**Please note that this is a "living page," and information will continue to be added as more questions come up.**
Q: Why are you changing your name?
A: The many partners, funders and volunteers who help us to achieve our mission all have one thing in common … a desire to see the uplift of justice-involved women. We want to engage and communicate better with them and the public at large, all of whom are vital to this work. Though our mission remains unchanged, our scope of work has broadened considerably over these past four decades, and a name that made sense when all of our programs served currently incarcerated women does not work as well on the outside. The women we serve have told us that they no longer want to be labeled by the prison once they have been released, and some have been unfairly targeted because of the spotlight that our name brings as we support them in the community.
Q: What does Arise Collective mean?
A: Our new name means that though the process is not easy, women at all stages of their journeys have the opportunity to keep moving upward and forward, and cannot do so in isolation. It takes a community for anyone to thrive, and they — and we — can only get there together, across lines of difference including race, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, political ideology or education.
Q: How did you select this new name?
A: Over 90 people responded to our 2021 survey, and we also conducted interviews and focus groups. We added of all their perspectives with our own to come up with a name that we think perfectly represents the promise of the women and all who are privileged to support them as they
make their way in the world in new, hopefully more healthy and expansive ways. It is our hope that Arise Collective is broad and inclusive enough to be our “forever” name.
Q: Will you still support only women? I don’t see that in your new name.
A: Yes, our mission is unchanged and we are committed to it … to equip women with the tools and support they need to heal, grow and thrive, both in prison and in the communities to which they return. However, we are a part of a much broader ecosystem, and do not want to limit the chance that anyone in need of services might feel moved to reach out for assistance. Though we may not be able to serve them directly, we have partners who can.
Q: Are you still a faith-based organization?
A: We are indeed, and are immensely grateful for our chaplaincy ethos, our Presbyterian roots, and our Interfaith base of support. “Faith in action” is a core tenet of most faith traditions, and religious volunteers are vital to bringing spiritual sustenance and programming to women inside the prison, as well as vital resources and community to women once they have been released. Our newer reentry programs and expressive arts initiatives such as Conviction: Songs of Faith from Women in Prison and Stitching Stories: A Prison Awareness Quilt, have brought even more of those interested in social justice, systemic change and equity to our community. Arise Collective welcomes them all! Many hearts and hands are needed for this work, and we – and the women – are grateful for the support.
A: The many partners, funders and volunteers who help us to achieve our mission all have one thing in common … a desire to see the uplift of justice-involved women. We want to engage and communicate better with them and the public at large, all of whom are vital to this work. Though our mission remains unchanged, our scope of work has broadened considerably over these past four decades, and a name that made sense when all of our programs served currently incarcerated women does not work as well on the outside. The women we serve have told us that they no longer want to be labeled by the prison once they have been released, and some have been unfairly targeted because of the spotlight that our name brings as we support them in the community.
Q: What does Arise Collective mean?
A: Our new name means that though the process is not easy, women at all stages of their journeys have the opportunity to keep moving upward and forward, and cannot do so in isolation. It takes a community for anyone to thrive, and they — and we — can only get there together, across lines of difference including race, socioeconomic status, religious beliefs, political ideology or education.
Q: How did you select this new name?
A: Over 90 people responded to our 2021 survey, and we also conducted interviews and focus groups. We added of all their perspectives with our own to come up with a name that we think perfectly represents the promise of the women and all who are privileged to support them as they
make their way in the world in new, hopefully more healthy and expansive ways. It is our hope that Arise Collective is broad and inclusive enough to be our “forever” name.
Q: Will you still support only women? I don’t see that in your new name.
A: Yes, our mission is unchanged and we are committed to it … to equip women with the tools and support they need to heal, grow and thrive, both in prison and in the communities to which they return. However, we are a part of a much broader ecosystem, and do not want to limit the chance that anyone in need of services might feel moved to reach out for assistance. Though we may not be able to serve them directly, we have partners who can.
Q: Are you still a faith-based organization?
A: We are indeed, and are immensely grateful for our chaplaincy ethos, our Presbyterian roots, and our Interfaith base of support. “Faith in action” is a core tenet of most faith traditions, and religious volunteers are vital to bringing spiritual sustenance and programming to women inside the prison, as well as vital resources and community to women once they have been released. Our newer reentry programs and expressive arts initiatives such as Conviction: Songs of Faith from Women in Prison and Stitching Stories: A Prison Awareness Quilt, have brought even more of those interested in social justice, systemic change and equity to our community. Arise Collective welcomes them all! Many hearts and hands are needed for this work, and we – and the women – are grateful for the support.