Sisters Rising is a paid internship that incorporates healing, skills development, political education, community organizing and reintegration into the community. The lack of gainful and meaningful employment is the primary obstacle facing young women struggling to stay out of the criminal justice system and stabilize their lives. With limited education and the stigma of a criminal record, job prospects for these young people are dim.
This program provides extremely low-income young women with both a livable income and an environment that is supportive and personally transformative. Young women who have endured multiple traumas including long periods of incarceration, loss of their children while they were in the system, poverty, violence, drug addiction and the incarceration of a parent do not just need a job — they need to believe that they can make it in the "above ground" economy.
The Sisters Rising internship combines skills development with a wellness and empowerment curriculum called "Beyond Survival," exposure to civic engagement and political education and reintegration into the community through a hands-on, neighborhood-based project.
Started in
2004
Who is helped?
Incarcerated and previously incarcerated young women, low-income young women and young women seeking employment.
Capacity:
17 internships available per year.
More Information
- Stages of criminal justice:
Prevention, Probation, Reentry
- Areas of service:
Advocacy/ Empowerment/ Civic Engagement, Domestic Violence, Education, Employment/ Vocational Training, Family Support & Reunification/ Child Welfare, Health/Wellness, Housing, Legal Assistance, Mentoring, Substance Abuse
- Keywords:
Not available
- Program evaluation:
Not available
- Published curriculum available:
No
Last modified: 4/7/2009 12:52:06 PM