"IPMW [Arise Collective] gave me a connection to a world I hadn't been connected to for 16 years. I had emotional support, references and experienced advice at my disposal for the asking. For me, it wasn't so much about the money aspect as it was the true support I had on every level and the people I had who believed in me because they'd gotten to know Amanda, the person, instead of Amanda, the criminal."
Women are the fastest-growing segment of the prison population. Over 95% of those currently incarcerated will be released one day. They have paid their debt to society and can become successful, productive citizens, but far too often they face significant barriers to obtaining jobs, housing and social services. As a result, almost 30% of them return to prison within three years; even more return over time.
We believe that systemic problems require holistic solutions. We strive to interrupt cycles of poverty, addiction, and violence by resourcing women mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically both before and after release. We are unique in our integration of evidence-based practices within the domain of prison ministry.
For more than 40 years, IPMW/Arise Collective has helped thousands of women realize their own dignity and worth. We have watched proudly as that realization becomes a base from which to heal from past traumas, succeed in the work force, and mend their families and relationships through IPMW’s programming, staff and volunteer support, and networks.
Through chaplaincy programs and services, women have an opportunity to meet their spiritual and religious needs and receive trauma-informed training and care as well as opportunities for leadership and creative expression.
Transition education provides evidence-based life skills, job skills, emotional literacy training inside the prison walls and outside in the community while women are still incarcerated and readying themselves for release.
Through reentry support, women work to secure their post-release needs, including employment, housing, transportation, mental health and addiction recovery, health and human services, and reunification with children, in partnership with faith-based groups, other nonprofit service providers and area businesses.
We also raise awareness about issues of incarceration and the barriers that people face upon release through community engagement, as presentations, trainings and reentry simulations help the community at large prepare itself for its vital role in the reentry landscape.
We believe that systemic problems require holistic solutions. We strive to interrupt cycles of poverty, addiction, and violence by resourcing women mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically both before and after release. We are unique in our integration of evidence-based practices within the domain of prison ministry.
For more than 40 years, IPMW/Arise Collective has helped thousands of women realize their own dignity and worth. We have watched proudly as that realization becomes a base from which to heal from past traumas, succeed in the work force, and mend their families and relationships through IPMW’s programming, staff and volunteer support, and networks.
Through chaplaincy programs and services, women have an opportunity to meet their spiritual and religious needs and receive trauma-informed training and care as well as opportunities for leadership and creative expression.
Transition education provides evidence-based life skills, job skills, emotional literacy training inside the prison walls and outside in the community while women are still incarcerated and readying themselves for release.
Through reentry support, women work to secure their post-release needs, including employment, housing, transportation, mental health and addiction recovery, health and human services, and reunification with children, in partnership with faith-based groups, other nonprofit service providers and area businesses.
We also raise awareness about issues of incarceration and the barriers that people face upon release through community engagement, as presentations, trainings and reentry simulations help the community at large prepare itself for its vital role in the reentry landscape.
Please click here for more information about our history. and read more about the organization's work in our 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 annual reports.