WINSLOW — “Rose’s Room” — a monthly, nonsectarian support group for those with a loved one in prison or jail — is to meet again from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at the St. Joseph Center on 80 Garland St.
Future meetings will be held on the last Thursday evening of each month at the same time and location.
“I think everybody feels alone and that they’re the only one. They can’t talk to anybody about it. It’s shame. It’s humiliation,” said Rose Dubay from Poland, who has a son in prison and for whom the program is named, according to a news release from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. “I think with Rose’s Room, we can help people get out of that stigma and realize that this isn’t their fault.”
The program got its start when Dubay, searching for such a group, reached out to Bruce Noddin of the Maine Prisoner Re-Entry Network. Not finding a program like it in Maine, he established the first Rose’s Room in Auburn in 2018.
“There is kind of a basic script that is a combination of the script from Alcoholics Anonymous and from a hospice support group. Those were kind of combined,” said Noddin. “We understand that there is an anonymity there.”
Rose’s Room has expanded into other communities, including Bridgton, Farmington, Lewiston, Rockland, Sanford and Westbrook. The Winslow group met for the first time in late February 2020, but before it could pick up steam and grow, the pandemic reached Maine. With conditions allowing for live meetings again, organizers hope the group will begin providing hope in the months ahead.
“It’s the only group in Kennebec County,” said Sister Judy Donovan. “Everyone will be welcomed, loved, and equally respected. Former inmates are welcome, too, as their stories about successful recovery and re-entry into society create hope for all.”
Donovan said she hopes it becomes a place of healing for families.
“I hope they feel at home in this space, and as they meet, they get to feel at home with each other, and they take real ownership of it,” she said.
Rose’s Room is also offering virtual meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. To attend that meeting or for more information about any Rose’s Room meeting, call 207-998-2547.
To contact Dubay to set up an individual conversation, email rosesroom2018@gmail.com.
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