The formation of Women of Worth is one way to begin an open dialogue. We need to create an awareness of this growing incarceration issue in our society. Women who are incarcerated have the desire for them and their families to be seen as rational human beings who have maintained worth and value in the community. Wouldn't you rather have someone incarcerated find a way to be a productive and responsible mother who cares for her own children? They can only hope to raise and be productive citizens as well; as opposed to having them, and how many generations after, continue to be a burden on society. By Leaving them sitting in jail (or on the dole of the government) accomplishing nothing while adding zeroes to our national debt is surely not the answer?

You, or a loved one, might be sent to a Federal Prison or Federal Camp. Women are the fastest-growing segment of the prison population. Female incarceration has grown by 800% in the past 40 years. A question we should ask, "Is prison the only answer for those with addictions, social difficulties and any multitude of mistakes we might make?" When women go to jail, it takes a devastating toll on the entire family. Sixty-seven (67) percent of women incarcerated in state prisons are mothers of children under 18. Seventy (70) percent of these women, compared to 50% of men, have sole custody of their dependent children before incarceration. Sixty-six (66) percent of women in prison have minor children, and seventy (70) percent of these women are their primary caregivers before being sent away. Children with incarcerated parents are five to six times more likely to do time in the future. Six (6) percent of women are pregnant when they enter prison. In almost all cases, the woman is abruptly separated from her child after giving birth. Things have to change and Women of Worth intends to be part of these changes.

What about the emotional well-being of the incarcerated when they are returned to society? Anyone being abruptly pulled from the life they knew will have to deal with further emotional and financial baggage and they will deal with this for years to come. Prisons aren’t doing anything to help prepare anyone for that. There are no lessons for budgets, job skills, speech, or reading classes. They don’t have much more required of them than getting your GED. Those who are educated often teach. No training is needed. If you can read, you can prepare these kids.

We need for you to join us in this conversation and in the various projects we are developing to give these women a voice. Stay tuned for more opportunities and information in the near future.