Cephas House

Cephas House is a community living environment for men recently released from prison and currently on parole. The program is highly structured and requires a minimum 90 day contract. We arrange for DSS benefits, Medicaid, and other therapeutic programs. Necessities such as food, utilities, and laundry supplies are provided. It is a drug and alcohol free environment. Residents' days normally consist of maintaining household cleanliness, visits to parole officers, attending outpatient programs such as AA and NA meetings, visting job or volunteer sites, meal preparation, and personal time. We work with residents and agencies that provide job preparation, training, and placement. We also provide transportation to job interviews and appointments. We make referrals for ongoing treatment, drug abuse evaluation, and other addiction problems as needed.

Cephas House: Call 716.856.6131 for more information.
Cephas Support Group in Buffalo: Call 716.856.6131 for more information.
Cephas Support Group in Rochester: Call 585.546.7472 for more information.

Cliff's story:

"Starting over was not easy, " says Cliff about his journey from prison to what he calls his "better life."

Cliff served 16 2/3 of 8 1/3 to 25 years. During this time, he lost everything. He lost almost everybody in his family. He lost years of his life. But during this time, Cliff also found Cephas; "...Cephas, the Rock, with hardcore, loving, caring individuals."

Learning and sharing in the groups, Cliff spent fifteen years with Cephas. He learned how to be vulnerable, to be accountable, to be "straight-up." The journey to acceptance of being human is a difficult one and one that Cliff courageously embarked on. Starting over might have been less than easy, but he took that first step. The reality of life, the hurt, pain, suffering, the confusion is tough to accept. But through accepting those qualities, he was also able to accept the positive qualities of life.

Cliff sees how good it is to live on his own and to make his life a better life. He works as a carpet installer, rents a home and plans on building a house soon. He likes to go fishing when he can, and visits often with his neice and nephew.

Cliff walked past the revolving door that leads back into prison. He says, "I was willing to face whatever challenge Cephas offered me. And eventually? All the sand I had been standing on, it turned to solid rock. It made a solid foundation that I could build on. And I continue to build."