SPRING 2015 wpaonline.org
WomenCare Mentors Have Big Impact WOMENCARE pairs WPA clients with volunteer mentors from the community. By strengthening each woman’s network of pre- and post-release support, the program helps participants successfully return to their communities and establish safe, healthy, and law-abiding lives. HOW WOMENCARE WORKS Mentors and mentees begin to build a relationship while the mentee is in prison through letter-writing and optional visits leading up to release. After release, pairs maintain regular contact and participate in workshops and special outings. Throughout the relationship, mentors receive ongoing support and training from WPA staff in addition to monthly trainings facilitated by local experts in reentry, criminal justice reform, mental health, domestic violence, substance abuse, and related fields. WOMENCARE SUCCESSES Mentoring programs for criminal justice-involved women have yielded radical reductions in recidivism rates for participants. The positive relationships formed through mentoring are profoundly rewarding for mentors, mentees, and their communities. In July 2014, WomenCare reopened in Taconic and Bedford Hills Correctional Facilities. Since then, the program has recruited and trained 35 mentors and matched 20 client mentees. Since the early 2000s, WPA has provided mentoring through WomenCare to women making the transition home after incarceration.
It feels good to be around women who don’t believe in judging us because we are formerly incarcerated. — Mary, WomenCare Mentee
TOP: Mentees Crystal, Mary, and Tonya pose with WomenCare Coordinator, Tataria at the Mentor/Mentee meeting at Huntington House. BOTTOM: Mary and mentor Teresa shared many hugs and laughs at the meeting. Mary continually expressed her gratitude for her compatible mentor who is understanding and supportive. Teresa and Mary are both excited to see what the future holds for their budding relationship.