The Brewster Fund
Provides essentials (phones, transportation, IDs) for reentry needs.
The Brewster Fund – Meeting Immediate Needs, Honoring a Legacy
Named in memory of Thom Brewster, CentrePeace’s second Executive Director, the Brewster Fund reflects Thom’s unwavering belief in meeting people’s most basic needs with dignity and compassion. Since his passing from cancer in 2020, this fund has become a lifeline for individuals reentering society after incarceration.
Reentry comes with urgent demands—probation check-ins, job searches, counseling, medical appointments. Without a cell phone, these obligations become nearly impossible. That’s why the Brewster Fund provides pre-paid 30-day phones, allowing individuals to stay connected and compliant as they rebuild their lives.
But the support doesn’t stop there. We’ve met people at gas stations to fill their tanks so they could get to work. We’ve helped purchase safety gear and work clothing. And recently, thanks to a generous donor who designated their gift for housing, we were able to assist a formerly incarcerated mother of three. Her home was filled with black mold, and she had nowhere to turn. The Brewster Fund—and one caring individual—made it possible for her family to move to safety.
What Recipients Say
“I received my 30-day prepaid cell phone within an hour of getting out of jail. This was crucial so I could stay in touch with probation, schedule counseling and medical appointments, and communicate with potential employers. And Straight Talk also allows me to get online and fill out job applications.”
“An employee from CentrePeace came to my home, on the furthest edge of the county near Philipsburg, and took me to an appointment. I don’t qualify for discount rides with County Transportation and couldn’t afford hiring anyone else. They found out I was in need of food and provided groceries for my immediate needs—and helped me find food distributions in my area.”
“When I got out of jail, I had lost my state photo ID, birth certificate, and social security card. CentrePeace paid for my ID and birth certificate. Without those documents, I couldn’t get a job. I’d been in jail for almost a year, so I had no money for these things. Thank you for helping me get started in the right direction.”
Restoration in Action
This fund is more than assistance. It’s a tribute to Thom’s legacy, a bridge to stability, and a living testament to the power of a helping hand.
