To improve the success of women offenders as they release from prison, effective reentry programs must emphasize community support in the form of “Wrap-around-aftercare-teams” offering support to the women and their children. A critical need exists to assist women in the areas of: housing, job training, employment (at a livable wage job), transportation, family reunification, child care, substance abuse treatment, peer support and aftercare. Women transitioning from prison to the community must navigate a myriad of systems that often provide fragmented services, posing barriers to their successful reintegration. We have found these Wrap-around-aftercare-teams often times become their lifeline to success. It is comprised of caring individuals who give of their time and interpersonal skills to be available to help the woman through the “Rough Spots”. They act as a guide on the side, listening and providing advice and guidance as requested.

Opportunities available within the Mentoring Program are:

1. 1:1 Mentor: Assisting offenders prepare for Reentry. Once in the community, the mentor is available to guide the former offender in the ways of independent living. When appropriate, a mentor helps the former offender reunite with their children and family.
2. Volunteer to drive women the morning of their release from the prison/work release to either their community or to appropriate public transportation.
3. Volunteer to drive women to their various appointments post release as they are becoming re-established in the community.
4. If requested, volunteer to assist individual women find a welcoming church within her community. Transportation to and from the church is critical. A welcoming, non-judgmental fellowship is also important.
5. Develop and maintain a listing of employers willing to hire people with criminal records (felonies in particular)
6. Develop and maintain a current listing of Transition Houses, Apartments, etc for single women and women with children releasing from prison with felony records. Privately-owned apartments and “mother-in-law” apartments commonly are the most successful in welcoming our ladies.
7. Develop and maintain a current listing of other resources who may provide the following services either pro-bono or on a sliding fee basis:
a. Dentists
b. Mental Health Counselors
c. Physicians
d. Attorneys
e. Celebrate Recovery, AA, NA, or CA sponsors
f. Miscellaneous activities as required.

In addition RFI has developed a series of training programs to support our reentry initiative. Volunteers are needed to help conduct these trainings. Training programs include:

1. “Mentor Training” is provided for all new mentors. This is a class, focusing on the job of becoming a mentor. It includes discussion about required skills necessary to be an effective mentor. It includes such topics as: boundaries, role playing and time requirements for the volunteers.
2. “Community Wrap-Around-After-Care Team” orientations. This task requires traveling to various communities throughout the State. The focus of this orientation is to find people within any given community who are willing to become extensions of the Mentors hands and feet in their local community.
3. “The Realities of Reentry Workshop” is presented at both women’s institutions; WCCW and Mission Creek. This workshop focuses on such topics as Spiritual Awakening, Budgeting, Employment, Housing, Transportation, Child Care and Relationships. The workshop is 7-hours in length. Currently, volunteers from within the community and successful ex-offenders are the instructors.
4. “Preparing for Release” is a unique training program offered to inmates and their families. The goal of the training is to provide a safe, structured environment in which incarcerated women can prepare with their families for their reentry home. The training is offered at both Washington State women’s prisons (WCCW and MCCCW). The curriculum is presented in 4, 4-hour sessions.

In summary, the above programs provide an outline of the many aspects of RFI and some of the programs we offer. Building individual and community support is critical as these women reenter our communities. Indeed RFI’s needs are huge, but know that the rewards are many.

If you are able to help in any way please call
Audrey Shaw (253-514-8123/253-225-7244) or
Judy Riggan (253-847-7491/253-906-4354)
for more about volunteering.