Philly Leader

Pennsylvania First Lady Frances Wolf recently toured the female reentry facilities Why Not Prosper, Ardella's House and The Wardrobe, where she also shared Gov. Tom Wolf's budget proposal that includes a $1 million investment for reentry services for women.

During the First Lady's tour of the Philadelphia-based reentry organizations, she spoke about the Wolf Administration's commitment to criminal justice reform and restorative justice, a recent press release on the governor's office website said. The organizations are focused on reducing recidivism for female returning citizens in the city of Philadelphia and surrounding areas.

"There are phenomenal programs addressing the needs of female reentrants across the state, and meeting the passionate women who are spearheading them has urged me to visit and hear more about their work," First Lady Wolf said in the release. "Seeing how strong these organizations' relationships are with their communities ensures me that investments in them will result in positive outcomes for the women they serve. I hope that our legislators and the community at large see the impact these organizations are having and continue supporting them too."  

The first stop was at Why Not Prosper, which was created by Rev. Michelle Simmons, who had her own issues with addiction and being incarcerated. She was also rejected by employers, landlords and other social services after getting out of prison, and she created Why Not Prosper to support women like herself. The facility helps women find and retain employment, increase job skills, secure safe and affordable housing, get off drugs and alcohol, reunite with family, and helps keep them out of jail. This is done through therapy, recovery meetings and other assistance.

The First Lady then went to Ardella's House, which was created by Tonie Willis in 2010 and has assisted more than 800 women and their families annually. The facility extends support through helping with employment, housing, family, health and wellbeing, and criminal justice compliance. There are also parenting sessions, one-on-one mentoring, and health and sexuality services. Like Simmons, Willis has been through the criminal justice system and knows what women in her situation can experience.

Willis thanked First Lady Wolf for visiting the facility and committing to "closing the gap."

"The work of servicing people, particularly women who are justice impacted, is a collective community effort," Willis said in the release. "Those closest to the problems are often closest to the solutions but furthest from resources and power."

The final stop was The Wardrobe, which was founded in 1995 and services 5,000 clients a year. It is also known as the Career Wardrobe and recently announced the "Returning Wardrobe" program that has helped dress more than 300 returning citizens. Studies found that 98% of women who went to the Wardrobe felt more confident, better prepared and more professional. Also, 68% transitioned successfully to employment, with 86% making more than $10.50 an hour and holding down one job instead of multiple part-time positions. Additionally, the studies found that 60% were able to transition off cash assistance.

"For 26 years, The Wardrobe has had one guiding principle: everyone and everything deserves a second chance," Sheri Cole, director of The Wardrobe, said in the release. "When working with formerly justice-involved individuals, this statement takes on a new meaning."