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In 2004 and 05 Women ARISE tested the components of the model and also increased the agency’s funding base by obtaining service contracts from both the state and the county.  From July 2004 to September 2005, Women ARISE contracted with the Michigan Department of Corrections as partners in the Transition of Prisoners to Community Initiative model. Women ARISE served as the aftercare component for women being released from prison or from an authorized residential program. Under this contract, Women ARISE facilitated and/or coordinated outpatient substance abuse treatment/relapse prevention, family reunification, employment readiness, case management services and day program offerings such as cognitive skills, grief and loss support groups, and support and advocacy to women diagnosed with mental health disorders.

From September 2004 to the present Wayne County has contracted with Women ARISE to partner in the Wayne County Community Corrections plan to help reduce recidivism and overcrowding in the county jail.  Under this contract, Women ARISE serves as a case management service, providing women with emotional and resource support and assisting them with referral services. Also in 2004 Women ARISE was awarded a grant from New Detroit under the SCOPE project (Strengthening Community Organizations to Promote Effective) to enhance program capacity and knowledge.  This grant provided the resources to develop our family reunification program. 

In February 2005, Women ARISE began facilitating weekly support group meetings for women who have a current involvement or history with the criminal justice system.  These sessions provide women an opportunity to share their stories – address their obstacles and celebrate their successes in a safe non-judgmental atmosphere.  Targeted speakers are invited to help address major issues raised by the women in these sessions.

In September 2005, Women ARISE partnered with Goodwill Industries to develop an employment-training program.  Funded by Hudson-Webber Foundation, HIRE ME (Helping Insure Real Empowerment through Meaningful Employment) is an innovative program targeted for women involved in the criminal justice system to help remove the insurmountable barriers in obtaining employment.  The wrap-around services help the participant women learn employment skills and disciplines in a safe and nurturing environment.

In October 2005 the agency moved to a new location in Detroit near the intersection of Woodward and I-94. This site offers the participants easier access to transportation and provides the agency with a more centralized location for all of its activities.  

In May 2006, with a new Executive Director, our newest program, inSIDEout Resource Center was implemented as a result of the funding awarded by the McGregor Fund and the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan.  The Resource Center allows us to fully meet the needs of women who contact us for assistance but who do not meet the criteria for our existing programs.  The inSIDEout Resource Center provides a safe and secure environment for women leaving prison to facilitate their getting linked to other community services as well as their receiving support services from Women ARISE on-site.

Women ARISE also serves as a resource for individuals not receiving services as well as for professionals who work with participants in other agencies. Legal seminars and advocacy sessions are held on a quarterly basis. A speaker’s bureau is also available for churches, schools and other interested publics. Women ARISE is available to provide consultation and training for organizations that target children who have a parent incarcerated to assist them in understanding the impact of  the criminal justice system on children and their families.

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