of summer together. All are welcome.

We can't wait to see you there!

08/19/2026

We're so grateful to Melinda Henneberger for this beautiful piece on Sister Rose and Sister Fran, and to the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, St. Louis Province for sharing it.

"In 'Nun Girl Summer,' a thank-you note to the sisters of Journey House 'I wouldn't have made it,'" tells the story of two compassionate women who helped build Journey to New Life from the ground up. Sister Rose co-founded JTNL in 2013. Sister Fran lived and volunteered alongside the women in our residences. They showed up, they cared, and they changed lives.

Catherine, a former resident, put it simply: "I wouldn't have made it if it hadn't been for them."

We're honored to carry their legacy forward.

By Melinda Henneberger

08/13/2026

You're invited to Journey Over Lunch!

We still have spots available for next Thursday, August 20, at 11:30AM!

This is a chance to gather with friends, break bread with our staff and clients, and see firsthand the impact we're making in Kansas City. No pressure, just real conversation around a shared table.

Perfect for:
-Anyone interested in learning about reentry work and our programming
-Community groups looking for ways to get involved
-Church groups exploring partnership opportunities
-Folks who just want to connect and learn

RSVP: [email protected] or register at www.journeytonewlife.org/journey-over-lunch