Pictured above: Lorrie Lowery (left) and Shamirra Hordge stand inside of House of Psalms’ Second Chance Sisters store on Harrison Street. | Photo by: Ben Cleeton
When Lorrie Lowery first walked into House of Psalms 23, she admits she was scared. “But when you walk in, you feel the love. I learned how to get my voice back, how to treat people and respect myself. Now I can hold my head up and not be ashamed of what I’ve been through.”
Lowery came to House of Psalms 23 determined to rebuild her life — and found the tools, community and confidence to do so. Having endured abuse, grief and years of instability, she began in the organization’s Women Empowerment Movement, a series of workshops that focus on courage, confidence, career readiness, connection and communication. Through journaling, group dialogue and skill-building exercises, women rediscover their strengths and build supportive networks before moving into workforce training.
From there, she advanced to Second Chance Sisters, where participants commit to 200 hours of hands-on workforce development. Women gain experience in the organization’s storefront, where they run day-to-day operations and create products such as body scrubs, oils and handmade goods to sell to the community. The program pairs this practical training with financial literacy, mentorship and counseling support.
Ashlee Haste, House of Psalms 23’s executive director, says watching that transformation is powerful. “When a woman sees someone buy a product she made with her own hands, you can see her light up,” she said. “It’s not just about income — it’s about realizing she has something of value to offer the world, and that changes everything.”
Now 63, Lowery not only continues to grow but also mentors others. “This program helps you find yourself again,” she said. “We want women to know that they are not alone. We are here for them.”
For Shamirra Hordge, 23, the journey began inside the Onondaga County Justice Center. While incarcerated, she connected with Haste and began classes focused on crisis intervention and anger management. She remembers the words that shifted her perspective: “You can persevere. What do you want for your future?”
“When I came home, the first place I came was House of Psalms 23,” said Hordge. “They weren’t expecting me, but they welcomed me in with clothes, toiletries and food. From that day, I’ve gotten all the help I needed — day care, transportation, therapy, case management. It’s not just resources here, it’s a family.”
After graduating from Women Empowerment Movement, Hordge joined Second Chance Sisters. Today, she is raising her four children in a safe and stable home, working part time and preparing to begin college classes. She dreams of launching her own business and podcast. “The biggest thing I’ve gained is structure,” she said. “I came in not knowing what to do, but House of Psalms 23 put me on the right path. I’m ready to start businesses, I’m ready to grow — and I know they’re right next to me the whole way.”
We provided House of Psalms 23 with a Community Grant to expand Second Chance Sisters. Together with Women Empowerment Movement, it forms a two-step pathway that helps women impacted by incarceration, abuse and poverty overcome systemic barriers such as limited job opportunities, discrimination and lack of support networks.
Haste says the work is about more than employment — it’s about dignity. “The populations we work with are too often forgotten,” she said. “Everyone deserves a second chance. What makes the difference is having someone believe in you. Here, women find a circle, a community and a sisterhood that tells them they are not alone.”
For Hordge, that sense of belonging is what keeps her coming back. “My favorite thing is just being here,” she said. “When I sit in this room, I feel at peace. The weight I carry just lifts off me. It feels like home.”
Lowery and Hordge’s stories show both the resilience of women reclaiming their futures and the power of what’s possible when opportunity and compassion meet.
