The article below shares forward a September 16 press release announcing an iniatiative to provide funding for organizations who provide holistic support services for reentering women.
Libraries may want to consider building relationships with organizations that provide services for reentering populations. Start the conversation with organizations who serve often underserved populations with information about what your library offers and then listen and learn about what these organizations and the people they serve need most from your library.
Harrisburg, PA – Governor Tom Wolf and First Lady Frances Wolf today announced the opening of a brand new, $2 million Women’s Reentry Services Initiative Program aimed at giving women the best possible opportunity for successful transitions back into their community following incarceration.
“More than 70% of women incarcerated in Pennsylvania’s prisons are mothers. And when they reenter society, they face the everyday struggles of every mother—to balance work, family, and life—combined with the reality of integrating themselves into a society that will immediately slap a label on them for their prior mistakes,” said Gov. Wolf. “We see these women, we see their struggle as they stretch themselves thin to make ends meet, let alone thrive.
“I’m grateful to Frances for her dedication to advocating for this funding to come to fruition. Thank you, Frances, for shining a light on this need and bringing this program to life for Pennsylvania’s women.”
First Lady Wolf secured $2 million for the Women’s Reentry Services Initiative in Gov. Wolf’s final budget. The program is administered through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
“In my past, I served on the board of a women’s halfway house in York County, where we advocated for the residents as they reclaimed their lives in reentry. It was there that I was introduced to the challenges women reentrants face and the importance of the community organizations that wrap around them,” said First Lady Wolf. “I am proud to announce the launch of the Women’s Reentry Services Initiative, a grant program designed to support the non-profits on the front lines of this work. It’s bigger than helping women find homes, employment, or childcare; it’s about restoring dignity.”
Funding is available to Pennsylvania nonprofit organizations that support women to give them the best opportunity to successfully transition back into their community and reduce recidivism. Reduced recidivism supports stabilized lives for returning women and their families, reduced costs associated with repeated contact with the criminal justice system at the local level, and safer communities.
Grants of up to $100,000 are available for organizations that will provide holistic reentry support services to women across Pennsylvania. Eligible projects include providing supportive housing, workforce development services and employment assistance, job readiness support services, access to childcare, transportation assistance, healthcare, mental healthcare, peer support and mentoring, and access to family reunification services. The deadline to apply is October 25, 2022.
Gov. Wolf has made revolutionary reforms to Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system during his eight years in office. With second chances and support for success, Pennsylvanians reentering society can improve their economic circumstances and work to the benefit of their local communities.
Gov. Wolf has served for two terms as a leader consistently at work for the people of Pennsylvania. Learn more about how his Priorities for Pennsylvania have fueled the commonwealth’s comeback, leaving Pennsylvania in a much better place than when he arrived.