50 Years
For half a century, Friends of Guest House has been at the forefront of breaking the cycle of incarceration, providing a lifeline for women seeking a second chance. What began as a compassionate response to the needs of a few has blossomed into an organization that has touched the lives of over 5,000 women.
The journey of Friends of Guest House has been one of empowerment, advocacy, and community. Over the years, the organization has evolved to meet the changing landscape of criminal justice, expanding its programs to encompass rehabilitation, education, and workforce development. The success stories of women who have emerged from the shadows of incarceration to rebuild their lives stand as a testament to the enduring impact of Friends of Guest House.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we honor not only the organization’s history but also the resilience of the women who have walked through its doors. The 50th anniversary is a reflection of the collective commitment of staff, volunteers, donors, and the community at large to create a more just and compassionate society.
The anniversary festivities will be a blend of reflection and inspiration, featuring testimonials from alumnae whose lives have been transformed, acknowledging the dedicated individuals who have been instrumental in the organization’s success, and setting the stage for the continued journey towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive.
Join us in commemorating 50 years of impact, 50 years of second chances, and 50 years of building a community where everyone is given the chance to rewrite their story. Together, let’s embark on the next chapter of hope, empowerment, and transformation. Happy 50th anniversary, Friends of Guest House!
Gala
Half Century of Hope Gala
We are thrilled to announce the “Half a Century of Hope: Celebrating 50 Years of Guest House,” a one-night gala in honor of Guest House, a significant and impactful organization aimed at providing a second chance for women who have faced the challenges of incarceration. The event is scheduled for June 6th, 2024, and will be held at the ALX Community Rooftop, 277 S Washington St., in Alexandria, VA. This gala promises to be a memorable and inspiring occasion where your support and partnership can profoundly change lives.
Stories
Stories
Want to share your Guest House story? Please email info@friendsofguesthouse.org.
History
History
Guest House was founded in 1974 by parolee Betty McConkey, who, upon her release from prison, returned to Alexandria, Virginia where she resumed life with success thanks to a support system and access to housing and healthcare. Betty witnessed many fellow parolees struggle with limited safety-net services for reentering women, so she decided to act. She rented a house for seven fellow parolees to safely live and access the services that were so critical to her successful reentry.
That house, at One East Luray Avenue in Alexandria, became known as “Guest House” and remains our program and administrative headquarters to this day. Guest House grew slowly over its first 30 years of operation, providing post-release services for women living in the community and rebuilding their lives, mainly in Alexandria. Between 2005 and 2024, our annual budget increased by 1,000%, our staff quadrupled, and the number of women served each year grew from 30 to 250. To date, Guest House has served more than 5,000 justice-involved women as they seek housing, employment, and life skills following incarceration.
Events
Events
Other Events to follow
Impact
Impact
Guest House’s overarching goal is to increase the number of formerly incarcerated women who successfully reenter their communities by addressing the key areas that influence their path to successful reentry (housing, employment, education, healthcare, and family/community reconnection).
Historically, no more than 15% of women recidivate two (2) years after Guest House program completion. This is a key measure of success for participants, as Guest House’s recidivism rate is significantly lower than the 40% rate nationwide among former offenders who receive no reentry support.