FemmeFest '09
Celebrating women in the arts…
Benefiting women in the community

This year FemmeFest has adopted the women and children of the Center for Community Transitions.

The ECO Center for Women helps women near the end of their state prison sentence to make a successful transition from prison to the community. The center offers employment and family support opportunities proven to reduce recidivism such as encouraging educational opportunities, creating a community support system, providing opportunities to grow spiritually, and assisting with issues of transition back into the family -- especially important for women who are more likely to serve their sentences farther away from their families than men. Sixty-seven percent of women in state prisons are mothers of children under 18 who are more likely to be living with a grandparent or be in social services custody than children of fathers in prison.

Statistics show that children of incarcerated parents are 7 times more likely to end up in prison themselves, so programs that focus on strengthening family bonds is ultimately beneficial to us ALL.

"E-KWIP - Empowering Kids with Incarcerated Parents," in collaboration with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Charlotte and Prison Fellowship, advocates for and offers direct services to children of incarcerated parents, their parents, caregivers and other adults who are part of their lives.