WPA empowers women to redefine their lives in the face of injustice and incarceration. Together, we forge pathways toward freedom, safety, and independence.
834%
In Four Decades
The number of women in prison is skyrocketing at twice the rate of men
1845
WPA Established
The nation's first
organization for women impacted by incarceration
Our Impact
Read the 2024 Impact Report for The Women's Prison Association, highlighting our mission, our programs, and our successes.
Freedom.
We believe women belong with their families and not behind bars.
Safety.
We offer safe spaces to live, heal, and grow.
Safety.
We offer safe spaces to live, heal, and grow.
Independence.
We honor each woman's experience and empower her to make supportive community connections.
In The News
Keeping Mothers Out of Jail (CNN)
“I think the biggest misconception is that you have to be a criminal to be in jail, like a misfit or degenerate or there’s got to be something wrong with you.”
How the Women’s Prison Association Is Working to Keep Mothers With Their Children (Vogue)
"I went to the foster care agency, and was like, ‘You might as well give me a cubicle, because I will be here every day until I get my kids back.’”
The Sex Abuse to Prison Pipeline (Marie Claire)
“I relapsed because I went back to what I knew would comfort me. I felt at that point, drugs were all I had.”
Support WPA with a gift and make a difference in the lives of justice-impacted women today.