Moving Forward for Maine Reentry Sisters Corporation

The Moving Forward for Maine Reentry Sisters Corporation, commonly known as Reentry Sisters, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting justice-impacted women in Maine during their reentry into society. The organization focuses on addressing the unique challenges faced by women who have been involved with the carceral system.

Mission and Objectives

Reentry Sisters aims to create a supportive environment where women can build their self-esteem, self-respect, and self-sufficiency through a trauma-informed and gender-responsive approach. The organization emphasizes the importance of building close relationships and fostering a sense of sisterhood among its members, advocating for economic justice and fair treatment of system-impacted women.

Programs and Initiatives

• Monthly Meetings: Hybrid meetings are held statewide, offering a space for women to share experiences, fears, and challenges in a non-judgmental setting. These meetings help keep vital connections alive among women at various stages of reentry.

• Radical Love Bags: Each woman released from Maine's prisons receives a customized bag with essential items such as clothing, personal care items, and art supplies to aid in her immediate needs.

• Education Initiative: This program is designed to support college persistence and retention among justice-impacted women. The initiative aims to combat the high dropout rates typically experienced by formerly incarcerated individuals during reentry.

• Advocacy and Policy Change: Reentry Sisters actively advocates for legislative changes that promote a more just, equitable, and fair system for women transitioning back into society.

Impact and Significance

As the only organization in Maine specifically focused on supporting justice-impacted women, Reentry Sisters plays a crucial role in addressing the unique challenges these women face. By providing a brave space and safe haven, Reentry Sisters helps women navigate the complex process of reestablishing their connections to community and family.

Utilizing Social Capital

Reentry Sisters builds social capital through a statewide network, fostering connections to essential services such as housing, health care, mental health services, recovery coaches, work opportunities, and basic needs. This support system is vital for women who often struggle with additional social roles and stigma post-release.