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JOIN US in helping WPA kids get ready to go back to school

It’s that time of year again!  Kids are heading back to school with new backpacks, sharpened pencils, and excitement for the year ahead.  At WPA there are over 600 children participating in our family programs and they are eager to pick out their new school supplies. Among them is Elijah who is entering the 9th grade in September. Last year Elijah and his mom, Vanessa, participated in our Family Preservation Program where they set goals, made choices, took action and have since achieved great personal successes--including Elijah's acceptance to the High School for Civil Rights.  He aspires to be a lawyer.

In little and big ways, WPA provides concrete assistance and encouragement that promotes the success of every member of the family.  Please consider a special back-to-school donation and support hundreds of families in their journey toward stability, self-sufficiency, and exciting new opportunities.

Volunteers Make an IMPACT on WPA the Community!
WPA was thrilled to welcome two groups of volunteers for Deloitte IMPACT Day 2010! A team of 12 energetic volunteers arrived at Hopper Home on Friday morning, June 11th, and transformed the worn mural on our back patio into a colorful, lively work of art. Click here to see their amazing work. A second group of volunteers joined WPA staff and clients in East New York, Brooklyn for our “Stepping Up Ceremony”, which celebrated the achievements of 16 toddlers and moms who read, play, and learn together through the Parent-Child Home Program, WPA’s early childhood education program. Thank you, Deloitte!

How to Speak Publicly About Your Life After Incarceration
November 2009 -- WPA's Women's Advocacy Project has written a guide for women who choose to speak publicly about their prison experiences. The guide offers detailed advice about the pro’s and cons of speaking out about life after incarceration, as well as tips on how to remain clear, composed, and in control. Download it now.

Video: Meet Jacqueline, Vivian and Terry -- and learn how WPA helps women transform their lives.

Video by Washington Koen Media.

NOW ONLINE: National Directory of Programs for Women
August 5, 2009 - WPA is proud to announce the National Directory of Programs for Criminal Justice Involved Women, developed in partnership with the National Institute of Corrections.

WPA in the New York Times: Our Duty to the Children
July 12, 2009 - Read Georgia Lerner's Letter to the Editor of the New York Times in response to a recent article on children of incarcerated parents.

Report: Mothers, Infants and Imprisonment
May 11, 2009 - WPA announces the release of our national report on prison nurseries and community-based alternatives. Read the press release and the full report.

CNN.com: Growing Up Is Even Harder When Mom Is In Prison
May 7, 2009 - WPA Executive Director Georgia Lerner talks to CNN.com. Read the story.

Women's Voices: Formerly Incarcerated Women Lead the Way
March 3, 2009 - WPA's newest report spotlights the efforts of women around the country who are rolling up their sleeves, using their voices, and working to reduce our nation's reliance on incarceration. Read the report.

Investing in Education in Prisons and Communities
February 2, 2009 - Members of the Women's Advocacy Project, WPA's leadership and advocacy program for formerly incarcerated women, have released their 2009 policy recommendations on expanding access to education.

WPA Practice Brief: Mentoring Women in Reentry
October 31, 2008 - A mentor can help a woman navigate reentry into her community following incarceration. This new WPA Practice Brief explores the concept of reentry mentoring, and offers examples of programs around the country. Download it now.

New Executive Director Shares Vision for WPA's Future
June 10, 2008 - Georgia Lerner, the newly appointed Executive Director of WPA, shared her vision for the organization's future at our Annual Benefit Dinner on June 4.

Reflecting on Seventeen Years of Ann Jacobs' Leadership
June 10, 2008 - After nearly two decades at the helm of WPA, Ann Jacobs retired earlier this year. Read this tribute to her work and her legacy, authored by our colleagues at Family Justice.

Success in the Community Matrix
Our useful tool for thinking about what it takes for criminal justice-involved women to be successful in the community.

WPA Housing Toolkit
WPA’s Housing Toolkit offers resources on housing solutions for individuals and families with criminal justice involvement and provides information on major legislation and advocacy.

 

WPA is the nation's oldest service and advocacy organization committed to helping women with criminal justice histories see new possibilities for themselves and their families.