About Us
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Women ARISE provides women involved in the criminal justice system with the education, training, counseling, social interaction and environment necessary to become productive members of society by reducing recidivism through higher education, targeted job training, enhanced community supports and stronger familial relationships. Our History Women ARISE (Accept Responsibility Initiate
Self-Enhancement), the first community-based agency of its type
in Michigan, was founded in Detroit in 1986 under the umbrella
of the Team for Justice, an advocacy program of the Archdiocese
of Detroit, for offenders sentenced to (then) Wayne County Jail. Two chaplains, Sister Elizabeth Harris and
Sister Ruth Rault, during regular visits to the jail noticed a
“revolving door” syndrome. Women having been released were
returning to jail, primarily because there was little support
for their reentry. In addition to income barriers, many
women, because of substance abuse issues, were faced with a
myriad of obstacles including lack of affordable housing.
Because court-ordered reunification requirements were often not
met, many women lost parenting rights permanently. In 1986, with support from the Team for
Justice, Women ARISE became separately incorporated and received
its 501©3 status. Sister Ruth served as the Board Chair, and
Sister Elizabeth became the Executive Director, serving in this
capacity until 1988. In its early stages, Women ARISE was
located in St. Mary’s Community Center near the Wayne County
Jail and functioned as a “drop-in center” for women released
from jail. A grant from the Department of Social Services
provided the agency funding for a small residential program and
it moved into
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BOARD MEMBERS Chairperson Sue Sattler, IHM Vice-President Sheryl Pimlott-Kubiak, Ph.D. Michigan State University Secretary Heidi Alcock-Mucherie Community Legal Resources Treasurer Darline Hill-Braddy LaSalle Bank Board Members Margaret Brown Gina Polley Denise Williams Executive Director Katrina McCree, Ex-officio |
In 1988, funded by the Department of Mental Health
under a research grant, Women ARISE developed a day programming model.
This model included adult education and life skills with intensive case
management services for women sentenced to probation and parole in
In 2000 Women ARISE developed a program for women who
had completed their sentences in
In 2003 Women ARISE underwent many organizational
changes, including hiring its fourth executive director. Under new
leadership at the both the board and staff levels, Women ARISE secured
funding from the Hudson-Webber Foundation to enhance capacity, expand
services and develop innovative programming. From 2003-05, Women ARISE
studied the most recent literature and research to develop a model that
would incorporate a centralized support and information center with the
possibility of case management services. The goal was to create a
safe one-stop model, similar to models that have demonstrated success
with eligible male offenders. Women ARISE created a gender-specific
model geared towards assisting women in re-entry as well as women
currently under the supervision of the criminal justice system.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Women ARISE has entered the race! Networkforgood.org has sponsored an Internet contest. The six (non-celebrity) badges that have the most donations between July 19th and September 16th at 11:59pm ET will get a matching grant of up to $10,000 for their charity from Hanes. All gifts are tax deductible and need not be large. 1,000 $10 donation = $10,000! Please give and pass this on to people in your address book.
By clicking onto the link below, you and your friends can make a secure donation to Women ARISE and help us win. We use our money to advance the cause of women who have been involved in the criminal justice system start new lives and become productive members of society.
https://www.networkforgood.org/donate/MakeDonation2.aspx?ORGID2=382657903