Pittsburgh Review

Gov. Tom Wolf announced that $2 million will be awarded to 21 recipients through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) in an effort to reduce recidivism among formerly incarcerated Pennsylvania women.

According to a December 14 release by the governor’s office, the Women’s Reentry Services Initiative Grants have been praised by First Lady Frances Wolf. The funds are for non-profits to use holistic reentry support services for women reentering the community. In Allegheny County, Three Rivers Youth, Inc. is receiving $100,000

“Women face countless challenges when they return to their communities after incarceration, and the support, guidance and hope that community organizations offer are immensely important,” First Lady Frances Wolf said. “By investing in these organizations, we are investing in the well-being of women, their families, and Pennsylvania as a whole.”

Wolf thanked the First Lady for her work in securing funds as their time in office comes to a close. These funds will help the state save money through reducing recidivism, and also help women and families as they work to return to society, Wolf said.

“This $2 million will not only save the state money in the future by reducing recidivism, but it gives an invaluable gift to these women and their families as they work to successfully reintegrate themselves into society,” Wolf said. “I’m incredibly grateful to Frances for her unwavering commitment to securing this funding before we leave office. Through her advocacy, she’s opened the eyes of many to the challenges women reentrants face and the importance of community support.”

Program activities and expenses involved in the program include: supportive housing; workforce development services and employment assistance; job readiness support services; access to childcare; transportation assistance; access to effective treatment for healthcare, substance use disorder, mental health, and trauma; access to identification documents essential to obtaining employment, housing, and other government assistance such as driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and social security cards; peer supports and mentoring; and family reunification services.

Mike Pennington, the PCCD executive director, said that reducing recidivism helps the community as a whole.

“By aiming resources at addressing the dynamic risk factors associated with reincarceration, this initiative will help begin the healing process,” PCCD Executive Director Mike Pennington said.  “Reducing recidivism can help stabilize not only the women directly impacted, but their families as well.  This could result in less crime and victimization overall, which leads to safer communities.”