Women, Prison, and Empowerment By Maggie Allen
Many re-entry programs and services are designed with men in mind, but what about the estimated 1.9 million women released from jails and prisons on a yearly basis? And moreover, what does successful re-entry look like for women? The answer to the latter can vary, because no two women are the same. Some struggle with substance abuse, trauma, or mental health issues, none of which particularly bolsters one’s sense of confidence and self-worth. Statistically, formerly incarcerated women face higher rates of unemployment and homelessness than their male counterparts, and more women are the primary caretakers of their children. Having access to support groups, education, housing, childcare, and healthcare can make a world of difference to women and their families, and many states programs having been cropping up in recent years to fill those needs. The ultimate mission for the Center for Women in Transition (CWiT) is to assist and advocate for women in the criminal justice system as they transition to home. Based in St. Louis, Missouri, they assist between 150-180 women each year by offering comprehensive wrap-around services like case management, behavioral health, and, perhaps most critical of all, supportive housing. The extensive community program allows women to live with their children in their home communities throughout the city while receiving rent support and the full array of services offered, either in apartment-style supportive houses operated by the Center itself or scattered-site apartments throughout the St. Louis area. In 2019, 117 women were served in their transitional housing, while 29 were served in the larger community. The clients of CWiT tell powerful stories about persevering in the face of adversity. 90% have experienced trauma in some form, and 85% have struggled with substance abuse. “I was kind of isolated,” says Robin. “I had dope, cigarettes, weed, and all that. But then, there was this one day I said no, I don’t want it anymore…I want to get a house, a job, a Master’s degree.” “Coming here was a process of healing,” said Vicki, another client of CWiT. “I learned a lot about trauma and how to deal with it. Getting my own apartment where there’s no chaos and abuse is everything to me.” Growth and healing take many forms, but they work hand-in-hand building up strength and confidence. To help their clients succeed, CWiT offers great on-site life skills courses, vocational services, court advocacy, peer support recovery groups,
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