Maternity Care Coalition and Why Not Prosper received funding through the Women’s Reentry Services Initiative. Congratulations to both organizations!
Governor Tom Wolf announced the award of $2 million in Women’s Reentry Services Initiative Grants to 21 recipients through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). Championed by First Lady Frances Wolf, the program funds will support non-profit organizations to provide holistic reentry support services to assist women in their return to communities across Pennsylvania.
“This $2 million will not only save the state money in the future by reducing recidivism, but it gives an invaluable gift to these women and their families as they work to successfully reintegrate themselves into society,” said Gov. Wolf. “I’m incredibly grateful to Frances for her unwavering commitment to securing this funding before we leave office. Through her advocacy, she’s opened the eyes of many to the challenges women reentrants face and the importance of community support.”
“Women face countless challenges when they return to their communities after incarceration, and the support, guidance and hope that community organizations offer are immensely important,” said First Lady Frances Wolf. “By investing in these organizations, we are investing in the well-being of women, their families, and Pennsylvania as a whole.”
Eligible program activities and expenses for the $2 million grant program included, but were not limited to, supportive housing; workforce development services and employment assistance; job readiness support services; access to childcare; transportation assistance; access to effective treatment for healthcare, substance use disorder, mental health, and trauma; access to identification documents essential to obtaining employment, housing, and other government assistance such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and social security cards; peer supports and mentoring; and family reunification services.
“By aiming resources at addressing the dynamic risk factors associated with reincarceration, this initiative will help begin the healing process,” PCCD Executive Director Mike Pennington said. “Reducing recidivism can help stabilize not only the women directly impacted, but their families as well. This could result in less crime and victimization overall, which leads to safer communities.”
For a list of all awardees, click here.