Programs and Services

Pre-Release Mentoring
Since 2000, we have provided pre-release mentoring services to incarcerated women in Pennsylvania prisons and jails. Our mentors provide emotional support as well as information and resources that empower women to make positive and responsible life choices following prison. Why Not Prosper offers workshops to women that provides information on employment, housing, health care, family reunification and child custody issues to prepare them for their transition from prison to community.

Why Not Prosper House.
Since 2003, we have provided residential services to women at Why Not Prosper House. Our 6 to 12 month residential program is located at 717 Chelten Avenue in Philadelphia, PA. Our comprehensive program focuses on the following issues:

• Employment
• Substance abuse counseling and recovery
• Family reunification
• Emotional, psychological and spiritual healing
• Financial responsibility
• Transition to full independence
  • Assist in applying for exspungements and pardons

Community Resource Centers
Why Not Prosper operates two resource centers for women ex-offenders living in the community. Our Norristown Resource Center opened in 2006 and our Germantown Resource Center opened in 2007. Women ex-offenders living in the community have access to support and resources including assistance with finding and retaining employment, locating and securing housing, substance abuse counseling and treatment, family reunification, health care and health insurance. We partner with community organizations to ensure that women have the resources they need to succeed in their re-entry efforts after prison. We believe that this practical and comprehensive community approach decreases recidivism among women.