On the outskirts of the town of Springhill, NS, on the way to Springhill Institution is a house called "Springhouse". The goal of Springhouse is to  provide hospitality for families and friends of prisoners while they are visiting their incarcerated relative. Because friends and families must travel long distances to maintain contact with those who are incarcerated, Springhouse is often described by guests as "a home away from home".

The idea of a house to assist families of prisoners began as a dream of Judy Allard who saw the need to provide accommodations and nourishment at a minimum cost and "nourishment for the Spirit as well". 

Just three short years after it was established, the need to expand the facility became readily apparent, with the result that in 1988 a new, more modern complex, accommodating up to twelve overnight guests, was built nearby. The new, fully air-conditioned house now consists of four bedrooms for guests, a meeting room (which can serve as an extra bedroom), an apartment for staff, a kitchen, a dining-room, a sitting room, and a utility room. 

Located on a ten-acre lot of hardwood and softwood trees, Springhouse is a safe and relaxing setting, ideal for preparing to visit the Institution or unwinding after the stress of leaving the Institution.

Springhouse is staffed by the Sisters of St. Martha of Prince Edward Island. Sisters Edna Walker and Trudy Cox in the beginning, and later Sr. Mary DeCoursey won the hearts of house guests when luxuries were at a premium and living quarters cramped.

The current Sister at the house is Sr. Christina Doyle. The many words of gratitude are a testament to the generosity and service of these women. One guest wrote: "There is a feeling of shame associated with having a loved one in prison. Just being with others going through this same experience and with the Sisters who welcome and listen, removes that terrible feeling of shame." Another guest, an aging mother, has spoken of how the warm and welcoming atmosphere provided by the Sisters at Springhouse, eases her anxiety when coming to visit her incarcerated son.

Although there are now a half-dozen other such houses across Canada, Springhouse remains the only one to provide "spiritual nourishment" along with the hospitality. If you are needing accommodation while visiting a friend or relative at Springhill Institution contact Christina at (902) 597-2171.  The house is located at 261 McGee Street in Springhill, approximately 1KM from the Institution.