Our Objective—Reduce the Recidivism Rate from 71% to 29%

The objective of this program is to reduce the present 71% recidivism rate of returning to incarceration in the first year after release, to 29% or less for the women completing the program.  Experience working with such women for thirteen years has shown that certain elements are necessary to give a woman the greatest chance for successful reentry into society.  The basic necessities of food, shelter, and clothing are, of course, first.  Every need provided for a woman releases her and allows her to give more diligence to the next step of putting her life back together.

To recover, a woman also needs a positive and strong support system.  There are certain emotional needs exclusive to the ex-offender, since she’s been living within dysfunctional systems for so long, often for most of her life.  There are a lot of fears to be overcome, fears of rejection by society, fears of trying new things on the “outside”, fears of not being able to handle all the demands suddenly put upon them, and fears of the unknown.  These individuals need a lot of encouragement that they can do it, and with God all things are possible.  So many want to do the right thing and accomplish their good goals, but quickly realize there are many seemingly impossible obstacles and mountains in their way.  It’s very easy to get discouraged at best and be hopeless, at worst.  Without a cheerleader by their side, it’s pretty hard to keep standing alone in the battle.