Changed Choices

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 Programs Team and her Change Coach (case manager) to create a Vision Plan, with goals and action steps, which help a woman focus on personal growth: mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually to help prepare her for Re-Entry into the community. Each woman is also served spiritually and encouraged by at least two dedicated volunteers. While a woman is incarcerated, her family qualifies to receive support services such as free professional counseling, food, Christmas gifts and referrals to partnering agencies. As a woman enters her last year prior to release, the Organization works with her to provide guidance and education on housing, finances and job readiness and identification recovery as well as peer mentoring. Additionally, the Coach ensures a written Vision Plan for Re-Entry is in place, and provides a church and church mentor. The Organization serves approximately 40 Pre- Release women 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.

Re-Entry:As a woman is released from prison, if she has opted into the Organization's 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 a plan of action, the client is provided case management, professional counseling, Re-Entry coaching, transportation, family support, housing (upon qualification) and peer mentoring as well as 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. If she does not opt into the Organization's Re-Entry program, she is still eligible to receive referrals to partnering agencies. The Organization serves approximately 25 Re-Entry clients and 25-35 children each year.