“How lucky am I that I get to pick up a newly-released woman from prison and be part of her second chance journey,” says Megan Peevey, Women’s Reentry Project (WRP) Senior Care Coordinator.

On the day of a WRP participant’s release, an Arise Collective Care Coordinator will arrive at the facility as early as possible.  With a “getting out outfit” for the participant in tow, the Care Coordinator will patiently wait for the woman’s release in the parking lot.  Once the prison gates open and the woman walks out, her Queen for the Day celebration begins.

The day’s schedule is up to the newly-released woman since we believe it’s important to give her autonomy over which things she would like to do first.  Usually, the first thing most newly-released participants want is a decent meal!  So, we will take her to a restaurant of her choosing and then head to her new home.

Once we arrive at the home, we show her around and introduce her to her roommate(s) before the “big reveal.”  Set up for her in her new bedroom is a display of hygiene items, a planner, journal and pens, new bedding and towels, 2 gift cards for fast food, a gift card for groceries and clothes, a cell phone, and fresh flowers.

After she has had a minute to soak it all in (and we finish up the unavoidable paperwork and Bridge House Agreements), we take her shopping! She gets to pick out a few new outfits, essentials, and groceries.  Most of our participants become overwhelmed with emotions by this point, which is understandable.  To go from feeling unimportant and unwanted to being welcomed and adored can be quite a lot to absorb. 

When we return back to her new space, we help her unpack and spend time with her, chatting and listening.  Our Queen for the Day usually winds down with a remote in her hand and a snack in her belly.  

“It is an honor to be a friend and helper for the women we serve.  We never want them to feel alone on their journey, and we want to empower them to be as successful as possible,” says Megan.  “We always want the women we serve to remember that there is a team here to support her, not just during her Queen for The Day experience, but every day of the journey ahead.”