Center for Women in Transition -- St. Louis, Missouri

The Center was created in 1997 after four women volunteering in prison ministry noticed a cycle of recidivism. The volunteers met with incarcerated women to identify root causes of their returns to incarceration and discovered the following challenges: lack of safe, affordable housing; lack of access to services such as substance use treatment, job placement, food, and transportation assistance; and lack of positive social support. The system was structured for failure. The Center was formed specifically to ​address these challenges.

Formed on a belief in restorative practices, the Center initially offered mentoring partnerships. It has since expanded to offer comprehensive wrap-around services, including supportive housing; case management; life skills education; behavioral health services; peer support services; provision of basic necessities including food, transportation, and clothing; vocational services; and mentor partnerships. Since 1997, the agency has served over 2,300 women.