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 a ssist 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,

and community partnerships. According to Development Associate Laura Miller, “We believe that women coming out of incarceration need to first have their basic needs met-- safe housing, food, and clothing -- so that they can concentrate on their recovery and growth. Through supportive housing, individualized case management, and on - site behavioral health services, women gain the stability and support they need to thrive.”

One of their exciting upcoming initiatives involves partnering with two local women’s trades groups, Missouri Women in Trades and the National Association of Women in Construction, to remodel four kitchens in transitional apartments for women reentering the St. Louis community. Construction and trades fields are typically dominated by men, but in giving justice - involved women a chance to interact with strong, confident tradeswomen, they may pave their way into construction or other trades with higher earning potential, positions that may not have seemed viable before.

The Ladies Empowerment Action Program (LEAP) in Miami, Florida is a re - entry program inside of the Homestead Correctional Institution. It began as a program for entrepreneurial training, teaching women where to seek funding, how to draft business plans, and how to network for their small business. Now, the programs have branched out even further. Any woman scheduled to be released from a Florida State Prison in 12- 18 months can apply, and once accepted, she receives access to in - prison education and mentorship; life skills classes; trauma informed substance abuse programming; and post- release housing, as well as a life -l ong support community.

It sounds too good to be true, but LEAP’s track record speaks volumes for the quality of services and support that they provide. According to a 2005 study by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, LEAP’s recidivism rate is just 6% – com pared to twothirds of ex - prisoners nationally, and since then, it has not risen. Tarshea Sanderson of LEAP’s Class 11 says she came out of prison fully employed. “Two months after release I moved into my own place and have slowly and deliberately become the woman that had been buried deep inside of me. The woman I chose to bury because of low self- worth and esteem and an unhealthy self- image. I continue to practice the skills I learned in LEAP on a daily basis.” Another Class 11 graduate, Christie Sierra, says she has found a forever family whose support is crucial. “The LEAP ladies have been a source of encouragement du ring a time that has been challenging and sometimes downright heartbreaking. Without their support, my life would be full of more questions and doubt.”

Another key initiative is the Dragonfly Thrift Boutique, in which 100% of the proceeds go to supporting LEAP’s mission. Dragonfly offers its clients a crash course for their paid retail training internship, complete with a first post- prison income, networking opportunities with Dragonfly customers, potential references, and job experience.

”I can pay my rent, I can take care of myself, I can take care of my son,” says Crystal Givens, a graduate who worked at Dragonfly. “That’s like the best feeling in the world. That you can be responsible.”

It’s heartening to know that CWiT and LEAP understand the gravity of the situation; that a lot of issues stem from employment and the subsequent inability to secure adequate housing. Their dedication and their empathy provide formerly incarcerated women with the means to become and stay empowered, when they might otherwi se feel helpless and hopeless.

We need more of these programs across every state, and better funding for the ones that are already in place. As LEAP has demonstrated, recidivism doesn’t have to be inevitable. And women will return to society, to the workforce, to their families, be it today, tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year. They will always be a part of us, and we should treat them with respect and dignity; offering support and encouragement, not forever branding them with failure.