As I think of detrimental uses of human power, I am convinced that a great portion of it is not at all abusive but rather is wielded by basically decent people who, through legal systems and means, stubbornly protect failing programs, avoid criticism, increase control, and resist, or resent change. This proposal depends on the conviction that power can be redirected to eradicate stress, injury and helplessness. It aims to make a difference in a small but costly national population by providing an achievable New Beginning.

Sociological and psychological studies abound, showing how different males and females relate to life. While boys tend to make and protect rules, even at the cost of relationships, “girls develop in terms of relationships. They’re far more important, and the girls will probably break any and all rules to maintain a relationship. A strong aspect of New Beginnings initial programming is to teach women to understand the need for both rules and relationships, to know when and how to protect themselves by disciplined, personal responses to both.

Almost without exception, women in prison are young women from homes with one parent missing, half with an immediate family member who has served time or is serving time, without adequate education, terribly familiar with a variety of abuses (many since childhood), jobless, or making less than $10,000 per year, drug user, unmarried parent of a child, or children, under the age of 18. The absence of correcting these very situations too often leads to the presence of punishment – through incarceration.

The present housing cost of WCCW per incarcerated woman per year is just under $36,000. Add to that the expense of a 70% national recidivism rate, or the 80% local rate. (BJS Bureau of Justice Statistics) Add the dollars required for arrests, hearings, and trials. Most re-offenders are back in prison within 3 years of their initial release. And yes, tack on the expense of state assistance for those who are caring for the children of these women.

90% of incarcerated women (average age 29) are single mothers. Two million U.S. Children have one or the other of their parents behind bars. 167,000 children suffer the separation from mothers, the majority of whom are in prison for economic crimes (e.g. Prostitution, check forgery, and illegal credit card use).

Contact Info:

12300 SW Sidney Road
Port Orchard
Washington 98367
360.895.2426