Making the transition from prison to an independent, positive life is a challenge. If you are a female inmate at MCF-Shakopee nearing release, you have an opportunity to participate in a innovative transitional program. If you are a woman from the community who is willing to encourage an inmate, you can be a volunteer. The program offers:
- A 12-week class with other female inmates that helps develop inner strength, gain personal empowerment, and learn independent living skills (getting a job, finding housing, etc.)
- Help in developing your goal and action plan.
- Assistance from AMICUS’ referral service, RECONNECT, to help meet employment, housing, and other needs.
- "Care Package" of personal necessities on your release date.
- Voice-mail phone service for sharing of news, triumphs, and opportunities.
- Supportive relationships with female volunteer mentors for a full year after release.
- Weekly support groups with other SISTERS after release.
Over 95% of SISTERS graduates have stayed out of prison and built new lives! Be a part of this powerful program and help build new lives and safer communities. We need you!
To find out more contact Bridget Sanders.
Gwen Marshall and Betty McCollum at the AMICUS office
The SISTERS HELPING SISTERS class is available to African-American women at MCF-Shakopee who are nearing their release date. It helps you set goals for yourself, make plans for release, and connect with other positive women who want to succeed in a positive community role. Mentoring and support continues out in the community as you build your new life.
Interested? Follow the following steps:
- Call AMICUS to tell us you are interested in SISTERS HELPING SISTERS.
- Talk to AMICUS staff about the program.
- Get interviewed by AMICUS staff about your characteristics and interests, what your issues are to make a good transition, what you are willing to give to the class.
- Complete application forms.
- Attend the class sessions, get released, and continue your relationship with a mentor and the rest of the group for one year.
- Join
- Volunteer
The SISTERS—mentors and participants and AMICUS staff—form a circle of support for each other, with many successes we can support and celebrate. We look forward to adding you to our number!
| "Being inmates, we feel that no one cares, but you proved us wrong! You have showed us so much love through the SISTERS HELPING SISTERS program. I would recommend anyone to try the program."
-W.S.
"I just wanted to say thank you for all you have done for me on the day I was released from MCF-Shakopee. You were my angel from God! I am so very grateful to you. I just wanted to let you know as of June 1, I start my new job, already! Plus, my apartment is very well stocked up due to the wonderful people I’ve met here in St. Louis Park! Thank you again for all your help!"
-J.K.
"I always think of the words of Lao Tsu: A journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step. I have great respect for these women in taking that first step toward a positive change in their lives."
-B.D., mentor
"You have enlightened and brightened so many faces. Gave them hope when they thought they had none. Lifted them up when heads were down. I need to tell you, sister to sister, you have done a lot of special things for me. That wall I had up—a sis like you brought it down. You have brought guidance into my life. Made me look at the world in a different way. You fight hard for us. You let us know that someone has our back. Many of us would not have made it as far as we have without you. You say it’s about us--with us, you made it happen too."
-A.S., Sisters Helping Sisters participant |
