Wisconsin Community Service

About

In 1901, the Society of the Friendless was started in Topeka, Kansas by a movement out of the Congregational Church. Their mission was to help the men and women released from prison start a new life that would command the respect of the community, as well as themselves, and to advocate for reform and changes related to criminal justice institutions and handling of prisoners. Their activities included finding temporary housing and employment for the released offenders and discussion the need for reform with state and federal politicians and government agencies. The Society began to spread to other states throughout the country, and in November 1912, Reverend A.C. Petrie resigned his position in the Minnesota Society to begin a similar organization in Wisconsi