The Septima Poinsette Clark Foundation/The Christian Connection is a non-profit organization designed to help men of the Prince George's County, Maryland Penal System transition from jail to the community. The program is similar to the Leslie House, named after the County Executive, Jack Johnson’s wife, Mrs. Leslie Johnson. It was no coincidence that Mr. Johnson and Septima Poinsette Clark were both from Charleston, South Carolina and that their paths would cross in 1998 when the foundation was founded by, Septima's niece, Rene' T. Poinsette.
Ms. Poinsette realized in 1998 that there were no places for men to transition to after leaving the county jail where they could receive extensive services under one umbrella. Most of the services available at that time, were in another jurisdiction. If the men were to receive comprehensive services, they would have to have an address in the jurisdiction where they could receive help and/or resources. On an upfront and very personal level, Ms. Poinsette realized that something had to be done in her beloved Prince George's County. With a few close members of her church, Westphalia United Methodist, the dream began. Two of Ms. Poinsette's biggest stakeholders are, and were from inception, the Honorable Jack Johnson, and State’s Attorney, Glenn Ivey.
The SPC Foundation/The Christian Connection will provide the men of the county with services and training in on the job training in carpentry, masonry, electricity, landscaping and other skills that will embrace the soul, mind, and spirit. It is her dream that the men will be able to refurbish homes in the county, thereby learning a skill, and having a safe haven to transition to.
The Board of Advisor's consists of a team of experts who will ensure that the men will receive the resources that they need to become the men that they aspire to be - men of integrity.
After attending the trial and sentencing of a young man who took the life of one of her closest friends, Ms. Poinsette became discouraged and wondered why she should continue to help men that could kill another man in cold blood. Her friend of over 35 years encouraged her to continue and pursue her long life dream "because the men needed the help." With that confirmation, Ms. Poinsette renewed her foundation with a zest and zeal, and the tunnel vision that she has when pursuing something that will help someone else - a legacy to her Aunt., Septima Poinsette Clark, father, Wildred Anderson Poinsette, and her mother, Kora Theresa Poinsette.
