Changed Choices

Re-entry: as a woman is released from prison, if she has opted into to the organizations re-entry program, she is provided holistic programs and services as she re-enters charlotte or the surrounding community. In addition to the re-entry vision plan, with goals and plan of action, the client is provided case management, professional counseling, re-entry coaching, transportation, housing, family support, and referrals to partnering agencies. The objective for each woman is a transformed life marked by spiritual growth, healthy decisions, self-sufficiency, and contribution to her community. The organization serves approximately 35-45 re-entry clients and 25-35 children each year.

Mcso: the organization serves women incarcerated in the mecklenburg county detention center with professional counseling and classes using evidence-based curriculum with topics including parenting, self-control, responsible thinking, skills for successful living, social values and others.

Pre-release: for entry into the organization wraparound, holistic pre-release program, a woman must anticipate returning to mecklenburg county, nc or the surrounding area, have demonstrated a genuine desire to change, and have a minimum of two years remaining on her sentence. Throughout her time as a pre-release client, she works closely with the pre-release manager to create a vision plan, with goals and action steps, which help a woman focus on personal growth: mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually and to help prepare her for re-entry into community. While a woman is incarcerated, her family qualifies to receive support services such as free professional counseling, food, school supplies, christmas gifts and referrals to partnering agencies. When possible, volunteers may assist with transportation to facilitate visits between children and their mothers in prison. As a woman enters her last year prior to release, the organization works with her to ensure a written vision plan for re-entry is in place, and a church (selected by the woman) and church mentor is ready to warmly welcome her. The organization serves approximately 40-50 pre-release women each year.

Coool: changing our outlook on life is a mentoring program provided by Changed Choices to women in custody of the mecklenburg county sheriffs office. This mentoring program models healthy relationships because we know that relating to others is an integral part of a womans growth and development.