The Ellisons

Our Story

After his tour on the battlefield of Vietnam, Jerome Ellison returned home to Pennsylvania. To his surprise, home seemed very different this time, for him, now and adjusting to civilian life proved to be a real challenge. Jerome was suffering with bouts of anxiety, depression, isolation, and flashbacks. Being a man, Jerome didn't feel that he could share what he was experiencing with anyone.

In an attempt to numb his pain, he began to drink alcohol, which led to many years of self medicating with alcohol and drug abuse. In 1994, Jerome admitted himself into a substance abuse program. He turned his life over to God and accepted Jesus as his personal savior. God, cleaned up his life, annointed him to teach and preach the gospel. And gave him a saved Christian wife.

In January of 2013, Sanctuary-12 Transition House was established. Founder, Elder Jerome D. Ellison and wife Henrietta Ellison are living examples that no matter what tragedy life may bring, there is hope in God. The Ellisons are a community minded couple and advocates of Restorative Justice. As Christians, the Bible states that we have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18).

At Sanctuary-12, we strive to strengthen each person's confidence and joy in Jesus Christ utilizing universal Bible principles of spirituality. We encourage personal and spiritual growth through prayer, engaging studies of the Bible, and we require program participants to volunteer within the church and community.

Both of the Ellisons have served their country in the U.S. Army. Elder Ellison is a Vietnam veteran and has recently retired from the Boeing Co. as an Instructor/Coach in the Training Department. He holds a degree in Aeronautical Aviation. Henrietta Ellison holds a degree in Human Services with a specialization in Criminal Justice.