A nun living in New York is offering housing, mentoring and job-training for mothers recently released from incarceration.



Sister Tesa Fitzgerald, a Catholic nun, is the founder of Hour Children, a non-profit organisation which was named to signify the hour of a mother’s arrest, the hour allowed for prison visits with her children and the hour of hope, when she is released.



Since 1986, she has helped several thousand women - around 200 a year. Hour children is funded mostly by op shops and donations.



“Initially, it was called ‘My Mother’s House,’” she told PEOPLE, “and we’d bring the children to visit their mothers in prison every week. But it was evident that the mothers needed a place to come home to. So Hour Children was born.”





The 71-year-old works with mothers, helping them to build relationships with their children and encouraging them to take parenting classes and get job training.



“Our guiding principle is that children who grow up with their moms have a better chance of becoming successful adults,” she explained.



“We’re all about second chances. More than anything, we want these women and their children to have dignity and hope.”



Kellie Phelan, 42, now runs the child mentoring programme. She came to Sister Tesa from prison 10 years ago. “She’s the reason I’m still standing,” says Phelan.

“Her love and guidance have brought me through the darkest moments of life and shown me the brightest light of all. I’m forever thankful for a second chance with my daughter and life.”

Sister Tesa says all mothers are welcome: “Everybody’s story is sacred and I’m humbled by what I see every day,” she says.



“When they come into our program, I don’t give time limits because every person is different. You have to honour the rhythm of their lives.”