Philly Leader

Gov. Tom Wolf announced that $2 million in funds will be going to 21 recipients through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) that are geared toward reducing recidivism for women.

According to a December 14 release by the governor’s office, the Women’s Reentry Services Initiative Grants have been lauded by First Lady Frances Wolf. These funds are specifically for non-profits that will use holistic reentry support services for women returning to society after being incarcerated.

“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.”

Wolf thanked First Lady Wolf for her work to secure funding before the administration finishes its time in office. Wolf said that the funds will help the state save money through reducing recidivism, and also help women and families as they work to return to society.

“Through her advocacy, she’s opened the eyes of many to the challenges women reentrants face and the importance of community support,” Wolf said.

Program activities and expenses involved in the program include: 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.”

In Philadelphia County there were three programs funded that include Maternity Care Coalition receiving $82,352; Prevention Point Philadelphia receiving $99,998; and Why Not Prosper using $100,000.