Job Searching With A Record: WPA Is Putting Women To Work

It’s hard to imagine job-seeking in New York City being any more difficult than it already is, but add involvement with the justice system and the search for employment can become insurmountable.

The Women’s Prison Association’s newest program, “Working It Out” (WIO), is a job-readiness program designed for women ages 18 and older who are on probation, court-referred, or enrolled in an alternative to incarceration program in New York City. WIO staff prepare women to enter the workforce with confidence and continued support, and work directly with employers to connect clients to employment based on their skills and interests. The program provides women with ongoing case management, services such as resume building and interview-readiness workshops, and necessities like Metro Cards and professional attire. Combined, these provisions support women within their communities (not in prison) and reduce their risk of returning to crime.

Of all criminal justice-involved women in New York State, an estimated eight in 10 experienced severe abuse as children and nine in 10 have endured physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes. All WPA programs, including WIO, account for the unique needs of women, including a proven lack of self-efficacy (the belief in one’s ability to succeed) upon contact with the criminal justice system. Gender-specific and trauma-informed support encourage self-efficacy and independence so women can separate themselves and their children from the risk factors in their lives.

Thousands of women in New York qualify for WIO but fewer than 75 can be served each year with WPA’s existing resources. Our goal is to expand the program with unrestricted funds so WPA can do what it does best; build upon 171 years of best practices and help more women get back on their feet and on the path to lawful community life.

“There are so many women throughout the city that could benefit from WIO services; however, due to strict eligibility criteria set by our funders, we are unable to enroll them.

We are hoping to expand the eligibility criteria in the future and additional funding is something that would help us achieve that.”

– Nyasha Rivera, Manager of Vocational Services, WIO

Care about giving more women the much-needed opportunity to enter and thrive in the workforce? Donate directly to the program, or buy a ticket to our summer fundraiser this Thursday, July 13th. All proceeds go toward WIO. Your ticket also includes an evening of open bar and live entertainment on the rooftop of The Delancey.

Leah McLaughlin is the Communications Co-Chair for the Women’s Prison Association’s junior board of directors, the Emerging Philanthropists.