(BOP) - Female inmates at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) in Phoenix receive professional clothing and tools to help them thrive in work and in life. Through a partnership with the institution, a local non-profit organization assists inmates prepare for a successful reentry to the community, thereby furthering the organization’s mission to "empower women to achieve economic independence." Once released, inmates are able to receive additional services, including work appropriate clothing, at any of the organization’s locations in more than 146 cities nationwide.
The organization holds an annual workshop to address the unique needs of women who are returning to the workforce after a period of incarceration. The workshop includes topics such as creating a professional image, navigating the hidden job market, and self-esteem building.
The "partnership is important because it provides an opportunity for supportive services pre-release and post release," said Sabrina L. Moore, the Offender Workforce Retention Specialist at FCI Phoenix. "The women feel more confident when they have a resource provider in their local community that serves as a bridge from the institution."
Keiha Laviscount, an inmate at FCI Phoenix, said: "Serving a 10-year sentence, I really didn’t know what to expect being released and entering the job world. Being able to participate in [the program] was everything to me….I am now comfortable about gaining employment and will be able to go into an interview with much confidence."