Our Approach

Founded in 1999, Changed Choices provides comprehensive services to female inmates through their incarceration and into their transition back into the community. The challenges are many for our clients. As an example, a 1994 Illinois study, reported that:

• 80% of women prisoners had experienced physical and sexual abuse, often beginning in childhood,
• more than 60% of women entering prison had not attained a high school diploma, and
• 75% were mothers.

Upon release, it is virtually impossible for an individual with a felony (regardless of what it was or why it happened) to find a decent job or a safe rental property. Many literally have nothing when they are released:

• no support,
• no help from their families and society,
• no credit or credit history, and
• no funds and no job.

As a result, they are forced to return to what they once knew.

Our Difference

Our statistics demonstrate clear and astounding results. Our recidivism rate to date is 6.3%, as compared to the national average, as stated by the Justice Department, of 58% for women and 67% overall.

Any incarcerated woman is eligible to become a client of Changed Choices, but she must have:

• a willingness to understand the past,
• change destructive patterns, and
• make the hard choices needed for a stable and fulfilling future.

Studies have shown that a strong faith is vital to a successful transition into a "new life beyond prison walls". This combined with a strong support system (including professional counseling and budget coaches etc.) and perseverance on the part of the client will lead to success.

Our low recidivism rate is largely due to the approach of working with our clients during incarceration, well in advance of their release. As trust is established during incarceration, Changed Choices is able to provide the support system and services needed for successful transition. During incarceration, our clients receive the benefit of personal involvement on the part of dedicated Chaplains, pen pals and mentors. In addition there are books, self-help studies and Bible Studies that are offered them. We are also continually developing and offering programs to assist in the "connection" of mother and child. Physical assistance is given when appropriate.

Our goal is to help our clients understand that they are unique and valuable individuals and to give them hope by providing the support system, training, spiritual foundation and sense of worth that will allow them to make wise choices. This often takes years, making it vitally important that we begin working with them at the beginning of their incarceration and continue providing the encouragement they need throughout their transition. As we work together to ensure that these deserving clients are given the opportunities they need, we will see destructive cycles broken and lives and futures changed!