Let's Start Inc.

Let's Start is not a traditional agency that provides services. Rather, it is a "support process" that helps women make the transition from prison to society, says Sr. Jackie Toben, SSND, the process's director. Let's Start is unique in that the women themselves are the leaders of the group. They take responsibility for facilitating support groups, making presentations to community organizations, working in the office, educating many groups and legislators about criminal justice issues, and sitting on the board of directors.

Group Support Sessions

The Let's Start process began in 1989 when Sr. Toben and three formerly incarcerated women started meeting informally. From these meetings, Let's Start evolved into regular group support sessions. These sessions are held every Tuesday evening from 6 pm to 8 pm at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 1408 S. 10th Street, in St. Louis. Women who have made a successful life for themselves outside of prison lead and coordinate the sessions.

On a typical Tuesday, at least 28 women will join the group to discuss a topic such as trust, relationships, gratitude, relapse prevention, employment problems, or child care. They also talk about any other issues that concern them. Children who accompany their mothers to the session attend the Learning Club, which offers tutoring sessions, arts and crafts, cooking, and other social activities led by volunteers. In FY 2001-2002, 153 women attended the Tuesday group sessions, and 62 children participated. Also meeting on Tuesday nights is the Youth Group, which was established in 1997 by one of the participants who saw a need to support young women whose mothers had been incarcerated or used drugs. In Youth Group sessions, the participants discuss issues pertinent to their age group, such as staying in school and relationships. In 2001-2002, 18 women attended.

Forty-two women attended sessions of another Tuesday night group--the Caregivers Group. "Caregivers need someone to talk to, to release some of the pressures that keep building up," says Daphne Anderson, Caregivers Group Coordinator. This group began in 1998. Let's Start became aware of the lack of support for caregivers of children whose mothers are incarcerated in 1996, when it was one of the organizing groups of Mothers and Children Together, a group of professional women and agencies advocating for alternatives to prison to alleviate the harm done to children when mothers are imprisoned.

Let's Start participants also find support in many social activities: picnics, holiday celebrations, and retreats. Although the group sessions make up the core component of Let's Start, other aspects of support have been developed, including communicating with the community and advocacy.

Advocates for Change

Let's Start Advocacy Coordinator, Cynthia Stevenson Johnson, works for systemic changes to empower women who have been incarcerated and their families. She, along with other participants, meets with state legislators and with judges, lawyers, and prosecuting attorneys to educate them about issues affecting women who are currently in prison or have been incarcerated, especially the harm done to children because of incarceration. They also participate in meetings and activities with other groups such as the Missouri Association for Social Welfare, the Missouri Catholic Conference, the Missouri Children Service Commission, and Citizens for Missouri's Children. The focus of Let's Start's efforts, in addition to children, is treatment, rather than prison sentences, for nonviolent offenders, many of whom have substance abuse problems.

Education in the Community

To increase public awareness of issues affecting incarcerated women and their children, Let's Start has published a new book, Stories of Hope, a compilation of photos and stories of 13 Let's Start participants that makes real the work of Let's Start and the experiences of the women there. A 13-minute video, "About a Change," melds the experiences of 20 women into a common story of one individual woman. The book is available for $24.95; the video for $15.

Let's Start also reaches out to the community with a play, "Stories of Hope." Let's Start participants have given about three performances a month for many groups since 1992. The play reflects experiences common to women who have been in the criminal justice system.

Staffing

In addition to the director and advocacy coordinator, Let's Start has been able to add additional part-time positions: coordinators for the caregiver and youth support groups, and assistant director, Mary McCafferty. A counselor with a master's degree in social work is also available when needed.

Financing Let's Start

St. Vincent DePaul Church provides invaluable support by opening its facilities for the weekly group sessions. The church also pays the director's salary, and many volunteers from the parish participate. Grants from foundations, religious congregations, and other organizations supply significant funding. Donations from individuals and organizations and fundraising efforts are additional important sources of monies.

Outcomes

Let's Start has an impressive success record in helping women make lasting changes. According to Let's Start records, 65 percent of group session participants are drug free, developing relationships with family and children, and dealing appropriately with life's challenges. Of the remainder, 17 percent have left the St. Louis area, 12 percent have relapsed, and 6 percent have returned to prison. Let's Start continues to support those who have relapsed, referring them to drug treatment programs, for example.

Goals

Outcomes

Expanding the program is Let's Start's overall goal. Besides continuing to provide high-quality group sessions, Let's Start is planning ways to involve more participants in advocacy efforts and public speaking, and to develop creative fundraising activities.

For more information about Let's Start, contact Sr. Jackie Toben or other staff at 314-241-2324.

Let's Start Mission

To provide encouragement, support and personal development in an effort to reduce the recidivism of women offenders.