Gerome and Desiree McDonald are a living testament to the power of community support, self-determination, spiritual conviction and hard work in overcoming the seemingly unbreakable cycle of incarceration and substance abuse. While incorporating their personal experiences, they have taken their success story one step further by reaching out to other ex-offenders and addicts as counselors with the REST Philly program, giving motivational lectures and more. They juggle multiple projects and roles, having dedicated their lives to helping people make the often-times rocky transition from the prison system to their communities. Because of their unwavering dedication to and tireless efforts on behalf of reentering ex-offenders, the Mayor’s Office for the Reentry of Ex-Offenders would like to shine a well-deserved spotlight on this exceptional couple.

Mr. and Mrs. McDonald, married for over two years, met through a family member while undergoing treatment at the organization they now serve as counselors. The REST Philly program emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, self mastery and healing in order to correctly understand one’s self and learn to eliminate self destructive thoughts and behaviors, especially addiction. Both Gerome and Desiree credit their successful sobriety and reentry, in part, to the principles they learned, and now teach, through the REST Philly Program.

Under their fledgling not-for-profit organization, “Almost Home”, the McDonalds often open their home to newly released inmates and recovering addicts. The name comes from their desire to create an environment that closely resembles the safety and stability that often eludes many ex-offenders and recovering addicts upon their release. In their South Philadelphia home they provide the structure, safety, supportive environment and referrals needed to help others achieve self-sufficiency. Their guests are asked to respect each other and abide by the house rules, such as meeting curfew and observing a period of daily worship. In return, these men and women, vulnerable to the cycles of recidivism and addiction, receive food, shelter and above all the support, guidance and spiritual component that increase the chances of lasting life change.

Desiree spends many nights in Philadelphia ’s roughest neighborhoods with her start-up organization “Women of Transformation”. She and her determined supporters walk the streets administering love, hope and healing to the women she encounters who, often times, are actively using drugs and alcohol and are engaged in the sex-trade industry. Desiree is also planning to write a cook book entitled “Soulful Delights” that will feature recipes for both spiritual and physical nourishment.

In addition to their many private ventures and full time work, the McDonalds are very active members of the Better Way Bible Church . The ongoing support they receive from their pastor ( Clifton Martin) , minister (Stacey Martin) and congregation has been an integral part of reclaiming their pasts and reshaping the future for themselves and other ex-offenders.

Desiree and Gerome say that thanks to the support of their church, the REST Philly program and its staff and their unfaltering belief in God, they have been empowered to empower others. They plan to continue making a huge contribution to Philadelphia ’s reentry efforts by sharing their knowledge of both the bible and the criminal justice system.

Gerome and Desiree McDonald can be reached at (215) 463-4411 or itsprayertime@aol.com

Dr. Rick McKinney Understanding R.E.S.T. Rational Emotive Spiritual Therapy: Finding Personal Spiritual Healing :pg.5