Tried by Fire is expanding its operations to include a new reentry house, round-the-clock support, and more staff. The New Bern-based nonprofit helps formerly incarcerated women adjust to life outside prison through housing, education, and employment support.
Tried by Fire has helped women overcome the barriers to reentry for more that 20 years. Bonita Simmons says the primary obstacle for women just exiting prison is housing, and Tried by Fire’s soon-to-be completed reentry home, known as My Sister’s House, will provide temporary lodging while the women gain their footing.
“It’s not a forever home. It’s a starter, to get their thoughts together,” she said. “They need a plan and we’re here to help and get them to become successful citizens.”
In North Carolina, nearly half of all released individuals are re-arrested within 2 years of release, according to a 2022 report from North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission. For formerly incarcerated individuals re-entering society face many challenges, Simmons says: finding employment, transportation, and proving to the justice system you are rehabilitated, just to name a few.
“Barriers are forever at the frontal lobe of the women that we serve,” Simmons said. “Women face the barrier in a much crucial way because they’re mothers. Our main objective is to reunite them with their children. But, before they get there, before they get that hug, they need a place to stay themselves.”
Tried by Fire’s work is not just limited to assisting formerly incarcerated women. In the past, TBF has provided help for women during Christmastime, to help make rent payments and to find shelter if you find yourself in an abusive environment. Tried by Fire is partnered with Coastal Women’s Shelter to help survivors of abuse find safe housing.
TBF recently received a $40,000 grant aimed at building up its resources, completing its reentry house, and providing 24-hour support. Simmons says round the clock coverage will ensure the needs of women living at My Sisters House will be met.
“We want them to feel loved and protected,” Simmons said. "If you ever find yourself in an isolating situation and are no longer in that situation, it would be nice to have someone around to talk with."
She added that the funds will protect the organization for the future.
“The grant allows us to hire staff and be sustainable,” Simmons said.
Volunteers make up a lot of the support that Tried by Fire receives from its community. From cooking classes to finance classes, Simmons says volunteering is one of the best ways to assist the nonprofit.
“Maybe you have a background in financing and can teach us to balance a checkbook,” she said. “Maybe you can teach us to cook a mean pot of chili or put a grocery list together, because these women need these skills. If we do it with the community in mind, one person at a time, we believe we will be successful.
The reentry house is expected to be ready in February, with its first resident moving in soon after. The house will support up to eight women.
