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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.
Bridget Sanders, Women's Reentry Services Coordinator
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
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