Ladies Empowerment and Action Program

The Ladies Empowerment and Action Program (LEAP) is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting incarcerated women and those transitioning back into society. Founded in 2009, LEAP focuses on holistic entrepreneurship, providing a unique program that combines practical employment, entrepreneurship skills, and essential life skills with a mentorship component.

Mission and Vision

LEAP's mission is to empower women who have experienced incarceration, offering them transformational opportunities and advocacy. The organization aims for every committed woman to have the tools needed to achieve her full potential.

Programs and Services

LEAP offers a comprehensive array of programs and services:

• In-Prison Education: The program includes entrepreneurial training, workforce readiness, financial literacy, life skills, and post-release planning. These programs are also trauma-informed to address the unique challenges faced by many incarcerated women, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and substance abuse.

• Employment and Job Training: Post-release, LEAP provides a paid retail training internship at their social enterprise, Dragonfly Thrift Boutique. This internship not only offers a crucial first paycheck but also critical job training and soft skills. In response to the pandemic, LEAP launched a virtual entrepreneurship course available for free to women who have experienced incarceration.

• Housing and Reentry Support: LEAP operates transition houses in Miami, offering housing for graduates and providing wrap-around services such as addiction programming and medical care. The Miami-Dade Women's Reentry Hub serves as a centralized location offering case management, social services, and classes both during and after incarceration.

Impact and Success

LEAP has significantly reduced recidivism rates among its graduates to only about 5%, which is less than one-tenth of the national average. The organization's unique approach combines education, mentorship, and community support to empower women to build successful lives outside of prison. LEAP has grown from serving 50 women per year to over 500, demonstrating its expanding impact on women's reentry into society.

Milestones and Recognition

LEAP celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2024. It is recognized for its innovative approach to prison reentry and has received support from prominent figures for its mission to empower women.

References

For detailed information on LEAP's activities, achievements, and future initiatives, it is advisable to consult reputable sources or the organization's official publications.