This state correctional facility was opened in 1998, and is one of very few prisons in the country designed and operated for the treatment and rehabilitation of addicted inmates. It has a 1,100 all male population, most of whom are nearing release.
The first Thresholds class was taught there in February, 1999 and had 9 graduates. A cycle lasts for 7 weeks, with Micro (1 on 1) classes taught at 6pm on Tuesday or Wednesday and Macro (group) classes at 6 pm on Thursdays. Five “lifers” have been trained and become Thresholds teachers.
Security clearance, an orientation session, and TB screening are required to volunteer at this facility.
The State Correctional Institution at Chester (SCI-Chester) is located at 500 East 4th Street in Chester, PA (directions).
This facility is a state prison operated by the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections.
Directions
Driving directions to SCI-Chester
500 East 4th Street, Chester, PA 199013
Traveling south on Route 320 OR south on Route 352:
ON 320 pass Widener University ON 352 go through Brookhaven toward
Chester. Both 320 and 352 turn into Avenue of the States. Travel South on Ave of the States and make a left turn onto 9th Street. There is a stoplight at this
intersection and a left turn only lane. Travel a couple of blocks on 9th street until
you reach Morton Ave. (Follow the signs for Harrah’s casino and racetrack.) Make a
right turn onto Morton Ave. After traveling a few blocks on Morton Avenue, the road
will curve to the left and cross Industrial Highway (Rt. 291) with a stoplight right at
the prison. The prison will be obvious on the Left, parking lot is to the right, just
after crossing the highway. Do not park in any slot marked “reserved for so-and-so”
either on the pavement or on the fence.
Traveling south on Chester Pike:
Chester Pike turns into Morton Avenue when it curves. Follow above directions
from Morton Ave. on.
Traveling south on Rt. 291, Industrial Highway:
The prison will be on the left 0.3 miles after the official entrance to Harrah’s. Turn
left at the light then turn immediately right into the parking lot.
From I-95:
Take Exit 8 / Ridley Park onto South Stewart Ave. to PA Rt. 291, Chester
Waterfront/Industrial Highway. Go 0.6 mile. Turn right onto Rt. 291. Go 1.9 mi.
Prison is on the left. Turn left at the light right after the prison. Turn immediately
right into the parking lot.
SCI-CHESTER
500 EAST 4th STREET
CHESTER, PA 19013
610-490-5412
PLEASE NOTE: Tina Stanton Program Coordinator for SCI Chester has a New Thresholds E-mail Address: [email protected]