We Help Women Become Self-Sufficient
Our primary goal and one of the greatest challenges for women is to become economically self-sufficient. We help women to develop their resumes and assist them with their employment search. We also assist with housing, both transitional and permanent. We assist with eligibility screening; completing rental applications; and teaching budget skills, securing benefits and life skills.
|
Get Help!
We exist to serve you! If you are a woman who has recently been released from prison, or you know of a woman who will be soon, please know that we want to help! Give us a call at (215) 842-2360, or email us using the Contact page.
If you'd like, use the forms below to get started today. |
Our Programs
Pre-Release Mentoring
Since 2000, we have provided pre-release mentoring services to incarcerated women in Pennsylvania prisons and jails. Our mentors provide emotional support as well as information and resources that empower women to make positive and responsible life choices following prison. Why Not Prosper offers workshops to women that provide information on employment, housing, health care, family reunification and child custody issues to prepare them for their transition from prison to community. We also provide workshops at Riverside prison in Philadelphia, and at Muncy and Cambridge Springs and reach many women at each workshop.
Why Not Prosper House
Since 2003, we have provided residential services to women at Why Not Prosper House. Our 6 to 12 month residential program is located at 717 E. Chelten Avenue and 5624 Chew Street in Philadelphia, PA. Our comprehensive program focuses on the following issues:
- Employment
- Substance abuse counseling and recovery
- Family reunification
- Emotional and psychological healing
- Financial responsibility
- Transition to full independence
- Assist in applying for expungements and pardons
- Domestic violence education program
The Josanne Ford Workforce Academy
Our Workforce and Education Academy gives help with writing resumes, cover letters and online applications. You can apply for jobs, build your tech. skills, check emails. Use the computer lab to study and take exams.
Career Certificate Courses - These are scheduled courses that meet either in person or online. Students are required to register for these courses when they are scheduled to run. At the conclusion of these courses, students will take the industry exam to receive the certificate.
Re-Entry Work Readiness Program - Why Not Prosper offers this 4-week program to provide employability skills for formerly incarcerated women. At the conclusion of the program students will receive a Work Readiness Certificate acknowledging they have acquired the skills needed to not only re-enter the workforce but become successful employees.
Trainings at Why Not Prosper Workforce Center are in Partnership with Covenant Training Academy
You must register prior to attending.
More info: Email [email protected] or Call 215-842-2360
Career Certificate Courses - These are scheduled courses that meet either in person or online. Students are required to register for these courses when they are scheduled to run. At the conclusion of these courses, students will take the industry exam to receive the certificate.
Re-Entry Work Readiness Program - Why Not Prosper offers this 4-week program to provide employability skills for formerly incarcerated women. At the conclusion of the program students will receive a Work Readiness Certificate acknowledging they have acquired the skills needed to not only re-enter the workforce but become successful employees.
Trainings at Why Not Prosper Workforce Center are in Partnership with Covenant Training Academy
You must register prior to attending.
More info: Email [email protected] or Call 215-842-2360
Teleservices Program
Sisters Achieving Mentorship Through Transformation(SAM) was created to help formerly incarcerated women break the cycle of recidivism by offering resources, healing, self-love and transformation through mentorship and advocacy. The hotline number for SAM is 1-866-C-ME-NOW5 (1-866-263-6695).
Montgomery County
There are many services that we can provide over the phone to women in Montgomery County. By providing teleservices we are able to reach more women helping them to access services without coming into the office. The hours of operation are 9AM-4PM Monday through Friday. We believe accessing these services via telephone is a time saving method for women many of whom have
so much on their plate and is also cost effective for our organization.
Montgomery County
There are many services that we can provide over the phone to women in Montgomery County. By providing teleservices we are able to reach more women helping them to access services without coming into the office. The hours of operation are 9AM-4PM Monday through Friday. We believe accessing these services via telephone is a time saving method for women many of whom have
so much on their plate and is also cost effective for our organization.
Graphic Arts Program
Our Graphic Arts program, which is funded by a PA Department of Community and Economic Development and a grant from Women Helping Others offers women the opportunity to learn graphic arts that enhances their employment opportunities. The Graphic Arts is a one-year program that leads to employment, career or higher education. All products are made by the women and can be purchased using our Order Form.Product sales are used to financially support the Graphic Arts Program.
Community Resource Program
Why Not Prosper operates a resource center for women ex-offenders living in the community. Women ex-offenders living in the Germantown area have access to support and resources including assistance with finding and retaining employment, locating and securing housing, substance abuse counseling and treatment, family reunification, health care and health insurance. We partner with community organizations to ensure that women have the resources they need to succeed in their re-entry efforts after prison. We believe that this practical and comprehensive community approach decreases recidivism among women.
Our Advocacy
We support the Germantown Community through a wide range of advocacy efforts, including helping female ex-offenders to vote, ensuring that women in prison get their mail-in ballots, and offering many health services to the community through our Healthcare Coalition (members listed below).
Healthcare Connections for Women in Reentry Coalition
|
Members include:
Latonya Myers, Why Not Prosper; Abel Adegbiji, New York Life; Kadiatu Sillah, Forensic Services; Katherine Addison, Forensic Services; Patrick Kennan, PHAN, Jijo Jacob, Shop & Carry Pharmacy; Rev. Dr. Michelle Simmons, Why Not Prosper; Stanley Sturgis, Mental Health Partnership; Faith Bartley, Why Not Prosper; Better Health Wellness; I’m Free; PMHCC; Miram Clinic; Ann Swartsman; Ex-Offenders for Community Empowerment; Ardellas House; Defenders Association. Sisters Returning Home, Peggy Simms, Toney Willis, Rise, The Office of Addiction Services, Rhonda Johnson, Fred Way,Pennsylvania Alliance of Recovery Residents (PARR); Stop and Surrender; Stephanie Skully, Joy of Living; Christina Wall, I’m Free; Carmeta Johnson, Department of Human Services |
|
Advocates at work
Check Out Our Informational Videos (Created with Philadelphia Lawyers for Social Equity)
What If I'm Not Guilty?
Do I Need A Lawyer?
|
[email protected]
Tel: (610) 716-1113 |
|
Why Not Prosper, Inc.
Germantown Office: 717 E. Chelten Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19144 |
© Why Not Prosper. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy