Pennsylvania has one of the highest recidivism rates in the United States: on average, more than 50% of formerly incarcerated people will be rearrested or reincarcerated.
The congregation at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in downtown Scranton is hoping to reduce that percentage by launching the nonprofit Cypress House Bakery, a 6-month job training program that will teach formerly incarcerated people baking and culinary skills. Those skills and a support network established by the church and its partners will help graduates find jobs.